Home › Resources ›
MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 7

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 7

October 21, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior

Story

"Mom, can I go over to Jared's house?" I say, hoping she doesn't remember that I'm supposed to spend tonight studying for a Language Arts test.

"Make sure your father doesn't mind getting you on his way home from work. He's been really tired lately. Is hanging out with Jared worth making your father go to all that trouble?"

I call my dad: "Dad, Mom wants you to pick me up at Jared's on your way home from work."

When we finally get home, Dad gets mad at Mom because he didn't want to have to go by Jared's on his way home from work. He's also upset that she let me stay out so late on the night before a test.

It doesn't take my mom and dad long to figure out what happened-and realize that I misled them. My parents ground me for lying to them and my brother enjoys having the chance to watch me squirm. "You're totally busted!" he says. "Here's a piece of brotherly advice: next time remember, 'Do not do what you would undo if caught.'"

He's right, too. One night of fun at Jared's isn't worth the week's worth of punishment that I got. Next time, I'll think about the results before I make the wrong decision.  

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • Do not do what you would undo if caught.
    Leah Arendt

Featured character trait

  • Honesty-I am a truthful person. I know that honesty means telling the truth, not just avoiding lies.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Truthfulness-I am honest in my words and actions. I am upfront and genuine.
  • Trustworthiness-I live in an honest way so people can believe in my word.
  • Integrity-I live out my values in a genuine way, so others can trust me and my promises.
  • Responsibility - I know which behaviors must be avoided, what obligations I have, and those things that I should do; I act upon that knowledge.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Was the main character in today's story honest with his parents? Why or why not?
  • What would you do if you were the parents in this situation, and your child had misled you like that?
  • What does it mean to be an honest person?
  • Is it possible to be dishonest without lying?
  • Is it possible to lie without being dishonest?
  • Is trustworthiness really only about telling the truth?
  • Which is more important: to always tell the truth or to always live honestly? Why?
  • What are the benefits of being a truthful person?
  • Most people agree that honesty is a trait they value. So, why aren't more people honest?
  • What makes it difficult to be honest all the time?
  • How important is it to you that your friends, teachers, and parents are honest with you?
  • Do you agree with today's maxim? Why or why not?
  • Is fear of being punished the best reason to avoid doing the wrong thing?
  • What are some reasons that it is important to avoid doing the wrong thing even if you never get caught?
  • What are some reasons to do the right thing-even if no one else will ever know?

Related Links

Extending the Conversation

Have students name people who they think are honest and explain their choices. Encourage students to verbalize what they admire about their "honesty heroes." Next, have each student write a short paragraph that explains his/her commitment to honesty: what honesty is, why honesty is important, and what he/she will do to be an honest person.