The first time the kids in our classes understand the word, ‘integrity’, is usually during a game of dodgeball, when one of them is hit by the ball, but doesn’t declare themselves, ‘out’. This is a simple way of explaining to them the importance of telling the truth.
Children can be serial liars! Apparently children start to lie from the age of 3 and by 8 years old, they can be quite competent liars. It doesn’t take them long to realise, however, that in the dojang they are expected to always tell the truth and there are plenty of instructors and assistants there to keep an eye out to ensure that they do. Kids are quick learners and it is gratifying for an instructor to watch their development in this area. One of the ways of encouraging children to tell the truth is by praising their honesty. We do this in class when the students have been told there is a consequence attached to something, such as if they get hit by a ball in a game, they must do three star jumps. When we see the children doing their star jumps without being reminded, we make a point of praising them. Some need a gentle reminder and they soon learn to do it themselves.
Over the past few months, the integrity of top level athletes from many sports has been called into question. This makes me so sad, especially as Olympic taekwon-do was mentioned in one of the reports. By teaching our students the importance of integrity at the grass roots level, I hope that it becomes embedded in their character and conscience.