Book - Middle School - Courage - 1/24/2023

Copyright© 2022 Cloud9World™ Corp. Written by Pamela L. Bruening, Ed.D. Illustrated by Norman Smith and Franky Carrillo www.cloud9world.com, schools@cloud9world.com Cloud9World™ and all related titles, logos, and characters are registered trademarks of Cloud9World™ Corp. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Published by Cloud9World™ Corp. Miami, FL Printed in the USA

Courage - Table of Contents

About Courage - Page 4

What It Is - Page 6

What It Isn’t - Page 7

Weighing In - Page 8

Reflections - Page 10

Next Steps - Page 11

Create Your Own Ending School Vignettes

No Bullying Allowed - Page 12

The Audition - Page 16

The Speech - Page 20

Create Your Own Ending Work Vignettes

Customer Service - Page 24

Busted - Page 26

The Broken Frame- Page 28

Courage Challenge - Page 30

Resources - Page 31

About Courage

Most people think of heroes with the word courage, but courage is a character strength that anyone can learn and develop. Courage is taking a risk even when you are scared or nervous about the potential outcome. Courage requires digging deep inside to access inner strength to do something new, meet a giant challenge, or face a fear.

Courage is inside every person but needs to be unleashed to be recognized. Courage can be witnessed in individuals facing tough times, poor health, or facing a difficult problem. Courage can also be found in those who take risks daily and push themselves to try new things. People who show courage are admired for overcoming fears, challenges, and mountains of difficulties or even chronic stress.

Courage is expressed through actions rather than words. In fact, courageous people do difficult things every day.

They may show courage by not giving up or backing down. They may show courage in helping others or standing up for justice against someone being bullied. They may develop courageous habits, such as trying something new every day, admitting their mistakes to others, or doing the right things when it is very difficult.

Courageous people often inspire those around them to be courageous. Their lives are usually exciting, filled with new learning, and sprinkled with failures.

Courageous people view mistakes and disappointments as learning opportunities. They tend to not back down and are unafraid to try new ideas. The courageous person accomplishes much in life and makes the most of every opportunity presented.

People who adopt courage are willing to do whatever it takes to make progress, grow and learn. Courageous people can usually laugh at themselves when they make mistakes, learn from them, and continue forging ahead.

They view hurdles as learning opportunities and spend time in honest reflection to make changes, overcome disappointments, and muster strength from within. Courageous people defy the odds and accomplish things because of their refusal to give up. They often inspire others to do the same.

People tend to gravitate toward and follow courageous people. Cowardly people run from challenges and are complacent or content with the way they’ve always done things. They take few chances and avoid anything that may make them uncomfortable.

What It Is

Courage is…

• Trying something new.

• Going forward even when it is scary or uncertain.

• Facing your fears.

• Persevering through trials.

• Believing that tough times make you stronger.

• Not giving up, even when it is much easier.

• Allowing yourself to feel vulnerable for a little while.

• Digging deep into yourself for strength.

• Speaking affirmative messages to yourself.

• Being open to learning and growth from failures and disappointment.

Examples of courage:

• Standing up for someone without knowing the outcome.

• Doing something you are afraid to do.

• Giving a speech in class.

• Trying out for a team.

• Trying a new skill for the first time.

• Saying “You can do it!” to yourself.

• Starting a conversation if you are shy.

What It Isn’t

Courage isn’t…

• Giving up before you even start.

• Running from challenges.

• Unless they put you or others in danger.

• Giving into your doubts.

• Speaking negative messages to yourself.

• Giving in to fears and uncertainties while trying something new.

• Avoiding vulnerability.

• Enjoying complacency rather than growth.

Lack of courage:

• Avoiding the dance because you might be ignored.

• Deciding you don’t like something just because you aren’t good at it yet.

• Avoiding tough times at all costs.

• Be unwilling to attempt to face your fears but accepting them as part of who you are.

• Saying “I might as well not even try.”

Weighing In

Now that you know what COURAGE is and isn’t, let’s weigh in on what is in it for you and the outcomes for not adopting COURAGE as a character strength in your own life. While it is always a choice to exhibit any character strength in your life. Consequences, both positive and negative, always follow based on your choices.

There are many benefits to developing courage. Courageous people earn a special level of respect for the risk-taking involved in overcoming fears and challenges, even when mistakes are often made. People admire and follow courageous people, inspired by their resiliency, focus, and commitment to doing whatever it takes to succeed. Developing courage also increases one’s flexibility and tolerance for change, allowing one to adapt easily to many different areas of life.

