Integrity Code Slides Character Compass • Lesson 1
25-Minute SEL Workshop
Middle School SEL Series • Grades 6–8
The Integrity Code
Who are you when nobody is watching?
Today’s Mission: Crack the difference between reputation and true character.
Grab your worksheet & pen
01
Quick Pulse: What Would You Do?
Warm-up check • No judgement, just honest thinking
4 Minutes
Case A
Extra Change
The corner store cashier accidentally hands you a $10 bill instead of a $1 bill as change. Nobody saw.
Do you speak up or pocket it?
Case B
The Stray Answer Sheet
You see the science quiz answer key left face-up on the side counter while the teacher stepped out.
Do you take a quick photo?
Case C
The Group Chat
Friends are mocking someone who isn’t in the group chat. Joining in makes you look funny to the crowd.
Stay quiet, join in, or push back?
Turn to your neighbor: Which of these is the hardest test of character, and why?
02
Reputation vs. Integrity
Understanding the core difference
5 Minutes
The Outside Shell
Reputation
Who people think you are.
Built on your public image & social status
Can be faked or altered with performance
Depends on whether others are watching
The True Core
Integrity
Who you actually are in the dark.
Your private choices when there is zero applause
Aligning your actions with your personal values
Unshakable even when doing what's right is unpopular
"Reputation is what you are in the light. Integrity is who you are when no cameras are rolling."
03
The Dilemma Lab: Partner Talk
Put your moral compass to the test
8 Minutes
Real Middle School Scenario: "The Project Shortcut"
You and your partner are working on a major history project worth 30% of your grade. At 9:00 PM the night before it’s due, your partner copy-pastes three entire paragraphs from an online summary without citing it. They text you: "The teacher uses an old plagiarism scanner that won't catch it. Don't worry, just turn it in so we both get an A."
Partner 1 Prompt:
What is the temptation here? Why does middle school peer pressure make this choice so agonizing?
Partner 2 Prompt:
What is an honest, respectful response you could text back right now that protects your integrity?
Turn & Talk with your elbow partner for 3 minutes. Record notes in Section B of your worksheet! Discuss Now
04
Decision Framework: The Mirror Test
3 questions to ask before you act
5 Minutes
1
The Spotlight Check
"Would I still make this choice if my parents, teachers, and whole class were watching?"
Filters out sneaky shortcuts and hidden dishonesty.
2
The Dignity Check
"Does this decision respect other people, or does it throw someone under the bus?"
Protects friendships, rumors, and fairness.
3
The Future Self Check
"When I look in the mirror tomorrow morning, will I respect the person staring back?"
Builds self-respect that no one can take away.
If any answer is "NO", pause and recalculate.
05
Your 24-Hour Integrity Challenge
Lock in your commitment
3 Minutes
The "Quiet Victory" Challenge
Over the next 24 hours, perform ONE act of integrity that no one will ever applaud you for, post about, or notice.
Complete Sections C & D on your worksheet before the bell!
Integrity is a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Next Lesson: Pause Power (Self-Control)
Integrity Dilemmas Worksheet Character Compass Lesson 1 • SEL Workshop
The Integrity Code
Doing what is right, even when nobody is watching.
Dilemmas & Reflection
Student Name
Date
Class / Period
Discussion Partner
1
The Integrity Pulse: Quick-Check
For each micro-scenario, check whether it shows High Integrity or Integrity Slip, then jot a brief explanation.
A.
You catch a scoring error on your quiz that gave you an extra 5 points, raising your grade to an A. You notify the teacher.
High Integrity Integrity Slip Why?
B.
Your friend asks to copy your homework. You let them, saying, "Just change some words so we don’t get caught."
High Integrity Integrity Slip Why?
C.
Someone drops a $20 bill by the lockers. You pick it up and hand it to the school office before anyone asks.
High Integrity Integrity Slip Why?
2
The Dilemma Lab: Partner Analysis
Pair & Share (8 Mins)
Scenario: The 9:00 PM Group Project Shortcut You and a close friend are partners on a 5-page history project due tomorrow morning. At 9:00 PM, your friend copies three uncredited paragraphs from an online forum and texts you: "The teacher won't notice. Just submit it so we can both get an A and go to sleep."
A. What makes this scenario such a difficult integrity test? (What is the pressure or fear?)
B. Compare the "Easy Route" vs. the "High-Integrity Route":
The Easy Route (Short-Term):
The High-Integrity Route (Long-Term):
C. Partner Dialogue: Write the exact text message you would send back that is honest, calm, and protective of your integrity:
Character Compass • Grades 6–8 SEL Page 1 of 2 (Flip over for The Mirror Test)
Part II
Personal Code & Self-Reflection
The Mirror Test & My Values
3
The Mirror Test: Personal Application
Think of a situation where you felt tempted to take a shortcut, lie, or join in on something you didn't feel good about (at school, online, or with friends). Test that decision using the three Mirror Test questions:
Briefly describe the temptation or dilemma:
1. Spotlight Check
Would I do this if my family or entire class watched?
