Fun with Character: Backbone
Show the class a piece of paper and a paperback book. Stand the paper on its edge and challenge the class to make the paper hold up the book. See if they can come up with a way to make this happen. The trick is to tightly roll the paper into a tube about an inch or so in diameter. Now the paper will have no problem holding up the book. Sometimes we don’t think we have what it takes to be courageous and do the right thing. But just like the paper, we can turn our weaknesses into strengths if we work on it and create the backbone needed to hold up under pressure.
To process this activity, ask these or similar questions:
What were your first thoughts when I explained the challenge?
After I explained the trick, did you think you were tricked?
Do you think others have more courage than they think?
Do you think you have more courage than you think?
The next time you are fearful, will you remember how the paper rolled into a core and became stronger?