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Students explore how the things we say—true or false—impact the feelings of those around us.
What if your words were like magic seeds? If you plant a 'kind' seed, something beautiful grows. But what happens if you plant a 'lie' seed instead?
Words are very powerful! We use them every day to talk to our friends, teachers, and family. When we use kind and true words, it is like building a sturdy bridge between us and another person. It makes them feel safe and happy. However, when we say things that are mean or false (not true), it can hurt someone's feelings just as much as a scraped knee. Our words have the power to change someone's whole day!
Imagine your friend worked very hard on a drawing. 1. You look at the drawing. 2. You say, 'I love the bright colors you used!' 3. Your friend feels proud and happy because your words were true and kind.
Quick Check
If you tell a friend they are good at soccer, how are they likely to feel?
Answer
They will likely feel happy, proud, or confident.
You accidentally break your brother's toy. 1. You feel scared you might get in trouble. 2. You think about saying 'The cat did it!' (A lie). 3. Instead, you say, 'I'm sorry, I broke it by mistake.' (The truth). 4. Your brother is sad about the toy, but he is happy you told him the truth. He knows he can trust you.
Quick Check
What happens to 'trust' when someone tells a lie?
Answer
Trust gets broken or people become confused and stop believing what the person says.
Before words leave your mouth, you can use a special filter. This is called thinking before you speak. It means taking one second to ask yourself three questions: 1. Is it True? 2. Is it Kind? 3. Is it Helpful? If the answer is 'no' to any of these, it might be better to keep the words inside or find a better way to say them. Using this superpower makes you a great friend!
Your friend gets a haircut that looks very different, and you don't really like it. 1. You want to say, 'That looks silly!' 2. Stop! Use your filter: Is it true? (To you, yes). Is it kind? (No). Is it helpful? (No). 3. Change your words: 'I see you got a new haircut! Are you excited about it?' 4. Result: You didn't lie, but you were kind and didn't hurt their feelings.
How do people usually feel when we tell them a lie?
Which of these is one of the three 'Superpower' questions to ask before speaking?
Telling the truth helps build trust with your friends.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to remember the three 'filter' questions: Is it True? Is it Kind? Is it ____?
Practice Activity
Today, try to give one 'Truth-Gift.' Find something true and kind to say to someone at home or school!