For the Classroom

Trustworthiness

Acting with integrity in every situation to build credibility

Trustworthiness strengthens relationships across the school community.

When educators act with integrity, students and families feel secure and respected. Trustworthiness creates a foundation for collaboration and growth.

Essay

Trustworthiness: A Building Block of Friendship

by Jill Tomey

If you look at the “I wills” for being trustworthy, you are looking at the definition of what would make a good friend. It’s about following through on promises, honoring secrets, telling the truth, and being your best and proactive. These are the activities that bond two people or a group together.

Teambuilding activities help to connect students to one another and may also give the teacher some insight into what motivates each student. Creating a community within the classroom and the school is a key bully prevention strategy. Teaching students to value one another and feel connected to each other will create a trustworthy environment where students will care for each other.

This month, focus on trustworthiness to build up relationships.

Affirmations for the Classroom

I am a friend others can count on.
I say “I’m sorry” and try to fix my mistakes.
I keep private things private.
I tell the truth, even when it’s hard.
I make good choices that show I care.

Trustworthiness Resource Library

The Links below will take you to Resources like activities, lessons, reflections, tools, and visuals you can use in the classroom or in homeschool to teach the Character Quality of Trustworthiness.

Featured

Reading List Roundup: Trustworthiness Picture Books

A curated reading list for teaching Trustworthiness—plus a printable download and a link to the full Trustworthiness bookshelf on Goodreads.

Trustworthiness as a Sidekick Quality

Descriptions of how Trustworthiness supports the other qualities.

Trustworthiness as a Core Value

Descriptions of Trustworthiness as a Core Value and how the other qualities support it.

Fun with Character: Name That Jingle

From "Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz" to modern slogans, jingles have a way of sticking with us. This activity uses catchy advertisements to teach students how to question what they hear, helping them determine who is truly trustworthy in a world full of commercial messages and online information.

Fun with Character: Follow the Leader

Through a fast-paced game of "Follow the Leader," students explore the dynamic between leading and following. This activity encourages children to reflect on the qualities of a good leader and the importance of mutual trust in any partnership.

Fun with Character: Friends

What makes a true friend? Through a creative acrostic exercise and a self-reflection quiz, students explore the qualities of a good friend like being a good listener and keeping promises. This activity helps children understand that being a trustworthy person is the foundation of building lasting, positive relationships.

Connecting Trustworthiness to the Science Curriculum

Use concept of measurements from your Science curriculum to teach Trustworthiness

Picture Book Pick: The Boy Who Cried Wolf

A featured Trustworthiness picture book—The Boy who Cried Wolf—with a read-along link and ready-to-use classroom discussion questions.

No Matter How You Say It: Trustworthiness

A quick language-and-meaning snapshot of Trustworthiness, showing the word origins, sign language, and common idioms anyone can discuss.

Trustworthiness Quotes

Looking for reminders that Trustworthiness makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Trustworthiness Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.

Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Use the holidays this month to celebrate our other qualities.

Featured

Juneteenth Activity

A simple Juneteenth activity.

June Character All Month

A list of classic and quirky holidays in June and their connection to a variety of character qualities.

Summersgiving

A simple Summersgiving activity.

Build Community in Your Classroom

Try these activities!

Featured

Getting to Know You: Fortunately, Unfortunately

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses stories to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Getting to Know You: Read All About it!

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses paper to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Trustworthiness

Acting with integrity in every situation to build credibility