9. Honesty

Stories 1. The Boy who cried Wolf2. The Honest Woodman3. The Flask of Wine4. The Empty Pot5. The Necklace of Truth6. Someone see you7. Truth and Falsehood8. The Banyan Tree9. George Washington and the Cherry Tree10. The Emperor and the Flower Seeds11. The Miner and the Prince

Worksheets1. What is Honesty?2. What is Dishonesty?3. Discussing Honesty4. Stories to Act

Teaching Notes1. Seminar Notes2. Honesty Quotes3. Honesty Teaching Ideas4. Five Steps to Honesty5. Honesty at School6. The Pied Piper of Hamelin

The Boy Who Cried "Wolf” AESOP

The fastest way to lose what we call our good character is to lose our honesty.

There was once a shepherd boy who kept his flock at a little distance from the village. Once he thought he would playa trick on the villagers and have some fun at their expense. So he ran toward the village crying out, with all his might: "Wolf! Wolf! Come and help! The wolves are at my lambs!”

The kind villagers left their work and ran to the field to help him. But when they got there the boy laughed at them for their pains; there was no wolf there.

Still another day the boy tried the same trick, and the villagers came running to help and were laughed at again.

Then one day a wolf did break into the fold and began killing the lambs. In great fright, the boy ran back for help. "Wolf! Wolf!" he screamed. "There is a wolf in the flock! Help!".

The villagers heard him, but they thought it was another mean trick; no one paid the least attention, or went near him. And the shepherd boy lost all his sheep.

That is the kind of thing that happens to people who lie: even when they do tell the truth they will not be believed.

The Honest Woodman

Once upon a time, out in the green, silent woods near a rushing river that foamed and sparkled as it hurried along, there lived a poor woodcutter who worked hard to make a living for his family. Every day he would trudge into the forest with his strong, sharp axe over his shoulder. He always whistled happily as he went, because he was thinking that as long as he had his health and his axe, he could earn enough to buy all the bread his family needed.

One day he was cutting a large oak tree near the riverside. The chips flew fast at every stroke, and the sound of the ringing axe echoed through the forest so clearly you might have thought a dozen woo1:l choppers were at work that day.

By and by the woodman thought he would rest awhile. He leaned his axe against the tree and turned to sit down, but he tripped over an old, gnarled root, and before he could catch it, his axe slid down the bank and into the river!

The poor woodman gazed into the stream, trying to see the bottom, but it was far too deep there. The river flowed over the lost treasure just as merrily as before.

"What will I do?" the woodman cried. "I've lost my axe! How will I feed my children now?"

Just as he finished speaking, up from the lake rose a beautiful lady.

She was the water fairy of the river, and came to the surface when she heard his sad voice.

"What is your sorrow?" she asked kindly. The woodman told her about his trouble, and at once she sank beneath the surface, and reappeared in a moment with an axe made of silver.

"Is thjs the axe you lost?" she asked,

The woodman thought of all the fine things he could buy for his children with that silver! But the axe wasn't his, so he shook his head. and answered, "My axe was only made of steel."

The water fairy lay the silver axe on the bank, and sank into the river again. In a moment she rose and showed the woodman another

axe. "Perhaps this one is yours?" she asked. .

The woodman looked. "Oh, no!" he replied. "This one is made of gold! It's worth many times more than mine. "

The water fairy lay the golden axe on the bank. Once again she sank. Up she rose. This time she held the missing axe.

"That is mind" the woodman cried. "That is surely myoId axe!"

"It is yours," said the water fairy, "and so are these other two now. They are gifts from the river, because you have told the truth."

And that evening the woodman trudged home with all three axes on his shoulder, whistling happily as he thought of all the good things they would bring for his family.

The Flask of Wine

There was once a king who invited his subjects to a royal banquet. The king told each guest to bring a flask of wine, explaining that all the flasks would be poured into one large wine vat, from which the banquet's beverages would be drawn.

One of the king's subjects thought, "What will my small flask of wine mean? Instead of bringing wine, I will bring a flask of water. When my flask of water is added to all the wine, it will blend right in, and no one will know the difference."

On the night of the banquet, all the king's subjects assembled around the food -laden tables. The king welcomed his guests, and, then, summoned his servants to serve the wine from the one large vat. The glasses were all filled-with water. For everyone of the king's subjects had brought water, not wine, reasoning that one little flask of water would blend right in with all the wine, and no one would know the difference.

The Empty Pot

Long, long ago in China, there was a boy named Ping. More than anything else in the world, Ping loved flowers and had the gift of being able to make anything grow. He could plant any seed and up would grow beautiful blossoms and rich green leaves. Ping's family and friends would marvel at the wonderful things he was able to grow.

Now, the Emperor in those days was also a great lover of flowers and loved to spend time in his garden, which was filled with beautiful shrubs and fine fruit trees. Each day he would tend to all the lovely things growing there.

But unfortunately, the good Emperor was growing old and was becoming more and more worried about finding someone who would rule fairly after he was gone. How should he choose someone, he wondered daily. Finally, he decided that because he loved flowers so much, he would let the flowers do the choosing.

