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Learning Together Joyfully: The Seven Sacred Teachings – BEING TRUTHFUL.

The Seven Sacred Teachings, also known as the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers, is a set of teachings on human conduct towards others. The 7 Guiding Principles include: respect, humility, courage, truth, wisdom, love, and honesty. Many Aboriginal organizations and communities have adopted the 7 guiding principles, in one form or another, as moral and cultural foundations. Many Aboriginal organizations and communities have adopted the 7 guiding principles, in one form or another, as a moral steppingstone and cultural foundation. Each community has adapted the teachings to suit their community values. These Seven Teachings act as guiding principles towards restoration of the cultural values, beliefs, and practices that were forbidden to Indigenous peoples. Recognizing that not all First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and histories recognize The Seven Sacred Teachings or the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers, the intent is to be as inclusive as possible. Despite where the teachings may have originated, they share the importance of abiding by a moral respect for all living things. In May, the focus of the sacred teaching is on being truthful..

Truthfulness is represented by the Turtle. The teaching of Truth is represented by the Turtle.  Our motherland is referred to as Turtle Island.  To know and live truth is to walk and live all the Seven Sacred Laws.  Living truth means living in the spirit of Respect, Love, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth. It is when we live truth that we will know peace and find the truth of our humanity.  Our spiritual constitution is written on the turtle.  The turtle lives in the water and on the land to remind the whole world of the truth we should be living by. To know the truth is to know and understand all of the original laws as given by the Creator- and to remain faithful to them. It is said that in the beginning, when the Creator made man and gave him the seven sacred laws, the Grandmother Turtle was present to ensure that the laws would never be lost or forgotten. On the back of a Turtle are the 13 moons, each representing the truth of one cycle of the Earth’s rotations around the sun. The 28 markings on her back represent the cycle of the moon and of a woman’s body. The shell of the Turtle represents the body of real events as created by the Higher Power, and serves as a reminder of the Creator’s will and teachings.

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  1. Read and Sing Together
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1.  Read and Sing together 📚 

Reading children’s books about honesty and trustworthiness helps you start discussions about the consequences of being untruthful.. Consequences include possible punishment, losing the trust of others and telling more lies to cover the first one. Being untruthful also keeps the wrong person from getting blamed for something they didn’t do. Consider downloading these General Discussion Questions for Fiction books to ask children to encourage a deeper understanding of the story.

BOOKS ABOUT BEING TRUTHFUL. These picture books address a number of issues about honesty that kids will experience, such as the danger of how lies spin out of control, how to establish truthful relationships with others, and how feelings of guilt can only be relieved by honesty. Several books on the list can be useful books to teach children about lying and telling the truth, too. Even if you aren’t looking for a “message” book, these picture books are just plain entertaining! Telling the truth doesn’t always come easily or naturally for children. Kids know they should tell the truth, but they also don’t like to get into trouble or disappoint adults. We need to teach children to be truthful with their words and actions. In addition to modelling this, consider sharing these picture books about telling the truth.

