Introduction

Honesty is a crucial skill for students to develop, but it is important to understand that there is a line between being honest and being too honest. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of teaching students how to balance truthfulness and sensitivity in their interactions with others. This is particularly important for educators working with students in Special Education, as these students may require additional guidance in understanding the nuances of social-emotional learning.

No-Prep Activity: The Honest Filter

This simple activity requires no preparation or materials and can help students practice the skill of being honest without hurting others’ feelings. Have your students pair up or work in small groups. One person will play the role of the speaker, while the other person(s) will act as the “honesty filter.” The speaker will share a statement or opinion, and the “honesty filter” will practice responding in a way that is honest but also considerate of the speaker’s feelings.

For example, if the speaker says, “I didn’t do very well on my math test,” the “honesty filter” might respond with, “It’s okay, everyone has off days. Let’s work together to improve for next time.” This activity helps students practice being honest while still showing empathy and support for their peers.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to be honest with others, but also considerate of their feelings?
2. Can you think of a time when you were too honest and hurt someone’s feelings? How did it make you feel?
3. What strategies can you use to ensure that your honesty is helpful and not hurtful?
4. How can you be supportive and encouraging when providing honest feedback to others?
5. Why is it important to think before we speak and consider the impact of our words on others?

Related Skills

Teaching students to be honest without hurting others’ feelings is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other related skills that can be beneficial for students in Special Education include:

• Active listening: Encouraging students to pay attention to what others are saying and respond thoughtfully.
• Empathy: Teaching students to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering stronger connections and relationships.
• Assertiveness: Helping students express their feelings, opinions, and needs in a respectful and confident manner.
• Conflict resolution: Guiding students in developing strategies to address disagreements and find positive solutions.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of how to teach students the importance of honesty and its limits, consider incorporating these principles into your lessons and activities. To help you get started, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of skill-building materials and other resources available at Everyday Speech. These materials can provide valuable support as you work to develop a well-rounded social-emotional learning curriculum for your students.