The very next day, the Emperor issued a proclamation throughout the land. All the children in the realm were to come to the palace. Each child would be given special flower seeds to plant. "Whoever returns with the best in a year's time will inherit my throne!" were the Emperor's words.

Everyone was so excited by the possibilities and the next day all the children of the land gathered in a long line to await their seeds from the Emperor.

Ping. so anxious to have something to grow for the Emperor, traveled the long distance from his home to the palace. He waited patiently in the long line until, at last, he gladly received his seed from the Emperor. Ping was overjoyed. He was certain that he would grow the most exquisite flower with such a seed.

When he arrived home, he chose a sturdy pot and filled it with good soil.

Each day he watered it lovingly and made sure it got the sunshine it needed. He could not wait to see it sprout and grow into a beautiful flower!

Days passed, and Ping waited patiently, but nothing happened. He became worried and put the seed in a larger pot with more good soil. He watered it carefully and made certain it received sunlight, and still nothing happened. Finally, he put the seed into an even better pot and made sure it had the richest soil. He continued to care for it. and watched over it for months. yet no sprout came. Month after month Ping tried and waited until finally the year was up.

The day had arrived for all the children to return to the palace with the flowers they had grown. They flooded toward the palace gates, eager to to be chosen as the next emperor. Ping watched as children with azaleas, peonies. and chrysanthemums streamed by. He saw roses and lilies and orchids like he had never seen before. He was so ashamed of his empty pot. He could not believe that for once he had not been able to make a flower grow.

Just then his friend passed by. holding a beautiful white lily. "Ping!" he cried. "What are you doing with that empty pot? Couldn't you grow anything at all? I'm on my way to the palace with this great

big flower now. Where's yours?" The boy did not wait for Ping to answer. He sped off to see if he would be chosen by the Emperor.

A tear trickled slowly down Ping's cheek. "I've grown many flowers before," he said to himself. "I don't know why this seed would not grow."

Ping's father heard Ping's sad words. He placed his hand on Ping's shoulder and said, "Son, you did your very best, and that is good enough for the Emperor. If the best you could do is in that empty pot, then that is what you must show him."

Nodding, Ping picked up the empty pot and headed directly for the palace. When he arrived there, the Emperor was already examining the hundreds of flowers brought by the eager children. He stopped at each one, but said nothing.

Finally, he came to Ping and his empty pot. Ping hung his head, hoping that the Emperor would not be angry with him.

The Emperor spoke to Ping. "Why did you bring me an empty pot?"

Tears trickled once again down Ping's cheeks. With his head bowed, he replied, "1 planted the seed you gave me. I gave it a nice pot with good soil. I watered it each day. but it did not sprout. I put it in a better pot with rich, dark soil. I cared for it lovingly for a year and still it did not grow. So all I have to show you is an empty pot. It is the best I can do."

A smile swept across the Emperor's face and, holding Ping's hand high in the air, he exclaimed, "I have found him! I have found the next emperor! It is this boy and this boy alone who is worthy!" Then he spoke sternly to all the other children who had gathered with their flowers. "I do not know where the seeds for all of your beautiful flowers came from. for the seeds I gave you had all been cooked, making it impossible for them to grow." Placing his hand upon Ping's shoulder, the Emperor said proudly, "Ping is the only one who returned to me with the truth in his empty pot. It is for his courage and honesty that I reward him with my kingdom and my throne!"

The Necklace of Truth

ONCE there was a little girl named Coralie. She had only one fault. She told lies. Her parents tried to cure her in many ways but nothing they did worked. Finally they decided to take her to see a wise man named Merlin.

Now Merlin lived in a glass palace. He loved truth. It is said that he could smell when someone was a teller of lies, and that the odour made him sick. Sure enough, when Coralie came into the room, he had to hold his handkerchief in front of his face!

Coralie's mother began to explain the reason for their coming. But Merlin stopped her.

"I know all about your daughter, my good lady," he said. "She is one of the greatest liars in the world. She makes me sick."

Merlin's face looked so stern that Coralie hid her face under her mother's cloak. Her father stood before her to keep her from harm.

"Don't be afraid," said Merlin. "I am not going to hurt your little girl. I only wish to give her a present."

He opened a drawer and took from it a magnificent amethyst necklace. It was fastened with a shining clasp of diamonds.

Merlin put the necklace on Coralie's neck and said, "Go in peace, my friends. Your little daughter carries with her a sure guardian of the truth."

Then he looked sternly at Coralie and said, "In a year I shall come for my necklace. Do not dare to take it off for a single moment. If you do, harm will come to you."

"Oh, I shall always love to wear it! It is so beautiful!" cried Coralie. And this is the way she carne by the wonderful Necklace of Truth.

The day after Coralie returned horne she was sent to school. The little girls crowded around her. There was a cry of admiration at the sight of the necklace.

"Where did you get it'?" they asked.

"I was sick for a long time," Coralie replied. "When I got well, Mamma and Papa gave me the necklace."

A loud cry rose from all the children all at once. The diamonds of the clasp had grown dim. They now looked like coarse glass.

