Courage Tool

Concept:

Courage is found in more places than superheroes performing amazing feats, firefighters saving lives, and dragon slayers in fairy tales. It also takes Courage to confront issues at school and at home that seem dangerous or difficult. This ranges from feeling fearful and vulnerable in front of people, in class, or in the dark alone, to living in poverty, dealing with a divorce in the family, or facing the death of a pet or a loved one. The Courage Tool allows us to be brave or to do things when we are afraid and vulnerable, it allows us to feel empowered. Another aspect of the tool is about teaching people to do what we think is the right thing, even when others oppose us or it goes against popular opinion. This becomes especially hard as we get older and there is pressure to be cool and be accepted into the “popular group”. Laying the foundation at an early age can give students skills that they will need as they get older.

Hand Gesture:

The hanging lamp is used to remind students that shining a light in the darkness helps us feel safer and braver, and allows us to see things the way they really are. It is easier to use our Tools when we see clearly what we are afraid of, and understand why it scares us. We can turn on the lamp inside us to illuminate the darkness and give us Courage. Have your students take one hand and softly thump twice on their chests, over their hearts. This can remind them that the light of Courage in their hearts will help them use their Tools, even in difficult situations. The tagline is “I have the courage to do the ‘right’ thing.”

Suggestions on how to introduce the tool to your students:

  • Show your students a real lamp or flashlight and ask why it might have been chosen to represent the Courage Tool.

  • What does “courage” mean to you?

  • Why do you think we need to be courageous?

  • Give examples of the many ways to show courage in everyday life, and discuss different kind of courage. (standing up for someone else, talking in front of the classroom, being in the dark, walking home by yourself, telling the truth when you’ve made a mistake, making a good choice when your friends are doing something they’re not supposed to)

  • There are four different ways we use courage:

    • When you do something you know is right, but are afraid to do it (sometimes for fear of making a mistake or failing)

    • When you don’t do something you know is wrong, even though someone is pressuring you to do it.

    • When you stand up for what is right, even when you stand alone.

    • What you express yourself, even though some people might disapprove.

  • Print out or read the attached scenarios and decide which type of courage is being expressed.

  • Ask students what other Tools they can use in order to access the Courage Tool

Practice and implementation- choose from the following:

  • Model courage by letting children know if you are nervous or anxious about something, and telling them how you are using your Courage Tool.

  • Notice your students using courage, then name it, and celebrate it.

  • Hold a class circle for all to practice talking about situations in which they would want to use courage, but it might be difficult.

  • Tie courage with conversations about bullying, bystanders, and victims. Help children explore their inner sense of knowing what is right and following the heart to stand up for what is right.