Value of the Month: Honesty
At Meritton British International School, we believe that true success is built on a strong foundation of core values. While academic achievement is a priority, we know that character development is what truly prepares our students for a fulfilling life. That’s why we dedicate each month to a specific value, and for January, we are proud to shine a light on Honesty: Our Value of the Month.
Why Honesty Matters
Honesty is a virtue that is simple to grasp but can be challenging to practice. From small daily decisions to life-altering choices, we are constantly faced with opportunities to be truthful. For our students, these challenges are a part of everyday life. At Meritton, we teach that honesty isn’t about avoiding mistakes, but about embracing the courage to admit them and learn from them.
Honesty extends beyond simply telling the truth. It’s about keeping promises to ourselves and others, being accountable for our actions, and having the integrity to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. This principle is at the heart of our learning goals for the new term. We encourage our students to set realistic goals and celebrate their progress, no matter how small, fostering a culture where honesty about one’s own capabilities and achievements is valued.
Guiding Our Students on the Path of Integrity
At Meritton British International School, we work hand-in-hand with parents to nurture this essential value. We understand that children may sometimes lie due to a lack of confidence, fear of being scolded, or even just a vivid imagination. It is crucial that we, as adults, respond with empathy and guidance, not with blame or criticism.
We offer several tips for parents to help instil a deep sense of honesty in their children:
- Applaud Honesty: Acknowledge and appreciate every instance of honesty, no matter how minor. This reinforces the behaviour and makes children feel good about being truthful.
- Encourage Self-Reflection: Prompt your child to reflect on how they feel after being honest or after keeping a difficult promise. Connecting positive emotions to these actions helps them internalize the value.
- Model the Behaviour: The most powerful lesson is through example. Keep your promises and be truthful, even when it’s inconvenient or makes you look bad. Your integrity is a lesson your children will never forget.
- Focus on Resolution, Not Shame: If a child is dishonest, focus on what needs to be done to make things right, rather than shaming or blaming them. For example, instead of asking, “Did you spill the juice?” when you already know they did, simply state, “I see you spilled the juice; let’s clean it up.” This approach teaches them to own their mistakes and correct them without fear.
- Share Stories: Share personal stories about times when you found it difficult to be honest but did so anyway. This helps children understand that honesty can be challenging but is always the right path.
Value of the Month: Honesty in Action at Meritton
As we began our new term on January 17th, the school was filled with renewed energy and happiness. This new beginning is the perfect time to commit to our values and set the stage for a year of growth. Later this term, our Year Four to Year Seven students will be showcasing a performance that celebrates honesty, demonstrating how this value is woven into our curriculum and daily school life.
At Meritton British International School, we are more than just an educational institution; we are a community. Our shared values, including honesty, kindness, resilience, and cooperation, are what kept us strong through a challenging year and what will continue to help our students blossom and succeed in the years to come. We are excited to see our students and the entire school community grow even stronger this year. We wish all our students, staff, parents, and friends a happy, healthy, and successful new year, filled with honesty and integrity!.
