Ask the class, 'Raise your hand if you have stolen a coin.' Tell half the class to keep their hands down. Let them practice both raising and not raising their hand when asked.

'When you put your hand up, you are being honest.

When you kept your hand down, were you being honest, even though you didn't move and said nothing?' 

Teach the children that keeping silent about something they have done wrong, even if they aren't asked about it, is dishonest. It is a form of deception and dishonesty.

Discuss how they felt when they lied or deceived. Did it feel better to be honest? Why?

Discuss how they feel when they are lied to or deceived. Do we want others to feel this way by the lies we tell? Will they keep trusting us?

3. Lying about someone’s dishonesty

Ask the students to raise their hand if their partner has stolen a coin. Again take turns being honest and lying by keeping their hand down. Teach them that if they said yes, they are being honest. If they say no, they are being dishonest. Discuss that lying about someone else’s actions is not honest. Does it feel better to be honest? Why?

4. Stealing

Have them place their coin in front of them. Go up to a child and steal their coin. 

Ask, 'Is it right or wrong to steal another persons money? Why? How did the child who lost their coin feel. How can I make things right?'

Teach them that everyone makes mistakes, but afterwards it can be made right again. Ask them how.

a. Confess/Own up. It takes great courage to do this.

b. Say sorry. Why?

c. Right the wrong. Return or replace what was stolen. This is called making restitution. Why is this important too?

Children role-play stealing their partner's coin and owning up, saying sorry and then returning it.