  • Colette’s Lost Pet by Isabelle Arsenault. Colette explores her new neighbourhood, and another child asks what she is doing. Not knowing what to say, she says she is looking for her pet, a parakeet. Soon, community members search for the (fake) pet, which gets more impressive every time Colette talks about it. Finding the lost bird gives Colette the perfect opportunity to make new friends. This book promotes discussions on exaggeration, friendship, new home, truthfulness and community. 
  • The Boy Who Cried Wolf by B.G. Hennessy. “Nothing ever happens here,” the shepherd thinks. But the bored boy knows what would be exciting: He cries that a wolf is after his sheep, and the town’s people come running. How often can that trick work, though? The  retelling of this timeless fable is infused with fanciful whimsy through hilarious and ingenious illustrations. This tale is sure to leave readers grinning sheepishly.
  • The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His GRRRRR! by Rob Biddulph. Fred the Bear is training for the Best Bear in the Woods competition. When Boris the Bear steals Fred’s roar, his friends rally around. He realises it is best to forgive Boris, who soon sees the errors of his ways. This book promotes discussions on forgiveness, integrity, being truthful and respect.
  • I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. This is the first of two children’s books about honesty by Jon Klassen. Bear asks the animals if they have seen his lost, red, pointy hat, but they all deny seeing it. He feels dejected and worries he will never see his hat again. When a deer helps him remember, the bear confronts the guilty animal. This book promotes responsible decision-making, manners, cause and effect, honesty and integrity.
  • Martha Doesn’t Say Sorry by Samantha Berger. Martha does not apologise, ever. She soon learns that if she wants others to cooperate,  she must apologise for her behaviour. This book promotes themes of balance, cooperation, forgiveness, honesty, manners and reflection.
  • The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka. The reader gets to decide who is telling the truth in this fractured fairy tale of The Three Little Pigs. The wolf insists he was just trying to borrow some sugar to make a birthday cake for his poor old granny. This book promotes different perspectives, persuasion and honesty.
  • Princess K.I.M. and Too Much Truth by Maryann Cocca-Leffler. Kim tries to impress her new classmates with a lie. She finally realises she has to tell the truth but will it be too late to keep her new friends? This book reinforces themes of acceptance, forgiveness, honesty and identity.
  • Lying Up A Storm by Julia Cook. A storm is brewing… Whenever Levi doesn’t like the truth, he kinda, sorta makes up other stuff to say. One day his mother explains to him that telling lies will damage the trust of his friends and make him very sad. This book is a great resource to help children understand not only the consequences of telling a lie, but also how one lie can often lead to telling several more. It will help parents and teachers understand that lying can be a normal and sometimes healthy response for a child and offers tools to help guide children toward truthfulness.
  • The Berenstain Bears and the Truth by Stan & Jan Berenstain. When Mama goes to the market, Brother and Sister play soccer in the house . . . and end up breaking a lamp! When Mama asks them what happened, they tell her a series of whoppers that just get bigger and bigger. Will they ever tell her the truth?
  • Be Honest and Tell the Truth by Cheri J. Meiners. It’s never too soon to learn the difference between what’s true and what isn’t. Words and pictures help young children discover that being honest in words and actions builds trust and self-confidence. They also learn that telling the truth sometimes takes courage and tact. Includes discussion questions, skits, scenarios, and games that reinforce the ideas being taught.
  • Telling the Truth by Regina Burch. This book explores honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. It’s part of the Character Education Readers series.

  • Honesty Counts (Character Counts) by Marie Bender. This book defines honesty as a character trait and discusses how to be honest at home, with friends, at school, and in the community.

Let’s be Honest by P.K. Halinan. With rhyming verses and brightly coloured illustrations, P.K. Hallinan gently shows youngsters how to be honest. Hallinan carefully explains to youngsters that it’s okay to make a mistake here and there, but that telling the truth will set us free. Hallinan tackles a tough subject in an engaging and non-threatening manner. This book introduces the importance of being honest in a way that children will both enjoy and learn from

  • The Empty Pot by Demi. The Empty Pot is Demi’s beloved picture book about an honest schoolboy. A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. Anything he planted burst into bloom. The Emperor loved flowers too. When it was time to choose an heir, he gave a flower seed to each child in the kingdom. “Whoever can show me their best in a year’s time,” he proclaimed, “shall succeed me to the throne!” Ping plants his seed and tends it every day. But month after month passes, and nothing grows. When spring comes, Ping must go to the Emperor with nothing but an empty pot. Demi’s exquisite art and beautifully simple text show how Ping’s embarrassing failure is turned triumphant in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded. An IRA-CBC Children’s Choice. An American Bookseller “Pick of the Lists.”

BOOKS ABOUT TURTLES: Enjoy sharing the following books that focus on turtles and telling the truth.