"Yes, indeed, I have been sick. What are you making such a fuss about'?"

At this second falsehood the amethysts changed to ugly yellow stones. A new cry arose. Coralie was frightened at the strange behavior of her necklace.

"1 have been to see the wise man, Merlin," she said very humbly.

Immediately the necklace looked as beautiful as before. But the children teased her.

"You shouldn't laugh," said Coralie, "for Merlin was very glad to see us. He sent his carriage to meet us. Merlin's palace is all of gold. He met us at the door and led us to the dining room. There stood a long table covered with delicious things to eat. First of all we ate _"

Coralie stopped, for the children were laughing till the tears rolled down their cheeks. She glanced at the necklace and shuddered. With each new falsehood, the necklace had become longer and longer, till it already dragged on the ground.

"Coralie, you are stretching the truth," cried the little girls.

"Well, I confess it. We walked, and we stayed there only five minutes."

The necklace shrank at once to its proper size.

"The necklace-the necklace-where did it come from'!"

"He gave it to me without saying a word. I think ....."

She did not have time to finish. The necklace grew shorter and shorter till it choked her. She gasped for breath.

"You are keeping back part of the truth," cried her schoolmates.

"He said ... that I was ... one of the biggest ... liars in the world."

The necklace loosened, but Coralie still cried with pain.

"That was why Merlin gave me the necklace. He said that it would make me truthful. What a fool I have been to be proud of it!"

Her playmates were sorry for her. "If I were in your place," said one of them, "I should send back the necklace. Why don't" you take it off?"

Poor Coralie did not wish to speak, but the stones of the necklace began to dance up and down and to make a terrible clatter.

"There is something you have not told us," laughed the little girls.

"1 like to wear it."

Oh, how the diamonds and amethysts danced! It was worse than ever.

"Tell us what you are keeping back."

"Well, I see I can hide nothing. Merlin told me not to take it off. He said great harm would come to me if I disobeyed."

Thanks to the Necklace of Truth, Coralie became a truthful child. Long before the year had passed. Merlin came for his necklace. He needed it for another child who told falsehoods.

Someone Sees You

Once upon a time a man decided to sneak into his neighbor's fields and steal some wheat. "If I take just a little from each field, no one will notice," he told himself, "but it will all add up to a nice pile of wheat for me." So he waited for the darkest night, when thick clouds lay over the moon, and he crept out of his house. He took his youngest daughter with him.

"Daughter," he whispered, "you must stand guard, and call out if anyone sees me."

The man stole into the first field to begin reaping, and before long the child called out, "Father, someone sees you!"

The man looked all around, but he saw no one, so he gathered his stolen wheat and moved on to a second field.

"Father, someone sees you!" the child cried again.

The man stopped and looked all around, but once again he saw no one. He gathered more wheat, and moved to a third field.

A little while passed, and the daughter cried out, "Father, someone sees you!"

Once more the man stopped his work and looked in every direction, but he saw no one at all, so he bundled his wheat and crept into the last field.

"Father, someone sees you!" the child called again.

The man stopped his reaping, looked all around, and once again saw no one. "Why in the world do you keep saying someone sees me?" he angrily asked his daughter. "I've looked everywhere, and I don't see anyone."

"Father," murmured the child, "Someone sees you from above. "

Truth and Falsehood

Once upon a time Truth and Falsehood met each other on the road.

"Good afternoon," said Truth.

"Good afternoon," returned Falsehood. "And how are you doing these days?"

"Not very well at all, I'm afraid," sighed Truth. "The times are tough for a fellow like me, you know. "

"Yes, I can see that, " said Falsehood, glancing up and down" Truth's ragged clothes. " You look like you haven't had a bite to eat, in quite some time. "

"To be honest, I haven't," admitted Truth. "No one seems to want to employ me nowadays. Wherever I go, most people ignore me or mock me. It's getting discouraging, I can tell you. I'm beginning to ask myself why I put up with it."

"And why the devil do you? Come with me, and I'll show you how to get along. There's no reason in the world why you can't stuff yourself with as much as you want to eat, like me, and dress in the finest clothes, like me. But you must promise not to say a word against me while we're together."

So Truth promised and agreed to go along with Falsehood for a while, not because he liked his company so much, but because he was so hungry he thought he'd faint soon if he didn't get something into his stomach. They walked down the road until they came to a city, and Falsehood at once led the way to the very best table at the very best restaurant.

"Waiter, bring us your choicest meats, your sweetest sweets. your finest wine!" he called, and they ate and drank all afternoon. At last, when they could hold no more, Falsehood began banging his fist on the table and calling for the manager, who came running at once.

"What the devil kind of place is this?" Falsehood snapped. "I gave that waiter a gold piece nearly an hour ago, and he still hasn't brought our change. "

The manager summoned the waiter, who said he'd never even seen a penny out of the gentleman.

"What?" Falsehood shouted, so that everyone in the place turned and looked. "I can't believe this place! Innocent, law-abiding citizens come in to eat, and you rob them of their hard-earned money! You're a pack of thieves and liars! You may have fooled me once, but you'll never see me again! Here!" He threw a gold piece at lC manager. "Now this time bring me my change!"

