Courage is a virtue, a habit of putting good values into practice. We aim to help children develop the strength to do or say what is right and good and to overcome fear, anxiety or any negative attitude that weakens one’s confidence to do and say what is right and good. This virtue is also called fortitude.

Leading by example. Children look to us for examples of how they should act or behave. Although the time they spend in school is a fraction of the rest of their day, you have a prime opportunity to form courageous adults.

Growing through knowledge. Having good information from reliable sources helps someone have the courage of their convictions. Good catechesis gives children reliable knowledge of our faith. Good education equips children to make wise decisions and stay safe.

Growing through experience. The greatest motivation for courage is love from people, such as their family and friends, who children can trust to stand up for them and help them to be the best they can be.

Meeting challenging life situations. In every lesson in every grade level of your Family Life series, children see opportunities to develop the knowledge, self-confidence, and assertiveness skills that they will need to recognize dangerous situations, avoid them if possible, and respond appropriately in time of need. Growing in courage helps children to be safe from abuse, but also helps them respond to other challenges that require them to decide to put their values into practice.

Classroom Applications 

• Explain that it is OK to be afraid of some things and that it helps them to know what is safe and what is not.
• Name something that you are afraid of (without getting too personal). Start with a fun example: I am afraid of spiders. Ask students to help you think of steps you could take to become less afraid. Help them include key safety steps: Asking for help and recognizing potential dangers. In my spider example, the list would include: Learning how to identify spiders that are poisonous, planning to stay away from spiders, identifying a person you can trust to take care of the spider for you.
• Ask volunteers to name something they are afraid of. Ask the class to make helpful suggestions that include knowledge, planning, and identifying a trusted helper.
• Introduce other situations that require courage: Standing up for someone who is begin bullied; saying no to peer pressure; making a new friend.
• Scripture by heart. Remind them that God is always on their side. Invite students to commit one of these verses to memory:
  • “Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
  • “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you.” - Isaiah 41:10
  • “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” - John 16:33

Product Highlight

Family Life Second Edition

Family Life Second Edition is the newly updated edition of RCL Benziger's leading K-8 supplemental program that addresses key concerns of today's Catholic families. Family Life includes child safety education in every grade level, promotes virtuous living, and strengthens Catholic identity.

The Family Life program reinforces the Catholic virtues and values that your students attain with their education. Family Life is essential to your school-based religious education program and meets Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) standards and benchmarks.

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