  • The Tortoise and the Hare by Bernadette Watts. Slow and steady wins the race in this classic fable by Aesop and illustrated by the legendary European artist Bernadette Watts. When Tortoise says to Hare, “I bet I can beat you in a running race!” all the animals laugh. Tortoise puts one foot in front of the next. Hare stops to nibble carrot tops and cabbages. . . . Who will have the last laugh? Bernadette’s vibrant palette and thoughtful illustrations encourage readers to move at a tortoise’s pace to admire every detail.

  • The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery. From National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestseller Sy Montgomery comes an ode to one of the most diverse, fascinating, and beloved species on the planet: turtles. With dazzling illustrations and emotionally engaging, fact-filled text, this picture book will speak to the wisdom these long-lived animals can lend. Everyone loves turtles. And no wonder: long-lived, unhurried, and ancient, these shelled reptiles are fascinating. Turtles are also endlessly surprising. There are turtles with soft shells, turtles with googly eyes, turtles with necks longer than their bodies, and turtles whose shells glow in the dark! And each turtle, of each of the more than 300 kinds, is an individual. You’ll meet some of them here: Lonesome George, the last of his kind on Earth. And Myrtle, the 90-year-old green sea turtle, who has 7,000 followers on Facebook. What questions might you ask a turtle? You’ll find many of the answers in this gorgeous compendium—and perhaps be inspired to help at a time when these reptiles, who evolved at the same time as the dinosaurs, face the deadliest dangers of their more than 380-million year history.

  • Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius; A True Story about an Amazing Swimmer by Lynne Cox. Facts from the author by this book. In this picture book that is both heartwarming and exciting, join Yoshi, a sea turtle, on her remarkable journey as she swims farther than any animal in recorded history–23,000 miles!–to return to the beach where she first hatched, to lay her own eggs. Inside every loggerhead turtle is genius: the ability to find their first home, no matter how far away. Follow one, from her birth on a beach in Australia…to her trip across an ocean filled with sharks and seahorses and much more…to her rescue from a net by a fisherman, who names her Yoshi…to her rehabilitation at an aquarium…to her record-breaking swim across the Indian Ocean to the beach on which she hatched, to lay her eggs. Written by Lynne Cox, also a record-breaking swimmer, here is the true story of a sea turtle who swam the longest distance of any animal in recorded history.
  • Franklin Rides a Bike by Paulette Bourgeois. In this Franklin Classic Storybook, Franklin is determined to ride his bike without training wheels, and he can’t understand why it seems so easy for his friends — or why it’s so hard for him.
  • Franklin in the Dark by Paulette Bourgeois. This larger-format special collectible edition of the first Franklin book celebrates the 25th anniversary of the world’s most beloved turtle. Includes never-before-seen archival material and personal letters from the author and illustrator that offers a fun behind-the-scenes peek at this Canadian classic.A perfect gift for long-time fans and a new generation of readers alike.In the Franklin Classic Storybook that started it all, poor little Franklin has one of the most common childhood afflictions — he is afraid of the dark. This is particularly distressing for Franklin as he happens to be a turtle, and the darkness he fears is, of course, inside his own shell. Bravely, with shell in tow, he sets forth to seek help and in the course of his travels discovers a bird who is afraid of heights, a polar bear who is afraid of the cold, and even a hydrophobic duck. In the end, Franklin discovers that everybody is afraid of something, even his own mother, and his response to what he has learned is guaranteed to draw a smile.

  • Franklin’s New Friend by Paulette Bourgeois. Franklin has always lived in the same house in the same town, and he’s grown up with the same friends. Then new neighbours move in — the Moose family! At school, Mr. Owl asks Franklin to be Moose’s buddy. Initially, Franklin is afraid of Moose because of his size but he soon realizes that despite their differences, he has made a new friend in this Franklin Classic Storybook.
  • Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss There are three modern fables in the rhyming favorite book. The collection features tales about greed (“Yertle the Turtle”), vanity (“Gertrude McFuzz”), and pride (“The Big Brag”). In no other book does a small burp have such political importance! Yet again, Dr. Seuss proves that he and classic picture books go hand in hand.
  • Rodney Was a Tortoise by Nan Forler. This comforting and gently humorous picture book about bereavement and the strength of friendship shows how a child overcomes the sadness of her beloved pet’s death. Bernadette and Rodney are the best of friends. Rodney’s not so good at playing cards, but he’s great at staring contests. His favourite food is lettuce, though he eats it VERRRRRRY SLOOOOOWLY. And he’s such a joker! When Bernadette goes to sleep at night, Rodney is always there, watching over her from his tank. As the seasons pass, Rodney moves slower and slower, until one day he stops moving at all. Without Rodney, Bernadette feels all alone. She can’t stop thinking about him, but none of her friends seem to notice. Except for Amar. This is a moving story about friendship and loss. It shows the importance of expressing kindness and empathy, especially in life’s most difficult moments.