But the manager, fearing his restaurant's reputation would suffer, refused to take the gold piece, and instead brought Falsehood change for the first gold piece he claimed to have spent. Then he took the waiter aside and called him a scoundrel, and said he had a mind to fire him. And as much as the waiter protested that he'd never collected a cent from the man, the manager refused to believe him.

"Oh Truth, where have you hidden yourself?" the waiter sighed. "Have you now deserted even us hard-working souls?"

"No, I'm here," Truth groaned to himself, "but my judgment gave way to my hunger, and now I can't speak up without breaking my promise to Falsehood."

As soon as they were on the street, Falsehood gave a hearty laugh and slapped Truth on the back. "You see how the world works?" he cried. “I managed it all quite well, don't you think?"

But Truth slipped from his side.

"I'd rather starve than live as you do," he said.

And so Truth and Falsehood went their separate ways, and never traveled together again.

The Banyan TreeSagardas of Pallipur was known to be an extremely good man. One day, while he was returning from a distant village, he was greeted by Sushil, a man from a neighboring village. "It seems you are coming from far," observed Sushil. "Yes, a merchant owed me some money. I went to realize the amount,” replied Sagardas.

"Sir, it must be a good amount! Otherwise you could have sent your servant to realize it," observed Sushil once again.

"Well, it is five hundred rupees," said Sagardas. Then, as courtesy demanded it, he asked Sushil, "Where are you going?"

Sushi! drew a heavy face. Wiping his eyes, he said, "Sir, must I narrate my misfortune to you? The monsoon is about to set in. I have not been able to repair my thatch. I don't know how my children would live under the leaking roof. I am looking for a loan of two hundred rupees. I will pay back the loan as soon as I have raised the new crop. I have already been to three moneylenders, but in vain!"

Sagardas had declared that he had money with him. How could he pass by a man who was in such dire need of a part of it? "Sushil," he said, ''you may take the amount you need from me. I hope you will return it in a year's time!"

"Sir! Why should I let a year pass? I will pay it back in six months!" exclaimed Sushil. Sagardas gave him the amount and Sushil bowed to him and thanked him profusely.

But two years passed and Sushil did not pay Sagardas his due. Several times Sagardas saw Sushil in the weekly market, but Sushil avoided him.

However, one day they came face to face, "Sushil, what about my money?" asked Sagardas.

"Your money? What do you expect me to say about your money?" asked Sushil in turn. Sagardas immediately understood that Sushil planned to play treachery with him. He stared at him. "Don't show your red eyes to me!" shouted Sushil. Some people who knew both Sagardas and Sushil well and who were passing by were surprised. Sagardas told them what had happened between Sushil and himself. They led the two to the landlord of the locality who was famous for his wit and wisdom.

The landlord heard the case and asked Sagardas. "Who was the witness to your giving money to Sushil?"

"None. We met under a banyan tree. There was nobody nearby," said Sagardas with a sigh.

"How do you say so? The banyan tree itself is the witness!" said the landlord. "Go and ask the banyan tree to come here," he added.

Sagardas looked at the landlord in utter disbelief. But the landlord told him, once again to go and call the banyan tree.

Sagardas went away. All those present there wondered if the landlord had gone mad. Sushil looked perplexed. Did the landlord know any magic by which he might bring the banyan tree there? He kept standing with anxiety.

Half an hour passed. The landlord looked at Sushil and asked in a very casual tone, "Why is he so late? How far is the banyan tree?"

"Sir, the banyan tree is a mile away. He cannot be back here so soon!" replied Sushil.

"Which banyan tree?" asked the landlord meaningfully. But then it was too late for Sushil to come out with an explanation. "You liar, you ungrateful creature! Bring Sagardas's money at once or you will be severely punished," roared the landlord.

All praised the landlord's wisdom. Sushil had to return Sagardas's money. The people of the locality lost their faith in Sushil forever.

George Washington & the Cherry Tree

When George Washington was a little boy he lived on a farm in Virginia. His father taught him to ride, and he used to take young George about the farm with him so that his son might learn how to take care of the fields and horses and cattle when he grew older.

Mr. Washington had planted an orchard of fine fruit trees. There were apple trees, peach trees, pear trees, plum trees, and cherry trees. Once, a particularly fine cherry tree was sent to him from across the ocean. Mr. Washington planted it on the edge of the orchard. He told everyone on the farm to watch it carefully to see that it was not broken or hurt in any way.

It grew well and one spring it was covered with white blossoms. Mr. Washington was pleased to think he would soon have cherries from the little tree.

Just about this time, George was given a shiny new hatchet. George took it and went about chopping sticks, hacking into the rails of fences, and cutting whatever else he passed. At last he came to the edge of the orchard, and thinking only of how well his hatchet could cut, he chopped into the little cherry tree. The bark was soft, and it cut so easily that George chopped the tree right down, and then went on with his play.

