Lesson #4 Courage

Twelve Gifts Title

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Overview

Key Understanding:

Courage is often associated with bravery and heroic acts.   Courage is something we all have and use every day in small, seemingly ordinary ways. We use courage when we face fears and challenges.   We all need courage to be true to ourselves, which is one very important way to use this gift.   We are all called to be heroes. The spiral is a symbol of each person’s own path.

Objectives:

         To recognize that each of us is born with this gift.

         To identify ways we use this gift.

         To understand at least a small aspect of this gift experientially.

         To see how applying this gift can enrich our lives.

Supplies:

Pre-K – Grade 1:

A copy of The Twelve Gifts of Birth
Treasure Chests and Treasure Cards from Lesson 1, crayons
Copies for each child of “My Own Path” Courage Activity Sheet 1

Grades 2 – 3:

A copy of The Twelve Gifts of Birth
Treasure Chests and Treasure Cards from Lesson 1, crayons or colored pencils
Copies for each child of “My Own Path” Courage Activity Sheet 2

Grades 4 – 6:

A copy of The Twelve Gifts of Birth
Student journals from Lesson 1
Paper, colored pencils, or markers

OPEN LESSON
Set stage for respect, trust, and discovery. Use cue.

ENGAGE THE LEARNER
Have children look at the 4-page section on courage in The Twelve Gifts of Birth. Read the text. “The third gift is Courage. May you speak and act with confidence and use courage to follow your own path.”

Pre K – Grade 1

Grades 2 – 3

Grades 4 – 6

Explain that today we are learning about courage. Sometimes, like the lion in the Wizard of Oz, we think we don’t have courage because we feel fear. But like the lion, we do have courage to help us whenever we feel afraid.

We use courage when we try new things that feel a little scary, like learning how to ride a bike. We also use courage when we stand up for what we believe is right. Ask children to think of a time they felt afraid and used courage. It might have been to stand up and speak in front of the class, or to turn off a light even though they felt afraid of the dark.

Ask students to name words they associate with courage. Then ask for actions they associate with courage. Acknowledge that there are many ways to use courage and that courage is similar to strength. Often they are used together. Stress that we all have courage, even though, like the lion in the Wizard of Oz, we sometimes think that we do not because we feel afraid. Refocus on the photo and text. Ask students what it means to “follow one’s own path.” Point out that she is carrying binoculars, perhaps to engage in bird watching. Talk with students about having an interest not shared by others.

Invite students to offer initial thoughts of ways courage is used. Acknowledge that some people reserve the label of courage for extraordinary heroism such as rescue acts we might see on the news. Stress that courage is also used everyday by all of us in ordinary ways. Point out that, like the lion in The Wizard of Oz, we all sometimes question if we have courage, especially when we feel fear. Remind them that without fear there would be no need for courage. An important use of courage is being true to yourself even if you are being criticized for thinking differently. On the other hand, courage is not taking bold risks just to attract attention.

DEVELOP THE IDEAS

Pre K – Grade 1

Grades 2 – 3

Grades 4 – 6

Focus attention on the photo and text. Notice that there are two hiking trails and the girl is choosing one. Notice the binoculars she is carrying. Perhaps she likes to watch birds. Point out that we all can have different interests and hobbies and that we use courage when we are true to ourselves —when we acknowledge our own interests and needs, when we do what we believe is right, when we “follow our own path.”

Invite children to talk about why it sometimes takes courage to follow one’s own path in other ways. Does it sometimes take courage to do things our friends do not? Does it ever take courage to not engage in interests that your friends have? In what ways do students use courage?

Encourage discussion of the photo and text. Ask for interpretations. What does it mean to “follow one’s own path?” Why does it require courage to “follow one’s own path?”

Have students make a simple map that includes their home and school neighborhoods. On their map, have them draw a line that shows the path they usually take. Using other colors, have them draw other possible paths. Discuss why it is helpful to be aware of many possible career paths and life choices as well as travel routes. Discuss the value of everyone choosing their own path in life.

EXPERIENCE AND APPLY THE LEARNING

Pre K – Grade 1

Grade 2 – 3

Grades 4 – 6

Provide each child with the “My Own Path” Courage Activity Sheet 1. Point out that there are more ways then one to reach the treasure. Encourage children to choose the path through the maze that looks best to them. Have children find the courage card in their treasure chest. Have them make the spiral path symbol of courage above the word, in a color they choose. If time allows, children can draw a picture of themselves using the courage on the back of the card. Then have them replace their card in the chest.

Provide each child with the “My Own Path” Courage Activity Sheet 2. As a reminder to always be true to themselves, have them draw a line to the treasure, following a path through the maze that seems best to them. Have students make the courage symbol on their courage card, write "I have" above the word and write about or draw a picture of a time they used courage on the back of the card.

Have students write about courage in their journals. They may choose to write about a time they used courage or a way they might want to use it in the future. Encourage students to summarize their thoughts and feelings.

SUMMARY AND EVALUATION

Review what was learned about courage. If time allows, have students share understandings. Acknowledge that they have already been using courage and that they will use it in many ways in the future. Remind them they will continue to explore the use of other gifts in upcoming lessons.

CLOSE LESSON - Create a ceremonial sense of having completed an important discovery. Use cue to end the lesson.

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