Conversely, people without courage are most often thought of as rigid, lacking courage, and fearful of making mistakes and the resulting growth. While “playing it safe” has some advantages, overcoming fears and meeting challenges head-on, even with failure sometimes, eliminates the opportunity to learn and grow from experiences.

Reflections

How do you visualize courage?

Most people can quickly visualize a picture of courage in their minds. Some may visualize a courageous person brimming with resilience and physical discipline to fight a terminal disease. Others may visualize heroic reactions and physical strength in an emergency. Still, others may picture someone standing up for what they believe in, facing ridicule from opposing opinions. Many may also picture someone making the right choice or standing for what is right, even when it is the most difficult thing to do with possible negative consequences. Many of these examples describe physical, moral, or social courage.

Some kinds of courage are more challenging to visualize because they take place in the mind. Emotional courage, for example, describes the courage to face your positive and negative emotions without guilt or attachment . It is challenging to examine feelings and emotions in an objective manner, yet the ability to do this can support your emotional growth and the development of wisdom. Spiritual courage is also largely unseen. Spiritual courage is living with meaning and purpose beyond daily living cares of the world. This heart-centered approach sets and maintains priorities that matter most to your heart and what you know as truth. It takes courage to live with meaning and purpose when many people around you may not fully appreciate your priorities.

Perhaps the most challenging courage of all is intellectual courage. Intellectual courage is the willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn with an open and flexible mind. Intellectual courage supports intellectual growth because the desire to grow and learn is stronger than the fear of failing, making mistakes, or ignorance. This level of courage requires self-control of the mind and ego. Think about your courage. What kinds of courage do you already possess? What kinds of courage would you like to grow?

Next Steps

To develop courage, start by listing your current fears. Choose one of your fears to face. Outline 10 ways you could take small steps toward facing and overcoming that fear. Begin to focus your thoughts on those you who would be considered courageous. Make a list of these people, and what they have done that is courageous. Make a conscious effort to try a new thing every day, even if it is as simple as going home a different way. Developing this habit will help you to develop confidence and courage.

Create Your Own Ending School Vignettes No Bullying Allowed

Jamal and Hector were buddies. They had known each other and been best friends since they were eight years old. When they got to high school, they took the same classes, but when it came to athletics, they both excelled in different sports. Jamal was the goalie on the soccer team, and Hector was the star quarterback for the football team. Besides that, they were both members of the high honors club and the STEAM team.

Their senior year in high school was moving quickly. The boys loved their school and supported all the activities and events. This was just one of the reasons Jamal and Hector were so well-liked by their peers and teachers.

No Bullying Allowed

Jaxson was a quiet young man who was a student in the same middle school as Jamal and Hector. He, too, was in the high honors club and part of the STEAM team. He usually went unnoticed by others because he was so shy and introverted. Jaxson rarely interacted with the other students except to answer and apply his academic prowess. And Jaxson never ate in the cafeteria; he usually sat outside at a picnic table by himself with a book.

One day during lunch, Jamal and Hector along with a small group of friends, decided to play frisbee out on the field. They walked out of the cafeteria laughing and joking. One of the boys in the group stopped by the table where Jaxson was sitting reading his book.

“Hey Jax, we would ask you to play but you can’t chew gum and walk at the same time,” the boy said laughingly to Jaxson.

“Yeah,” another student said, “can you see Jaxson of all people playing frisbee? Nope, that will never happen.”

Jaxson sat there restlessly, ignoring the comments. It was not the first time he had heard such things. He was not going to let them know that their snide remarks were hurtful.

Jamal and Hector heard what was being said behind them and stopped in their tracks. The boys looked at each other and were furious about what they had just heard coming from the mouths of people they thought were their friends. Jamal decided that he and Hector had to do something to support Jaxson.

Jamal spoke first. “Hey, Jax, how about coming out to the field and watching us play frisbee?”

Jaxson looked up from his book with a slight smile on his face. He had never been asked to do anything with Jamal and Hector or anyone else for that matter. “Wait, not only should you watch us play, you should play on our team; Jamal and I can teach you! What do you say Jax?” Hector said enthusiastically.

Jaxson stood up, put his book in his backpack, and started walking.

Create your own ending to this story.

The Audition

Katy had a great voice. She had been taking vocal lessons for a few years. Her parents kept telling her she should audition for one of the school musicals, but as of her 11th-grade year, Katy was too scared to do that. Her mom was confident that everyone at school, especially the drama teacher, would be quite impressed with Katy’s singing ability.

Senior year was upon her, and Katy was as excited as her friends. They had done lots of shopping before the first day of school. The girls could not wait to show off their new clothes at school. Plus, they texted for hours about all of the senior year activities and events that they were more than ready for after watching the past three senior classes before them having such fun. Yes, it was going to be a fabulous year, and it was about to start.

