Courage · Activity

Courage, Levels 5,6

5th & 6th Grade

Activity: Students review the heroic actions of Susan B. Anthony, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malala, and astronauts Armstong and Aldrin. They discuss how in each case, these heroes had to face their own anxieties and fears, but because they were willing to do that, they accomplished amazing feats. Students are reminded that all of these heroes at one time were ten or eleven years old, and they probably had to work on overcoming their own fears so they could develop the courage to do what they did later on in life. The purpose of this activity is a self-evaluation so that students can assess the degree of worry and fear they have and how that affects them. They are encouraged to be honest, and they are not required to share it with other students. If they want to discuss it with the teacher that is an option. 

Materials needed: A checklist for each student

Self-awareness checklist: Assessing my worries/fears* 

Directions: Read the statement and write a response about how often or much it affects you: never, sometimes, quite often, always. Keep in mind that none of these feelings are bad - most people, even adults have them - and the more you are aware of what you’re feeling, the easier it is to get help to do something about it. Consider sharing your list with a trusted adult, a parent, grandparent, coach, or teacher, and ask for their suggestions. They might share about how they overcame some of these feelings.  Offer support for anyone who needs help with the checklist. 



    \t
  • I get really frightened for no reason at all 


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  • I am afraid to be alone in the house 


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  • It is hard for me to talk with people I don’t know well 


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  • When I get frightened, I feel like I am choking 


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  • People tell me that I worry too much 


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  • I don’t like to be away from my family 


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  • I worry that something bad might happen to my parents 


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  • I worry about what is going to happen in the future


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  • When I get frightened, I feel like throwing up 


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  • I worry about how well I do things 


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  • I am scared to go to school 


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  • I worry about things that have already happened 


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  • When I get frightened, I feel dizzy


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  • I feel nervous when I am with other children or adults and I have to do something while they watch me (for example: read aloud, speak, play a game, play a sport)


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  • I feel nervous when I am going to any place where there will be people that I don’t know well 


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  • I think I’m too shy 


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  • Add any other worries or fears here and how they affect you using the rating system _______________________




*Developed by Boris Birmaher, MD, Suneeta Khetarpal, MD, Marlane Cully, MEd, David Brent, MD, and Sandra McKenzie, PhD. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pgh. (10/95). Email: [email protected] 

Wrap it up: Ask students if anyone wants to share with the class about how this activity helped them learn more about themselves and if they have any ideas about what to do to make positive changes. Remind other students to be respectful of what others are brave enough to share. Review why this will help them: when we’re aware of our challenges, we can get help to do something about it. If we don’t, it will keep on bothering us, and prevent us from doing the things we really want to do. 
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