 

  • National Geographic Readers: Reptiles by Jennifer Szymanski. Slither, glide, creep, and crawl into the amazing world of reptiles! Meet lizards, alligators, turtles, snakes, and more in this engaging Co-reader. Packed with incredible photos of a wide variety of reptile species, this Co-reader dives into many of the things that make these scaly animals so unique. Young readers will learn about scales and scutes, why reptiles shed their skin, clever ways that reptiles stay safe, and more! These key features make National Geographic Co-Readers a winner with kids, parents, and educators. Accessible, yet wide-ranging information for kids ready to read with an adult or older reader—perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow! About the series: This high-interest, educationally-vetted readers series features magnificent National Geographic images, accompanied by text written by experienced, skilled children’s book authors.

Most kids know that being honest means not lying. But this quote reminds children that honesty is also shown through your actions. Being truthful includes being straightforward and not hiding the truth or trying to trick others. Being truthful includes acting in a way that is morally right. Share this quote (or print it as a poster) to help remind students that being a trustworthy person means speaking the truth and acting with truthfulness. 

SONGS ABOUT BEING TRUTHFUL AND HONEST:

SONGS ABOUT TURTLES

2. Create together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing 🧩 

ACTIVITIES ABOUT BEING TRUTHFUL: Things are not always as easy as a “truth” or a “lie” in kids’ minds.  Make-believe is a very real part of the life of young children and I personally feel that the nature of a “lie” probably indicates how seriously you should take the “trick.” Was the “lie” told to have fun?  Or was it to avoid getting in trouble?  You would probably address these situations quite differently. We should not leave discussions about telling the truth until the time we think our children have told a lie.  Emotions may run high during any given situation where someone’s truthfulness is in question and the child is probably going to be quite attached to what they have said, defending it no matter what. If we create playful and hands-on situations to learn about what truthfulness is, before it is needed, then we can help the children distinguish for themselves what “telling the truth” actually means.  This way they are prepared with the necessary knowledge when they are faced with a situation in which they are required to take “truth” seriously. The following are fun activities to teach children about telling the truth – to prepare them for real life situations when truthfulness is important:

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  • Ask children to brainstory five characteristics of a good friend. Have them trace their hand and create a picture similar to the one below.

Always seek truth.  Living the truth is living the Seven Teachings

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

ACTIVITIES ABOUT TURTLES:

  • Download these Pond life flash cards including the Turtle.
  • Share the following Turtle Prayer.  Remind children that teaching virtues such as patience, stability, and wisdom, the Turtle spirit is a wonderful spirit to call upon for guidance, protection, and understanding. Download this poster with the oneida language 13 Moons on Turtle’s Back.(oneidalanguage.ca) Ask children to create a turtle but include words for your local indigenous language.
  • Download the Turtle Counting Game. If you’re looking for more than a matching activity, you can have children write the numbers in the blank spaces if you laminate!

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT:

NUTRITION:

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭

Download this poster here.

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For young children and adults, being trustworthy means:

  • Telling the truth
  • Following the rules
  • Not taking things that don’t belong to you
  • Doing what you say you’ll do

When you think about teaching your children to be trustworthy, you must remember it does not happen overnight. Instead, adults should model for their children honesty and being trustworthy every day because you are the most important teacher your child will ever have.