Do your kids or students stay quiet when they know something is wrong, or go along with the group because speaking up feels too scary? Helping Kids Have Courage and Improve Courage Skills is a Building Character workbook for ages 8 to 12 that helps kids understand what courage means, recognize the different types of courage they use every day, and speak up for themselves and others with assertive, respectful words.
This workbook is printed and shipped by Amazon. Order the paperback on Amazon.
The workbook was written by Tammy Roose, an upper elementary teacher and the creator of Tarheelstate Teacher, and is adapted from her Courage SEL Unit for upper elementary classrooms.
NOTE: This 97-page paperback is written for kids to work through on their own or alongside a parent or teacher. If you are teaching courage to a whole class, the Courage SEL Unit covers the same topic with 20 days of lesson plans and Google Slides (digital download only).
Through reading passages, sorts, communication scenarios, advice columns, and journal prompts, kids practice what to say and do when speaking up feels scary, including how to tell passive, assertive, and aggressive responses apart, how to flip a self-doubting thought into a confident one, and how to say no to peer pressure.
WHY PARENTS LOVE THIS WORKBOOK
- A Variety of Engaging Activities in One Book: Reading passages, sorts, communication scenarios, advice columns, graphic organizers, quote reflections, and creative projects like My Confidence Tree, My Brave Playlist, and My Brave Album Cover.
- Kids Can Work On Their Own or With an Adult: Directions are written for kids ages 8 to 12, so they can complete the activities independently or alongside a parent, teacher, or counselor. Children can work from the first page to the last, or skip to the sections that fit what they need right now. The Personal Courage Weekly Goal Reflection gives kids a place to record their progress on a courage goal week by week.
- Start with Understanding: The workbook opens with pages for adults on the four types of courage (moral, disciplined, intellectual, and empathetic) and The Courageous Sheet of Paper Activity, a short demonstration that shows kids how courage grows stronger with use.
- Setting Courage Goals that Can Continue After the Workbook: A Personal Courage Post Reflection & Action Plan, a Personal Courage Weekly Goal Reflection, a Courage Choice Board, and a Declaration of My Commitment to Courage help kids keep practicing brave choices.
- No Right or Wrong Answers: The activities focus on reflection, discussion, and real-world application.
WHAT'S INSIDE THE COURAGE WORKBOOK
✨ Section 1: Understanding Courage: What is Courage?, important vocabulary, Reflecting on My Courage, My Beliefs About Courage, Courage Reflection Prompts, the Big or Small Acts of Courage Sort, My Small But Mighty Acts, and Failing Forward with Courage
✨ Section 2: The Many Faces of Courage: Types of Courage, Sorting Through Types of Courage, The Bench story, Brainstorming Types of Courage, Graphing Acts of Courage, and Standing Up With Courage
✨ Section 3: Strengthening Courage Muscles: From the Deep End to the Podium, Moral, Disciplined, Intellectual, and Empathetic Courage Strategies, Bravery Boosters, My Confidence Tree, Situations That Test Our Courage, Flip That Thought! Turning Self-Doubt into Confidence, and I Can Think Courageous Thoughts
✨ Section 4: Assert Yourself With Confidence: Three Types of Communication, Distinguishing Between Passive, Assertive, & Aggressive Communication, Applying Different Communication Styles Scenarios, the Be Assertive Acrostic Poem, The Confident Coach Advice Column, Navigating Peer Pressure, and Confidence from the Inside Out
✨ Section 5: Living With Courage: My Brave Playlist, My Brave Album Cover, Courage Over Fear, The Challenges of Acting with Courage, a Personal Courage Post Reflection & Action Plan, a Courage Choice Board, and a Declaration of My Commitment to Courage
✨ Appendix: Recommended picture books about courage, optional historical courage research pages, and reproducible templates
Acting with courage isn't always easy, especially when speaking up means standing alone or trying something new in front of others. Helping Kids Have Courage and Improve Courage Skills helps kids speak up for themselves and others, try hard things, and stay true to their values when they feel nervous or unsure.
THIS WORKBOOK IS PERFECT FOR
- Parents and caregivers supporting social emotional learning at home
- Teachers and school counselors leading character education lessons
- Homeschool families and after-school programs
CASEL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT
Self-Awareness
- Linking feelings, values, and thoughts
- Experiencing self-efficacy
Self-Management
- Exhibiting self-discipline and self-motivation
- Setting personal and collective goals
- Showing the courage to take initiative
Social Awareness
- Demonstrating empathy and compassion
Relationship Skills
- Communicating effectively
- Resisting negative social pressure
- Standing up for the rights of others
Responsible Decision-Making
- Demonstrating curiosity and open-mindedness
- Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions
MORE BUILDING CHARACTER WORKBOOKS
Each workbook in the series follows a similar layout, so kids know what to expect from one topic to the next:
- Telling the Truth & Integrity
- Empathy & Caring About Others
- Being & Getting Motivated
- Being Yourself
- Making & Keeping Friends
- Setting Goals
- Showing Responsibility & Making Good Choices
- Growing in Gratitude
- Developing a Growth Mindset
- Conflict Resolution
BOOK DETAILS
- Paperback, 97 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches
- Ages 8 to 12 (grades 3 to 6)
- Author: Tammy Roose
- Publisher: Tarheelstate Teacher Publishing
- ISBN: 978-1968882013
- Available on Amazon: order the paperback here
Copyright © Tammy Roose, Tarheelstate Teacher LLC. The purchase of this workbook gives the buyer permission to reproduce pages for single classroom, home, or small group use only.