That evening when Mr. Washington came from inspecting the farm, he sent his horse to the stable and walked down to the orchard to look at his cherry tree. He stood in amazement when he saw how it was cut. Who would have dared do such a thing? He asked everyone, but no one could tell him anything about it.

Just then George passed by.

“George,” his father called in an angry voice, “do you know who killed my cherry tree?

This was a tough question, and George staggered under it for a moment, but quickly recovered.

“I cannot tell a lie, father,” he said. “I did it with my hatchet.” Mr. Washington looked at George. The boy's face was white, but he looked straight into his father's eyes.

“Go into the house, son, “ said Mr. Washington sternly. George went into the library and waited for his father. He was very unhappy and very much ashamed. He knew he had been foolish and thoughtless and that his father was right to be displeased.

Soon, Mr. Washington came into the room. “Come here, my boy,” he said. George went over to his father. Mr. Washington looked at him long and steadily. “Tell me, son, why did you cut the tree?

“I was playing and I did not think.” George stammered.

“And now the tree will die. We shall never have any cherries from it. But worse than that, you have failed to take care of the tree when I asked you to do so.”

George's head was bent and his cheeks were red from shame. “I am sorry, father,” he said. Mr. Washington put his hand on the boy's shoulder. “Look at me,” he said. “I am sorry to have lost my cherry tree, but I am glad that you were brave enough to tell me the truth. I would rather have you truthful and brave than to have a whole orchard full of the finest cherry trees. Never forget that, my son.”

George Washington never did forget. To the end of his life he was just as brave and honorable as he was that day as a little boy.

The Emperor and the Flower Seeds

Long ago, in this very kingdom, there lived an Emperor who loved nature. Anything he planted burst into bloom. Up came flowers, bushes and even big fruit trees, as if by magic! Of everything in nature, he loved flowers most of all, and he tended his own garden every day. But the Emperor was very old, and he needed to choose a successor to the throne. Who would his successor be? And how would the Emperor decide? As the Emperor loved flowers so much, he decided that flowers would help him choose.

The next day, a proclamation was issued: “All men, women, boys, and girls throughout the land are to come to the palace.” The news created great excitement throughout the land.

In a village not far from here, there lived a young boy named Ping. Ping had always wanted to visit the palace and see the Emperor, and so he decided to go. He was glad he went. How magnificent the palace was! It was made from gold and was studded with jewels of every colour and type - diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opals and amethysts. How the palace gleamed and sparkled! Ping felt that he had always known this place. He walked through the palace doors into the Great Hall where he was overwhelmed by all the people. It was so noisy. “The whole kingdom must be here!” he said to herself.

There then boomed the sound of at least 100 trumpets announcing the arrival of the Emperor. All fell silent. The Emperor entered, clutching what looked like a small box. How fine he looked - so noble and elegant! He circled the Great Hall, greeting each and every person and presenting something to each one. Ping was curious about the small box. “What was inside?” he wondered. “What was he giving to everyone?”

At last, the Emperor reached Ping. He bowed and then watched as the Emperor reached into the small box and presented him with a flower seed. When Ping received the seed, he became the happiest boy of all.

Then the sound of trumpets filled the Great Hall once more, and all became silent. The Emperor announced: “Whoever can show me the most beautiful flowers in a year’s time will succeed me to the throne!”

Ping left for home filled with wonder over the palace and the Emperor, clutching the flower seed carefully in his hand. He was certain he could grow the most beautiful flower. He filled a flower pot with rich soil, planted the seed carefully, and watered it every day. He couldn’t wait to see it sprout, grow, and blossom into a magnificent flower!

Days passed, but nothing grew in the pot. Ping was worried. He transferred the seed into a bigger pot; filled it with the best quality, richest soil he could find; and watered it twice a day, every day. Days, weeks and months passed, but still nothing happened. By and by the whole year passed. Finally Spring came, and it was time to return once more to the palace. Ping was heartbroken that he had no flower to show the Emperor - not even a little sprout. He thought that everyone would laugh at him because all he had to show for the whole year’s effort was a pot of lifeless soil! How could he face the Emperor with nothing?

His friend stopped by on his way to the palace, holding a great big flower. “ Ping! You’re not going to the Emperor with an empty pot, are you?”said the friend. “Couldn’t you grow a great big flower like mine!"

Ping’s father, having overheard this, put his arm around Ping and consoled him. “It is up to you whether you go or not,” said his father. “You did your best, Ping, and your best is good enough to present to the Emperor.?

Even though he felt reluctant to go, Ping also knew he must not disrespect the Emperor’s wishes. Besides, he also wanted to see the Emperor and the palace again! And so Ping traveled once more to the palace, holding the pot of soil in his hands.

The Emperor was happy to see the Great Hall filled with his subjects, all proudly displaying their beautiful flowers, all eagerly hoping to be chosen. How beautiful all the flowers were! Flowers were of every shape, size, and colour. The Emperor examined each flower carefully and thoroughly, one by one. Ping, who was hiding in a corner with his head bowed down, wondered how he could choose, since they were all so lovely. Finally, the Emperor came to Ping. Ping dared not look at the Emperor. “Why did you bring an empty pot?” the Emperor asked Ping.