The first week of school brought new classes, new teachers, and some new friends. All good things that Katy loved. Her best friend, Lenz, was so excited that she did not stop smiling and laughing that whole week. Lenz had told her friend that this was the year that she was going to try new things and rock at all of them.

The first thing on the list, participate in the Annual Fall Music Festival. Lenz was a good violin player and played in many concerts over the last four years.

Katy asked Lenz, “what are you going to do for the Festival? Play your violin?”

Lenz replied, “well, of course. I chose a popular classical piece, but I am going to put a little country twist on it. OMG it will be so much fun, Katy.”

Lenz was the only one of Katy’s friends who knew she had a dynamic voice. Katy did not want her friends to know of her talent, and Lenz could never understand why. Lenz respected Katy and her wishes. But some afternoons, Lenz and Katy would jam for their families.

The sign read, “Annual Fall Music Festival auditions will be held Friday at 4 PM in the auditorium.”

Katy looked at the sign repeatedly. This would be her last chance to perform for her peers, teachers, and an audience. It was something she really wanted to do, and knowing that Lenz was auditioning made it even more exciting to think about.

She was scared, not that she would not do well or not be chosen but to let everyone know she could sing. This would be a huge step to opening up about herself to a lot of people.

At 4 PM Friday, Katy stood outside the door of the auditorium.

The Speech

Amal and her family had come here from England to live. Her dad was a professor at a university. Her mother was a nurse and worked in a local hospital. Amal was a quiet young girl. She never had many friends in the UK, and here she was, going to a new school and having to adjust to life in a different country. It seemed like a lot to ask of her, but her mother and father were understanding, loving, and caring when it came to Amal’s happiness. They supported her each and every day.

School was OK. Amal did not talk to many students, and when she did it was either to ask a question about the location of a classroom or ask a teacher to explain an assignment.

She was smart and astute and was getting good grades so far. She most enjoyed her Civics class and excelled in that class. Amal and the teacher would have conversations and discussions about world governments and how to be a good citizen, and much more. Amal felt comfortable talking to Mr. Heers since he, too, had moved from the UK only three short years before Amal and her family.

Mr. Heers was also the club faculty sponsor for the Social Studies Club. He encouraged Amal to join and sit in on the meetings one day a week. She reluctantly did and found that she was making friends. Amal was still quiet and reserved, but now she was well-liked by many of the students in the club too.

It was time for the election of Student Council officers for the school year. Student Council was the group of students that worked with the student body, teachers, and administrators to make student life the best it could be. The president was pivotal in making “things” happen for the students. The person elected as the president would have to be a role model and leader of the school. Her new friend from the Social Studies Club, Justyna, told Amal she should run for the office of president.

“Amal, you would be such a great leader for the student body,” Justyna told her. “All you have to do is make a speech and tell everyone what you will try to do for us this year.”

Amal looked perplexed.

“A speech? Who would I give the speech to? The principal and Mr. Heers?” questioned a horrified Amal.

Justyna giggled and said, “no, silly; you would give the speech in front of the entire school. You would be great at it!”

Amal stood frozen. The thought of making a speech in front of the entire student body and teachers frightened her. After all, she was new to this school. Maybe everyone would “boo” her, or maybe she would have stage fright, and words would not come out of her mouth.

Amal looked at her friend and groaned, “Justyna, I cannot make a speech in front of everyone!”

Justyna encouraged Amal again, “sure you can, and it will be the coolest speech any candidate has ever made because I will help you and stand with you the whole time.”

The next week was campaign week. Justyna and Amal made lots of posters and handed out flyers and candy bars to everyone. Justyna did all the talking while Amal stood to the side and smiled, and answered questions. Amal’s mind was on making the speech on Friday.

She and Justyna wrote a speech and asked Mr. Heers to proofread it and make any suggestions he felt would help Amal. He was impressed by the speech and did not find anything he felt would make it better. Amal read it out loud to Mr. Heers and Justyna. Her legs and arms shook from nerves, and her voice cracked a few times. Mr. Heers encouraged Amal to keep practicing at home in front of a mirror. She did just that, but still, those nerves persisted.

Friday seemed to show up quickly, Amal thought. She dressed nicely as she always did and walked to the podium to be introduced along with the other officer candidates. She and Bergen West were the only two running for president. Bergen was already president of the honor roll club and the Key Club.

