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Facing Fear with Courage

Lesson 3:

From Unit Character Education: Courage (Grade 8)

Lesson

Handouts

Academic Standards

Philanthropy Framework

6th-8th Grade

Subjects:

Language Arts, Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view

ELA:	Group Discussion; Journaling; Reflection
PHIL:	Character Education: Courage; Courage; Heroes; Reflection
SOC:	Good Character

Purpose:

Learners reflect on the relationship between courage and fear, and identify the different character attributes that guide us when facing a challenge.

Duration:

One 20-minute lesson

Objectives:

The learner will:

state that courage does not mean fearlessness.
reflect on the words of Gandalf from a passage in "The Lord of the Rings."

Service Experience:

Although this lesson contains a service project example, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

This character education mini-lesson is not intended to be a service learning lesson or to meet the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice. The character education units will be most effective when taught in conjunction with a student-designed service project that provides a real world setting in which students can develop and practice good character and leadership skills. For ideas and suggestions for organizing service events go to The League.

Instructional Procedure(s):

Anticipatory Set

Read an excerpt from "The Lord of the Rings" when Frodo tells Gandalf that he wishes he didn't have to go on this difficult journey.

Frodo: "I wish none of this had happened."

Gandalf: "So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

Discuss what this short exchange tells us about the hero, Frodo (he is afraid). Discuss the relationship between fear and courage.

Have the learners write in their journals a reflection on Gandalf's words above. Tell them to include their thoughts about the following: What wisdom does Gandalf share about how to face difficult situations? What character traits (in addition to courage) will guide you in "such times"?

Bibliographical References:

Tolkien, J.R.R. The Fellowship of the Ring. New York: Houghton Mifflin Co. 1954. ISBN: 0618002227

Lesson Developed and Piloted by:

Betsy Flikkema
Associate Curriculum Director
The LEAGUE Curriculum by Learning to Give

Barbara Dillbeck
Curriculum Director
The LEAGUE Curriculum by Learning to Give

Handouts:

Academic Standards:

State/Country:

Philanthropy Framework:

Unit Contents:

Overview:Character Education: Courage (Grade 8) Summary

Lessons:

1.: Courage in Star Wars
2.: Classic Hero Story
3.: Facing Fear with Courage