“Your Majesty,” said Ping. “I planted the seed you gave me and I watered it every day, but it didn’t sprout. I put it in a better pot with better soil, but still it didn’t sprout. I tended it all year long, but nothing grew. So today I brought an empty pot without a flower. It was the best I could do.?

When the Emperor heard those words, a smile spread slowly over his face, and he took Ping by the hand. Ping was frightened. He wondered if he were in some sort of trouble.

The Emperor led him to the front of the Great Hall, and turning to the crowd, he exclaimed: “I have found my successor - the person worthy of ruling after me!”

Ping was puzzled. “But your Majesty,” he said, “I have no flower, just this pot of lifeless earth.”

“Yes, I expected that,” said the Emperor. “From where everyone else got their seeds, I do not know. The seeds I gave everyone last year had all been roasted. It would have been impossible for any of them to grow. Ping, I admire your great courage and honesty to appear before me with the truth. I reward you with my entire kingdom. You will be the next Emperor.”

The Miner and the Prince

Ali was a miner who used to live with his family in a small house near the forest. One day, Ali had an accident in the mine. His injuries prevented him from working in the mine. Life then became hard for him and his family. After his injuries began to heal, he started going to the jungle to find a way to feed himseIf and his family.

One day, Ali was in the forest sitting beneath a tree, when suddenly he heard the sound of horses running very fast. He saw the Prince riding a horse and behind him a group of soldiers on their horses. They were chasing after a deer. As they disappeared and the forest became quiet again, he saw something on the path that the horses had galloped across. He picked up the object and found it was a very fine leather wallet. The Prince's name was embossed in gold on the front of the wallet. He slowly opened the wallet and saw a large amount of money. Ali remained where he was in the forest, waiting for the Prince and his soldiers to return so he could give back the wallet. Slowly it became dark. As the night grew late and there was no sign of the Prince, Ali decided to return home.

Ali's wife hurried to meet him, asking him about his day. He excitedly told her what happened and showed her the wallet. She too became very excited and happily said, "This is a gift from God to us."

Ali was surprised. He protested, saying, "This money is not for us. It belongs to the Prince. I found it, so I must return it."

His wife became furious and replied, "The Prince has a lot of money! We are in sore need. We should keep the money for ourselves." She added, more softly, "Especially since we didn't steal the money. We found it in the forest."

Ali decided not to argue with his wife. He put the wallet in the cupboard and sat with his family and listened as they continued to fuss about the event.

The next day, Ali woke up very early in the morning and slipped from the house before the rest of the family woke up. He took special care not to awaken his wife. He took the bus to the city and searched for the palace. When he reached the palace, the guards stopped him at the gate and prevented him from entering to meet the Prince. He had no appointment. They asked him why he wanted to meet the Prince, but he refused to tell them the reason. He just said that he needed to meet the Prince immediately about an important matter.

"I must meet with the Prince. I will not leave without seeing him," he said. They pushed him away, but he insisted on seeing the Prince. As the guards began to shout, suddenly the car of the Prince approached the gate. Ali threw himself on the car and called out to the Prince. The Prince opened the window of the car and asked what he wanted. Ali handed the Prince his wallet.

The Prince, looking very surprised, asked Ali where he found it. Ali told him the story of the previous day in the forest. The Prince then opened his wallet. One could see that he was astonished to find the money untouched. The Prince asked Ali, "Why didn't you take the money?" Ali replied, "I cannot take something that does not belong to me." A gleam of respect appeared in the Prince's eye. The Prince took a large amount of money from the wallet, and with a nod of thanks, gave it to Ali.

9. Honesty

Worksheets1. What is Honesty?2. What is Dishonesty?3. Discussing Honesty4. Stories to Act

Part 9

Honesty

being open, trustworthy and truthful

What is Honesty?

Being honest is being open, trustworthy and truthful.

When people are honest, they can be relied on not to lie, cheat or steal. Honesty is telling the truth. It is admitting mistakes even when you know someone might be angry or disappointed. It means that you don’t pretend to be something you are not. Honesty is important because it builds trust. When people lie, or cover up mistakes, others can’t trust them. When you are honest with yourself, you accept yourself as you are. When you are honest, others can believe you.

The words in the list below have been hidden in the word search. Try to find them.

DISAPPOINTED TRUTHFUL BELIEVE PRETEND ACCEPT CHEAT TRUST STEAL ANGRY OPEN LIE TRUSTWORTHY

What is Dishonesty?To be dishonest means to be closed in heart, untruthful and untrustworthy. This is shown by lying, cheating or stealing. Dishonest people hide their wrongdoing. They don’t want to admit their mistakes, because they feel shame. The more someone lies, the harder it is to tell the truth. It becomes a bad habit. Dishonesty comes from a self-centred viewpoint and it stops you growing in your heart.

The children in the pictures on the left are being dishonest. Finish the picture on the right to show what they should do to be honest

CHEATING

LYING TELLING THE TRUTH

BEING FAIR

GIVING MONEYSTEALING

Discussing Honesty

1) Why is it sometimes hard to tell the truth?

