For the Classroom

Courage

Doing what is right despite personal risk

Courage helps educators address challenges with integrity and purpose.

When difficult conversations or decisions arise, courage ensures that student wellbeing remains the priority. Courage models strength and honesty for the entire school community.

Essay

It Took Courage

by Jill Tomey

The recent years for teachers have been more than challenging. It took Courage to learn new ways to teach with little time to adapt. It took Courage to accept that the plans you had made and your goals for the year were out the window. It took Courage to stay positive and look for the good. It took Courage to make connecting with your students as important as teaching them. It took Courage to practice self-care and not feel guilty. It took Courage to build up fellow teachers when your own confidence was elusive. It took Courage to stay vertical when you wanted to crawl back into bed. It took Courage to still love teaching despite the difficulties.

Where will you use your Courage next, now that you have exercised it so thoroughly?

Affirmations for the Classroom

I can be brave and do what is right, even when it feels a little scary.
I can ask for help when I’m not sure what to do.
I cheer for kids who make good choices.
I am brave enough to be kind, even when others are not.
I use my brave heart to help kids who are being hurt or treated unkindly.

Courage Resource Library

The Links below will take you to Resources like activities, lessons, reflections, tools, and visuals you can use in the classroom or in homeschool to teach the Character Quality of Courage.

Featured

Courage as a Core Value

Descriptions of Courage as a Core Value and how the other qualities support it.

Reading List Roundup: Courage Picture Books

A curated reading list for teaching Courage—plus a printable download and a link to the full Confidence bookshelf on Goodreads.

Courage as a Sidekick Quality

Descriptions of how Courage supports the other qualities.

Connecting Courage to the History Curriculum

Use stories of senators from your History curriculum to teach Courage

Fun with Character: Crush Your Fears

A classroom activity to help understand Courage by exploring overcoming personal anxieties and obstacles by symbolically crushing crackers inside a bag, and reflecting on how to take small, practical steps to conquer real-world fears.

Fun with Character: The Cowardly Lion

A classroom activity to help understand Courage by exploring personal experiences with bravery by recording or drawing a time students felt courageous on a lion worksheet, and reflecting on how past courage can motivate future actions.

Fun with Character: Backbone

A classroom activity to help understand Courage by exploring turning weaknesses into strengths by challenging students to make a piece of paper hold up a heavy book, and reflecting on how to build the inner "backbone" needed to stand up under pressure.

Picture Book Pick: Ron’s Big Mission

A featured Courage picture book—Ron’s Big Mission—with a read-along link and ready-to-use classroom discussion questions.

No Matter How You Say It: Courage

A quick language-and-meaning snapshot of Courage, showing the word origins, sign language, and common idioms anyone can discuss.

Courage Quotes

Looking for reminders that Courage makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Courage Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.

Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Use the holidays this month to celebrate our other qualities.

Featured

Juneteenth Activity

A simple Juneteenth activity.

June Character All Month

A list of classic and quirky holidays in June and their connection to a variety of character qualities.

Summersgiving

A simple Summersgiving activity.

Build Community in Your Classroom

Try these activities!

Featured

Getting to Know You: Fortunately, Unfortunately

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses stories to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Getting to Know You: Read All About it!

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses paper to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Courage

Doing what is right despite personal risk

Courage helps educators address challenges with integrity and purpose.

It Took Courage

Where will you use your Courage next, now that you have exercised it so thoroughly?

Affirmations for the Classroom

Courage Resource Library

Courage Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Build Community in Your Classroom

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