A supportive restorative counseling sequence for Upper Elementary students to develop healthy humor boundaries and practice honesty as the foundation for rebuilding school and family trust.
Saying "don't come to school tomorrow" or similar warnings
Keeping Safe Boundaries Slide 5 of 6
Your Way Forward: Rebuilding Trust
Slide 6 of 6
We believe in you and know you can be a safe, positive, and funny leader in your classroom. Here is how we move forward:
Show, Don't Just Tell
Prove you are trustworthy by keeping your comments safe and playing fairly every day.
The Agreement
We will write down a simple, supportive plan together that helps keep our promise.
“Mistakes are proof that you are trying and learning. You’ve got this!”
The Brave Truth (Charges Trust): "I lost track of time and played too long. I'm sorry."
Scenario D The Playground Push
You get mad at recess and push another student. The recess teacher saw it and walks over, asking, "Why did you push them?"
The Lie (Drains Trust): "I didn't push him! He fell down on his own!"
The Brave Truth (Charges Trust): "I got angry because he took my ball, and I made a bad choice."
Discussion Question: Why does taking a quick consequence (the Brave Truth) keep your relationship stronger than escaping trouble with a lie?
Trust Builders Lesson — Restoring Honesty Page 2 of 3
Restorative Action Plan
My Trust Recovery Plan
Actions I can take starting today to recharge my credibility at school and home
1. Understanding My Path
I understand that people cannot trust my words immediately just because I say "I promise." I have to show them I am honest through my actions, over and over, until my Trust Battery is fully charged again.
2. Daily Actions to Recharge My Battery
At School (Immediate Truth): If I forget my homework, break a school rule, or make a mistake, I will walk up to my teacher and tell them honestly before they have to ask me about it.
At Home (Honest Reports): When my parents ask me about my screen time, chores, or school day, I will tell them the exact truth without exaggerating, hiding details, or making excuses.
Facing Consequences: If I get caught making a mistake, I will say "I made a bad choice" and accept the consequence without arguing, blaming other kids, or making up stories.
3. My Personal Promise
One specific thing I will do this week to show my family or teacher that I am telling the truth is:
The Rebuilding Team Signatures
Student Signature
Counselor / Facilitator
Parent Signature
Trust Builders Lesson — Restoring Honesty Page 3 of 3
Trust cannot be rebuilt with a single "I promise." It requires daily action:
1
Immediate Truth
If you make a mistake, admit it first. Walk up and confess before you get asked or caught.
2
Accurate Reports
Tell the direct truth about chores, screen time, and school grades. No exaggerations, no omissions.
3
Own Your Choices
Accept consequences with a mature attitude. Show adults you understand and can take responsibility.
Recharging Your Rep Slide 5 of 6
The Rebuilding Team
Slide 6 of 6
You Are Not Alone in This!
Admitting you have been lying takes high courage, and changing a habit is hard work. We do not expect you to be perfect overnight.
Our Promise to You:
We will notice your honesty, celebrate your brave choices, and support you every step of the way as you rebuild your incredible reputation.
“An honest character is the strongest shield you can build. Let's charge your battery today!”