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................................................................................................................................................................2) How does honesty help friendship to grow?

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................................................................................................................................................................3) Why is it wrong to lie in order to get somerthing you want?

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................................................................................................................................................................4) How can we express an honest opinion without hurting someone’s feelings?

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................................................................................................................................................................5) Why is it wrong to cheat on your homework or on a test?

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................................................................................................................................................................6) Why should you be honest, even when it may get you into trouble?

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Stories to Act

Choose one of the following stories and dramatize it.

The Boy who Cried Wolf

The Honest Woodman

The Flask of Wine

The Empty Pot

The Necklace of Truth

Someone Sees You

Truth & Falsehood

The Banyan Tree

George Washington & the Cherry Tree

The Miner and the Prince

9. Honesty

Teaching Notes1. Seminar Notes2. Honesty Quotes3. Honesty Teaching Ideas4. Five Steps to Honesty5. Honesty at School6. The Pied Piper of Hamelin

1. Seminar Notes

Ideas* Discuss the meaning of honesty and why it is important. Certain words can be emphasized: truthful, trustworthy and being open in your heart.

* Discuss dishonesty, which can lead to lying, cheating and stealing.

* Read several short stories about honesty. Chose one of the stories,make a short play.

* Play a game of bränball.

* Have an honesty poster competition.

Schedule1. Explain background to character education - habits of thinking, feeling and doing, centred on

God’s love and truth.2. Colouring competition of title picture, showing boys explaining to a neighbour that they broke

his window.3. Explaining the meaning of honesty from Characters with Character4. Story - The Emperor and the Seed from Living Values Activities5. What is dishonesty? - groups of four discuss when they cheated, lied or stole when they were

young. Groups report6. Lunch7. Brännboll8. Finish colouring the picture, complete unfinished drawings of cheating, lying and stealing, or

answer questions9. Story of The Miner and the Prince10. Everybody act out the story together11.Final reflection with everybody sitting in a circle. Each person shares something about the day.12.Photos, competition winner, appreciations to the staff13.Dinner

2. Honesty Quotes

• "The test is not what you would do when being observed, but what you do when no one is watching."

• Honesty is truthfulness and sincerity. It is freedom from deceit or falseness.• "Honesty is the best policy." Benjamin Franklin

3. Honesty Teaching Ideas

a) The Emperor and the Flower Seeds

• Read the story.• Discuss the story, and then discuss the following point: A person worthy of confidence is honest

and true.

• Activity: Ask younger children to draw a picture of one aspect of the tale, or make a few props in preparation for acting out the story during the next lesson. Older children could write a short story on why the Emperor chose the boy.

• Alternative Activity: Ask the children to think about and then discuss in pairs how they would rule their kingdom if they were a king or queen. They can then write some of their ideas.

b) Loved for Your HonestyThink:• Can you think of a time when you were loved for your honesty?• Can you think of a time when you really appreciated someone else’s honesty?

Activity: Write a short personal essay on “I was loved for my honesty when _____. “or “I like people to be honest because _____.”

c) Honesty and TrustDiscuss:• How would you feel if a neighbour wanted you to wash his car and said he would give you some

money, but did not pay you when you finished?• Was this man being honest? • What do you think the man should have done?• How would you feel if a person said she would pay you for picking fruit from her orchard, but

then only paid you half of what she said?• Was this woman being honest?

Part of honesty is keeping our word. Our societies run much better when people keep their word.

Ask:• Can you think of other examples of people not keeping their word?• Can you think of examples of people breaking their promises?• How do you feel when people break their promises?• Do you feel you can trust someone who keeps his or her word?• Do you want people to trust you?• Why?

It’s important to be honest because our relationships are then built on trust. When people are honest and trustworthy, we know we can depend on them. In the same way that it sometimes takes courage to tell the truth, like when we did something we weren’t supposed to, or when we didn’t do something we were supposed to; it also takes courage to apologize for not keeping a promise.

Ask:• If someone did not keep his or her promise to you, what would you like her or him to say?• If you did not keep your promise to someone, what could you say? Start your sentence with I and

share your feelings.

With older children, use the communication skill: I feel _____ when _______ because ______. For example: I felt badly when I was late because I let you down and I really value your friendship.

In groups of two, think of three different situations and practise using the above skill.

4. The Five Steps to Honesty

Steps 1: Knowledge

The first step in learning honesty then is to define it. Look it up in the dictionary. Consider my definition, or let each family member offer a definition. Make lists of honest actions and name people you know who you think are honest. How would you define their honesty? You might want to take the family's definition and display it in a common gathering spot.

Step 2: Comprehension and Application

Do we all recognize honesty when we see it? The newspaper and television provide lots of situations in which we can identify honesty/dishonesty, truth/falsehood. Family members can bring examples, perhaps even cutting out articles, to share with one another. In Teaching Your Children Values Richard and Linda Eyre suggest playing The Demonstration Game with young children. Choose situations of truth and falsehood and see if the child can label each correctly. Pointing to your foot, saying, "This is my foot," would be true. Pointing to the door, saying, "This is my foot," would be false.

