Navigation
This lesson teaches students that courage includes standing up for what is right, even when it is scary or unpopular.
Imagine you see someone being teased at recess. Your heart beats fast, and your stomach feels like it's doing flips. Do you walk away, or do you say something? That feeling in your chest is the start of a superpower called courage.
When we think of courage, we often think of action movie heroes or people who climb tall mountains. This is physical bravery. It involves overcoming a fear of getting hurt. But there is another kind of courage that is just as important: moral courage. Moral courage is when you do the right thing even when you are afraid of what others might think. It’s not about your muscles; it’s about your values. While physical bravery might help you jump off a high diving board, moral courage helps you tell the truth when it’s hard or stand up for a friend who is being treated unfairly.
Quick Check
What is the main difference between physical bravery and moral courage?
Answer
Physical bravery is about overcoming fear of physical harm, while moral courage is about doing the right thing despite social pressure or fear of what others think.
In school, we often see things that don't feel right. A bystander is someone who sees something happening but doesn't join in or help. An upstander, however, uses moral courage to take action. Being an upstander doesn't mean you have to be loud or start a fight. It means you 'stand up' for the rules of kindness. This could be as simple as saying, 'That’s not cool,' when someone tells a mean joke, or inviting a student who is sitting alone to join your game. It takes courage because you might worry that the 'cool' kids will get mad at you, but doing the right thing protects your school community.
1. You notice a group of students laughing at a younger student's drawing. 2. You feel a 'ping' in your stomach telling you this is wrong. 3. You walk over and say, 'I actually think the colors they used are really cool.' 4. You ask the younger student if they want to play tag. By doing this, you shifted the energy from mean to kind.
Quick Check
What do we call a person who sees something wrong and chooses to help?
Answer
An upstander.
Courage isn't always a big, public event. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do happens when no one is watching. This is everyday courage. It includes things like honesty (admitting you broke something instead of hiding it), persistence (trying a hard math problem again after failing), and vulnerability (admitting you are sad or need help). These moments are like 'courage muscles.' The more you practice being honest and trying hard things, the stronger your courage becomes for the big moments.
1. You accidentally kick a ball through a small shed window while playing alone. 2. No one saw you do it. 3. You feel tempted to run away and pretend it wasn't you. 4. Instead, you go to the owner, explain what happened, and offer to help clean it up. This is moral courage because you chose honesty over an easy escape.
1. Your whole group of friends decides to exclude a new student from a party. 2. You know the new student is nice and would feel hurt. 3. You speak up to your friends, saying, 'I think we should invite them; it's the right thing to do.' 4. Even if your friends disagree at first, you stay firm in your value of inclusion. This combines moral courage with social risk.
Which of these is an example of moral courage?
What is the best definition of an 'upstander'?
Courage only counts if you are doing something dangerous like fighting a dragon.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, try to remember the difference between a 'bystander' and an 'upstander.' Can you think of one time today you could have been an upstander?
Practice Activity
Practice 'Everyday Courage' today: If you make a small mistake, admit it immediately instead of making an excuse. Notice how it feels in your chest!