2. Dignity Check
Does this treat people with respect and honesty?
3. Future Self Check
Will I respect myself when looking in the mirror?
Pause Power Slides Character Compass • Lesson 2
25-Minute SEL Workshop
Middle School SEL Series • Grades 6–8
The Pause Power
Mastering the space between trigger and reaction.
Today’s Mission: Train your brain’s pause button before high emotions take the wheel.
Grab your worksheet & pen
01
The "3-Second Regret"
Ever reacted so fast you instantly wished you hadn't?
4 Minutes
Trigger 1
The Gaming Defeat
A teammate makes a silly mistake, causing your squad to lose in the final 10 seconds. You yell into your headset.
Impulse: Instant rage quit & insult
Trigger 2
The Crowded Hallway
Someone bumps your shoulder hard while rushing to class and doesn't apologize. You spin around ready to push.
Impulse: Immediate aggressive snap
Trigger 3
The Group Chat Mock
Someone roasts your outfit or comments with an embarrassing meme. Your fingers are trembling to fire back.
Impulse: Typing a scorched-earth reply
Raise a hand if you've experienced the 3-Second Regret this week. You are not alone!
02
Brain Science: The Guard Dog vs. The CEO
Why your brain reacts before you can think
5 Minutes
The Guard Dog (Amygdala)
Instant Alarm
Speed: Lighting Fast (0.1 seconds)
Fires survival impulses: Fight, Flight, or Freeze
Floods your body with adrenaline & heat
Does NOT stop to ask: "Is this a smart idea?"
The CEO (Prefrontal Cortex)
Wise Decision Maker
Speed: Needs 3 to 5 seconds to load
Weighs long-term consequences and reputation
Finds creative solutions instead of explosive fights
Middle school fact: Your CEO is actively under construction!
Self-control isn't about having zero anger; it's buying 5 seconds so your CEO brain can take control.
03
The 5-Second S.T.O.P. Technique
Your practical cheat code for emotional pressure
6 Minutes
S
STOP
Freeze. Do not move feet, do not speak, do not hit "send".
Press pause on the body.
T
TAKE
Take one deep belly breath. Exhale slower than you inhale.
Oxygen cools the Guard Dog.
Pause Power Worksheet Character Compass Lesson 2 • SEL Workshop
The Pause Power
Training the space between trigger and reaction.
Self-Control & Impulse Toolkit
Student Name
Date
Class / Period
Partner
1
My Personal Trigger Heat Map
Rate how quickly each situation sparks your impulse or temper from 1 (Mild) to 3 (Explosive):
A friend interrupts or talks over me
1 2 3
Losing a competitive game or match
1 2 3
Being blamed for something I didn't do
1 2 3
Someone making a joke at my expense
1 2 3
2
Physical Alarm Radar (Catch the Guard Dog)
Your body sounds an alarm before your emotions explode. Check all the signals you notice in yourself:
Clenched fists / jaw
Hot cheeks / face
Racing heartbeat
Urge to shout / slam
3
The 5-Second S.T.O.P. Action Plan
Impulse Reset Strategy
S — STOP
What physical motion will you freeze immediately?
T — TAKE BREATH
What breathing cue helps you cool your brain?
O — OBSERVE
What is the emotion and physical sign you feel?
P — PROCEED
What calm decision does your CEO brain make?
Character Compass • Grades 6–8 SEL Page 1 of 2 (Flip over for Scenario Simulation)
Part II
Scenario Simulation & Cool-Down Kit
Practicing Under Social Pressure
4
Pressure Test: The Lunch Table Roast
Scenario: The Public Insult You sit down at the cafeteria table, and a classmate shouts across the table: "Look who decided to show up looking like a total clown today!" Three people burst into laughter, staring directly at you.
Amygdala Reaction (Impulsive & Destructive):
What would an uncontrolled reaction look like, and what consequences follow?
CEO Brain Response (S.T.O.P. Protocol):
What is a calm, composed response or action that leaves you in total control?
Partner Role-Play Check: What exact words could you say to disarm the situation without yelling or escalating?
5
My Emergency Cool-Down Pocket Kit
Define your 3 go-to tactics when you feel your anger or impulse temperature rising:
1
Physical Reset Action (e.g., sip water, unclench hands, roll shoulders):