Determine ways you can demonstrate honesty in the family, in school, at work or play. Demonstrate honesty in thoughts, feelings, fears, and risk-taking:

"I'm so sorry. I was wrong. Thanks for your patience with me."

"I just don't know what to do about this. Do you have any suggestions?"

"I'm scared too."

"You know, I just told someone something that wasn't true to protect myself. I suredon't feel good about it now. I'll have to work harder on this."

"I was honest with my boss, and it surprised me! I thought he would be furious, butinstead he thanked me; he even confided in me about his own worries. It felt so good tobe trusted."

Honesty is such a gift!! Thank each other for being honest, for the gift of oneself. Encourage and congratulate as you see it demonstrated, and demonstrate it yourself, particularly when it's hard.

Step 3: Analyze

Honesty can be so hard at times that we may wonder whether or not it's worth the price.Under what circumstances is it hard to be honest? "Honesty pays, but it doesn't seem to pay enough to suit some people."Frank McKinney Hubbard

What would happen if you do choose to be honest? Even if honesty seems to hurt you, would your dishonesty hurt someone else? How does hurting someone else hurt you? The Eyre's suggest

looking at specific situations and analyzing both the short-term and long-term consequences of being honest vs. not being honest.

"This above all; to thine own self be true and it must follow, as the night the day,thou canst not then be false to any man." William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Step 4: Synthesize, CREATE!!!!!

This is the time to invent, to try out new ideas and practice them in the home. How can you make your home more honest? What games can you come up with? Do you know of stories that help you to be honest? Can you write your own story, as an individual or a family? Can you act out a story in a play? Send us your examples so that we can show others!

Play the Honesty Game

Step 5: Evaluate

Set a regular time to take stock in your progress. How has the family changed by tackling honesty? Don't forget to look at the small steps as well as the larger ones, the big successes and tiny ones. Make yourself a chart (but be honest with yourself). Get a family value jar and a bag of dried beans. For every time you are honest when it's difficult, place a bean in the jar. When the family fills the jar with honesty beans, make sure the family is rewarded, perhaps with a movie, a night out, ice cream sundaes. Make sure the jar isn't too big at first. We don't want to start out discouraged.

5. Honesty in SchoolIt is so important for parents and schools to share in the goal of helping our children develop a strong character, which can help them to resist the powerful negative influence of some of their peers and some parts of our culture and society. We don't expect them to discover the principles of geometry on their own; why would we not give them guidance when it comes to ethics and virtues?

Contained in the classic poem “Children Learn What They Live” is the most important lesson – “If children live with Honesty, they learn truthfulness”. Without Honesty it would be difficult to uphold any other virtue. By learning to be Honest and truthful, children understand the value of integrity and trust in their relationships. They develop the courage to look at themselves and their situations Honestly, and to truthfully address their roles and responsibilities.

What does Honesty look like? An Honest person is also truthful, sincere, fair, trustworthy and genuine. An Honest person also shows integrity and honor.

When you practice Honesty you... * Do the right thing (integrity). * Follow-through – you can be counted on to do what you say you'll do (trustworthy). * Won't take things you don't deserve like awards, praise, money, credit for ideas, etc. (fairness and honor) * Mean what you say and don't say something you don't mean (sincere and truthful). * Are the real you! You won't exaggerate or pretend to be someone you're not (genuine).

Character Dilemma:

Your friend has a new shirt and asks you what you think of it. You can tell he/she really likes the shirt but you don't like it at all. What can you say that won't hurt your friend's feelings and still be Honest?

Teaching Honesty can be a real challenge, given the examples of dishonesty children will encounter every day in the world around them. We can start by helping our children understand that Honesty and truthfulness are different aspects of the same character trait.

Honesty includes our ability to see and experience things as they are – without distortion, wishful thinking, avoidance or denial. Truthfulness refers to our ability to tell what we see and experience accurately and clearly.

Here's another challenge; as they grow older, we also want to help our children to develop the ability to discern situations in which it is better to leave the truth, or at least parts of it, unsaid. Children also need to understand the difference between a lie and an honest mistake.

The best way to overcome the challenges of teaching Honesty to children is to be Honest with them! Tell your children about situations where you may be struggling to be completely Honest and how you're dealing with those situations. Nothing will inspire more trust from them or encourage them more to share their struggles with you!

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6. The Pied Piper of Hamelin

To be honest is to be real, genuine, authentic, and bona fide. Honesty is taught in all cultures, through many different versions of the same stories, such as Cinderella, all of which make the same point about the merits of honesty.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin - When a piper is hired to rid the town of Hamelin of a massive rat infestation, he expected to be paid the agreed upon price for his services. The virtue of Honesty (or lack thereof) is well demonstrated when the townspeople fail to act in good faith resulting in a disaster far more painful than the rats that were removed.

1. What is the Pied Piper story telling us about honesty?2. Describe a time when someone you know was dishonest? How did you feel about it?3. What happens to a person's reputation if they continually are dishonest?4. Why is honesty considered a virtue?