Standing Tall Slides
Classroom Guidance Lesson
Character Spotlight
Building Strong Character
Standing Tall: What is Integrity?
Discovering the quiet superpower of doing what is right, honest, and kind—even when nobody is looking.
Featured Story: The Empty Pot by Demi
30-Minute Exploration
The Secret Superpower
Big Idea
Integrity Means:
"Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching."
It means your words match your actions, and you stay honest even when it feels hard or scary.
In Your Heart
Feeling peaceful and proud of the choices you make.
In Your Actions
Being the exact same honest person everywhere you go.
Quick Question: Can you show integrity when you are alone in your bedroom? Yes! That is when it counts most.
Story Time Spotlight
Read-Aloud
The Empty Pot
Written and Illustrated by Demi
Hero: Ping, a gifted young gardener
Leader: The wise Emperor
Quest: Grow the most splendid flower
Listen For Ping's Big Choice:
The Emperor hands special seeds to all the children in the kingdom. Whoever grows the best flowers in one year will inherit the throne!
Ping works tirelessly every single day. But something surprising happens: nothing grows.
As we listen, watch what Ping decides to do when everyone else shows up with huge, colorful blossoms!
Counselor Tip: Focus on how Ping feels in his stomach when his pot stays completely empty.
Story Pause & Discuss
Think & Share
1
The Hard Truth
Why was Ping so embarrassed to bring an empty pot to the palace when everyone had blooming flowers?
Theme: Peer pressure
2
The Emperor's Test
The seeds were boiled—they could never grow! Where did all the other children get their giant flowers?
Theme: Honesty vs Cheating
3
The Real Prize
Why did the Emperor choose Ping to rule the kingdom? What kind of leader does integrity make?
Theme: Courage & Trust
"Ping brought his best effort: his honesty."
Your Personal Integrity Compass
3 Golden Checks
When you face a tricky choice, pause and check these three questions:
1. Is it True?
Am I telling the real, complete truth, or am I hiding something to protect myself?
2. Is it Fair?
Would I feel okay if someone else treated me this way, or took credit for my hard work?
3. Will I Be Proud?
If my family or favorite teacher watched my choice on a video screen, would I be proud?
If the answer to any of these is NO, pause and change your direction!
Integrity Challenge #1
Playground Dilemma
The Situation
At recess, you find a shiny $5 bill under the playground slide. Nobody is nearby, and no one saw you pick it up.
Your brain whispers: "Finders keepers! I can buy an ice cream treat after school!"
What would integrity look like?
Option A: The Integrity Path
Turn the $5 in to the duty teacher or main office. Someone worked hard for that money or needs it for lunch!
How would you feel inside?
Even if no one rewards you, you walk away with a clean conscience and pride in your character.
Discussion: What if your friend tells you to just keep it? How do you stand your ground?
Integrity Challenge #2
Classroom Dilemma
The Situation
While grabbing your backpack, your elbow bumps a classmate’s clay sculpture off the table. It cracks in two. The teacher didn't see it happen.
Your brain whispers: "Walk away quickly so nobody blames you or gets mad!"
What would integrity look like?
Option B: Courageous Honesty
Go straight to your classmate and teacher: "I am so sorry, my backpack bumped it by accident. Can I help fix it?"
Why This Takes Courage:
Mistakes happen to everyone! Owning your mistake shows you are trustworthy and brave.
Key Truth: Integrity isn't about being perfect—it's about being honest when things go wrong.
Our Daily Integrity Pledge
Class Promise
Stand tall, raise your hand, and repeat together:
"I have the courage to do what is right.
I tell the truth, even when it is hard.
My integrity is my promise to myself."
Every choice builds your character.
Be proud of who you are today!
Integrity Navigator Guide
Elementary Guidance Lesson • Grades 2–5
30-Minute Master Plan
Integrity: The Empty Pot Facilitator Guide
Teaching students moral courage, truthfulness, and honesty even when facing pressure or mistakes.
0–5 min Hook & Definition
5–17 min Read-Aloud & Inquiry
17–25 min Compass Scenarios
25–30 min Pledge & Wrap-up
Core Literature: The Empty Pot by Demi
Key Theme: Courageous Honesty
Synopsis: The Emperor offers his throne to whichever child grows the finest flower from his royal seeds. Ping tends his seed faithfully for a year, but nothing grows. Facing ridicule from peers carrying lush blossoms, Ping bravely presents his empty pot. The Emperor reveals all seeds were cooked—Ping alone had the integrity to tell the truth.
Counselor Note: Suitable via physical book or school-approved read-aloud video. Alternative Titles: Ruthie & the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie, Lying Up a Storm
Strategic Read-Aloud Pause Points & Inquiries
Pause 1 • The Unsprouted Seed (Page 14) Empathy & Frustration
"Day after day passed, but nothing grew in Ping's pot."
Counselor Inquiry: "Ping did everything right, yet nothing sprouted. How does it feel when you try your best and still fall short? Have you ever felt tempted to give up or pretend?"
Pause 2 • The Palace Gates (Page 22) Peer Pressure
"Ping was ashamed... all the other children had beautiful, colorful blossoms."
Counselor Inquiry: "Why did it take bravery for Ping to walk to the palace? Why is doing the honest thing often the hardest thing when everyone else is doing something different?"
Pause 3 • The Royal Proclamation (Page 28) True Character
"The seeds were boiled. I admire Ping's courage to bring me the truth."
Counselor Inquiry: "Why is trust more valuable to a leader than a fancy flower? How does being honest build trust with your teachers, parents, and classmates?"
Standing Tall Guidance Curriculum • Lesson Guide Page 1 of 2
Facilitator Toolkit: Application & Debriefing
Equipping students with a 3-question filter for real-world moral dilemmas.
Part 2 of 2
Counselor Framework: The 3 Integrity Compass Checks
Teach students that integrity is an internal compass that works everywhere—even when adults aren't present.
1. Is it True? No hiding, no partial lies.
Integrity Compass Activity Sheet
My Integrity Compass
Doing what is right, honest, and kind—even when no one is watching.
Name: ___________________
Date: _________
1 The Three Faces of Integrity
LOOKS LIKE
What actions show honesty?
SOUNDS LIKE
What words show the truth?
FEELS LIKE
How do you feel in your heart?
2 Dilemma: The Borrowed Marker
The Situation: You borrow your friend's brand-new scented marker set. While coloring your project, you accidentally snap the tip of the purple marker. Your friend is currently in the restroom and didn't see it happen.
What choice would show true integrity? What would you say and do?
Why might this choice take bravery or courage?
3 My Character Badge & Pledge
Integrity
"I promise to stand tall for what is right. I will choose honesty over easy shortcuts, and admit my mistakes with courage."
My Signature:
Standing Tall Guidance Lesson • Student Activity Character in Action