Virtue Education at HongDe

At HongDe Elementary, Virtue Education is at the heart of everything we do. Strong moral values help shape compassionate, respectful, and responsible individuals. We focus on a specific virtue each month, weaving it into our daily lessons and interactions. From classroom discussions to school assemblies, we create meaningful opportunities for students to reflect on and practice these values. For January, we are focusing on the virtue of trustworthiness — a fundamental trait that helps build strong, lasting relationships and a foundation of integrity and reliability in our school community.

The concept of trustworthiness goes beyond simply being truthful. It shapes personal connections, professional relationships, and even large-scale social perceptions, such as how communities view science, healthcare, and public institutions. Trustworthiness creates a foundation of respect, security, and belonging in our everyday lives.

What Does Trustworthiness Mean?

The Virtues Project defines trustworthiness as “being worthy of the trust others place in us.” It means standing by our word, faithfully keeping our promises, and acting with integrity in everything we do.

In January, our goal is to help students understand that trustworthiness is expressed through consistent actions, including:

• Integrity: Living according to a strong moral code and aligning our actions with our values.
• Honesty: Being truthful in both word and deed.
• Reliability: Taking responsibility and following through on commitments.
• Loyalty: Being true to the people and causes we care about, such as family, friends, and our community.

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The Four Virtues of Trustworthiness

The virtue of trustworthiness is often explained using “The Trust Equation,” which includes four key principles:

1. Credibility: Being knowledgeable and truthful, makes others believe in you.
2. Reliability: Consistently doing what you say you will do.
3. Intimacy: Creating a safe space for open communication and mutual understanding.
4. Low Self-Orientation: Focusing on the well-being of others rather than self-interest.

The equation is: T = (C + R + I) / S

T = Trustworthiness (the willingness or ability to rely on others)

C = Perception of Credibility (trusting what someone says)

R = Perception of Reliability (trusting what someone does)

I = Intimacy (entrusting someone with something)

S = Perception of Self-Orientation (self-awareness and focus, i.e., whether your focus is primarily on yourself or others).

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Supporting Trustworthiness with a Story: Book of the Month

To help our students learn about trustworthiness, our Book of the Month is Finn’s Little Fibs by Tom Percival.

In this charming tale, Finn looks forward to spending time at his Grandma’s house. But when he accidentally breaks her clock, he panics and tells a small fib, blaming his sister. Suddenly—POP!—a little blob appears. The more fibs Finn tells, the more blobs appear, growing into a problem he can’t ignore.

Through this heartfelt story, students discover that while telling the truth can be difficult, honesty is always the best choice. The book illustrates how honesty strengthens trust and helps us feel free from guilt and worry.

Why Trustworthiness Matters

By teaching trustworthiness, we encourage our students to become dependable, honest, and compassionate. Whether in friendships, group projects, or teacher interactions, trustworthiness builds mutual respect and helps create a supportive learning environment.

At HongDe, we believe that practicing this month’s virtue helps students:

• Earn respect and build stronger relationships.
• Become reliable classmates and friends.
• Develop a reputation for integrity and honesty.

Final Thoughts

This month, we are excited to see our students grow as they embrace the virtue of January. Through classroom discussions, activities, and stories like Finn’s Little Fibs, they will discover how honesty, integrity, and reliability can make a lasting positive impact on their lives and the lives of others.

FAQ: Trustworthiness