• Introduction
• What is Courage?

WHAT IS COURAGE?

Grade Three Curriculum

“The possibility that we may fall in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.”

– Abraham Lincoln

Courage is personal bravery in the face of fear. It is doing what needs to be done even when it is difficult or scary. Courage is persevering even when a person feels like giving up and quitting. Courage can mean recognizing a danger yet standing firm. It does not mean taking unnecessary risks just to look brave. Courage is needed in trying new things, in facing difficult situations and in standing back up when you have fallen or made a mistake. Courage is doing what you know is right even when someone makes fun of you or calls you names.

YOU SHOW COURAGE WHEN YOU:

• Do what you know is right even when it is hard or scary
• Ride in an elevator even though you have a fear of small, closed-in spaces
• Are blind but take swimming lessons
• Apologize to someone after your realize you have made a mistake
• Go to the rescue or help someone in trouble
• Say ‘hello’ to a classmate who has no friends at school
• Like someone who is not very popular
• Say ‘no’ to something you know is wrong
• Persevere with your goals despite obstacles
• Are willing to try new things
• Ask for help from others when you need it
• Find courage in your heart even if others laugh at you or call you names
• Go ahead and do something you want to do even if you still feel afraid.

OTHER COURAGE RESOURCES:

• All by Myself by Anna Grossnickle
• Hines Courage by Bernard Weber
• Courage by Kristin Thoennes Keller
• Donutheart by Sue Stauffacher
• Harriet and the Roller Coaster by Nancy Carlson
• Have Courage, Hazel Green! by Odo Hirsch
• Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan
• Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber
• Little Dog Moon by Maxine Trottier
• One Leap Forward by Donna Jo Napoli
• Profiles in Sports Courage by Ken Rappoport
• Sheila Rae The Brave by Kevin Henkes
• The Quest for Courage by T.F.Marsh
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
• Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff

RELATED VIRTUES:

Politeness, Considerate, Responsible, Perseverance, Self-respect, Integrity, Bravery