Learners identify the motivations of Jackie Robinson. They discuss what could make some people do something difficult even when they are afraid.

The learner will:

• identify times when doing the right thing is difficult.
• discuss the motivations of Jackie Robinson to do the difficult thing.
• identify personal motivations to do courageous acts.

Anticipatory Set

Ask the learners to brainstorm examples of times people might choose not to do the right thing because they are afraid or because it might not be cool (for example, reminding someone to recycle). Display this list for the remainder of the unit.

• Remind the learners about Jackie Robinson's courage. He was a proud and competitive man who had to do the right thing when all the pressure was for him to back down.
• Ask the students to think about what motivated him to show that level of courage. Then have them pair up to discuss this question with a partner. After a few minutes of partner discussions, ask for volunteers to share with the whole class what drove Jackie Robinson to show incredible courage.
• Ask students to write the key ideas from the discussion on a display board. (Examples: He was acting in the interest of the common good. He thought he could endure the insults for three years because the outcome was worth it. He wanted to play ball because it was his passion and strength. He felt it was the right thing to do.)
• Ask the students to star the key ideas that they think they could do. What motivations of Jackie Robinson's do they share? What would motivate them to do something difficult even though they are afraid?