Go to the program description page
Go to the Ring of Valor home page
You are at Awareness skills Go to the problem solving skills page Go to the caring skills page Go to the facing fear page Go to the action skills page
Go to Program Implementation Go to Links Go the Bullying application of The Ring of Valor Go to other programs at the WonderWise Parent

Awareness skills
3. What is courage?
Go to Awareness lesson 1Go to Awareness lesson 2You are at Awareness lesson 3Go to Awareness lesson 4Go to Awareness lesson 5Go to Awareness lesson 6Go to Awareness lesson 7go to Awareness lesson 8

Key ideas
1. Courage and fear can coexist.
2. Courage can exist in different intensities.
3. Courage is not necessarily aggression.
4. Courage often goes unnoticed.

Activity
Ask children to define what "courage" means. List their ideas on a chalkboard. Create a definition of "courage" using their own words. Children may believe that courage involves an absence of fear. Tell a story (of a firefighter, for example) to illustrate that a person acting courageously can also feel afraid. Blend the key ideas into the discussion and definition. Review our thoughts about courage on our Q&A page.

Courage exists in different intensities depending on the immensity of the danger or obstacle to overcome. Speaking up in class can involve courage. So can stopping the cruelty of a bully. Courage is not necessarily the use of force. A parent caring for a dying child may reveal courage. Most courage never gets the attention of others. Avoid associating courage only with public accolade.

Ask children to give examples of courage based on the definition created. You might use the following incidents to explore opportunities for courage.

Does courage matter in the following situations?
You see someone your age making fun of a new kid in your school.
You break something special that belongs to one of your parents when they are not around.
You see a classmate stealing something from someone's locker.
You have to give a speech to the entire school.

Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion for this lesson? Go to the author contact page.
backnext

maphttp://www.ksu.edu/wwparent/programs/hero/hero-aware-3.htm--Revised June 13, 2005
Copyright © 1996-2005 Charles A. Smith. All rights reserved.