The Emperor's Seeds
The emperor was growing old without an heir. He thus set out to find an honest person who could become his successor and look after his people. He gave to all candidates who came forward a single seed with the instruction to water it and make it grow and to report on the progress the following year.
All came back with pots of flourishing plants except one young man whose pot did not show any growth of a plant. This was the man who was proclaimed as the heir.
The reason? 
The seeds given out earlier had all been boiled so none of them could grow. But only one young man was honest enough, despite the fear that he could have done something wrong, to admit that it could not produce any growth despite all his care and attention. The rest were dishonest - they had substituted their given seed with another seed that actually grew into a plant. They too had thought like the young man but were too scared to tell the emperor the truth so they cheated.
The Cherry Tree
Another refers to a tale associated with George Washington, the first American president who as a little boy cut down a little tree as part of testing out his new axe. The tree was however important to his father who got angry when he found out someone had cut it down.
Despite being afraid of his father's anger, the boy courageously owned up to his action. But instead of being angry, his father hugged and praised him for being honest.
Some desirable traits for our child to have
- Trustworthiness
Be honest • Do not deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable - do what you say that you will do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal - stand by your family, friends and country
- Respect
Treat others with respect - follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Do not threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Use peaceful ways for conflict resolution - deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
- Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere - keep on trying no matter what • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act - consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
- Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded - listen to others • Do not take advantage of others • Do not blame others without finding out more about the issue or situation
- Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
- Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate - work amicably with one another • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed - and vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
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Values education: A Character Building Resource