Bergen gave his speech, and everyone roared with applause. It was Amal’s turn. She looked out into the audience as her name was announced. She stood up and started walking toward

Create Your Own Ending Work Vignettes Customer Service

Richard worked at a small copy shop with his friend Lindsay. They would spend the day helping customers with their orders, making copies, and printing banners and signs. The copy shop also had a small coinoperated copy machine for customers who had to make only a few simple black and white copies.

One day during their shift, an older man entered the store. He went to the register where Lindsay was working with a dollar bill in his hand.

“I need change for a dollar!” He barked.

“Yes, sir, no problem,” Lindsay said, handing the man his change.

The man shuffled over to the coin-operated copier, grumbling, with a file folder under his arm.

Richard was at the computer station and looked with his eyebrows raised at Lindsay. She shrugged and went on with her work duties.

Soon there was a commotion as the man released a bad word and banged on the copier. Looking red with frustration, the man headed over to the register again.

Richard could see the man yelling at Lindsay over the copier malfunctioning. It seemed as if the man blamed Lindsay for making him late and messing up his papers to be copied. Lindsay was trying to calm the man down but was getting visibly upset due to the man’s harshness.

Richard was trained to give excellent customer service, and he understood that the man could be having an off day. He needed to calm the man down but was not sure what to do.

Create your own ending to this story.

Mercedes was busy reorganizing a shelf at the bookstore where she worked when the door chimed. She leaned from behind the bookshelf to see Mrs. Miller, one of the store’s best customers, come in with her younger daughter, Lilly. Lilly was four years old and loved coming to the store with her mom to look at the new picture books.

Busted

“Good afternoon Mrs. Miller, Lilly,” Mercedes said with a smile.

“Hello Mercedes, I just came in for the new crime drama book that everyone is talking about.” Mrs. Miller said.

“The one based on the true unsolved case?” Mercedes asked.

“Yes, I just love a good thriller.” Mrs. Miller said.

“Oh, it’s a great read. Here let me show you where to find it.”

Mercedes offered. “That would be great, thank you.” Mrs. Miller said.

As Mercedes led Mrs. Miller to the new releases section, she noticed Lilly hanging by the checkout counter where the store had some small packages of mints and gum for sale.

After bringing Mrs. Miller to book, Mercedes turned to see Lilly putting a shiny tin of mints into her coat pocket and heading towards the children’s section.

Mercedes was taken aback and surprised. Lilly always behaved well when in the store. Maybe she just liked the tin that the mints were in, Mercedes thought.

Mercedes was unsure of what to do next. She could not let Lilly take the mints without paying, but at the same time, she did not want to upset or offend one of the store’s best customers.

Create your own ending to this story.

The Broken Frame

It was a busy day at the frame shop where Lisa worked after school. She was in the back putting together an elegant wood frame for an old oil painting that was over fifty years old.

“How’s it coming there?” Bob, the store owner, asked.

“Good so far. It just needs to be finessed; I don’t want to force it and risk damaging the painting.” Lisa replied confidently.

“Just like I say, take it slow and steady with those big frames,” Bob said with encouragement. “Yes, sir!” Lisa said.

As Bob went to the front of the store to help a customer, Lisa heard her phone chirped. She knew from the sound that she had received a text message.

Lisa was excited to see if it was her friend Paula. They had plans to go see the new comedy movie after Lisa got off work, but only if Paula was able to get tickets. Since it was released, the movie had been sold out.

Lisa reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. Opening the message, Lisa saw that Paula had been able to get two tickets for a showing that night.

Lisa was ecstatic, the movie starred one of her favorite actors, and she had wanted to see the film since it was released. She pumped her arm in excitement and felt something move behind her. Then there was a loud crash.

Lisa turned to see the frame had fallen from the work area and onto the floor, broken in pieces.

Bob heard the commotion and came running to the back.

“Lisa, what was that? Are you OK?”

Lisa went pale. She knew the frame and painting were expensive. Her mind raced. She did not want Bob to get angry. She thought about telling him the truth or saying the frame fell off on its own as she was going to get some tools.

Choose from one of these challenges:

• Keep a daily anecdotal record of what you do and what the response of others is to your exhibition of courage. At the end of one week, prepare a personal reflection about the experience to share with the class or small group.

• Courage comes in many different forms. For a month, make a list of your physical displays of courage in one column and a list of emotional/mental displays of courage only you may have noticed. Which list is the longest, and why do you think this is the case?

How did others react to your displays of courage? Journal your feelings in response to your show of courage

throughout the month. How did displays of courage make you feel?

• Find an example of physical courage and one of emotional/mental courage in the news. Summarize each of the examples. Write a paragraph reflecting on which example was easiest to find, how both examples encouraged others, and any internal responses you had to each example.

Resources

Designs Elements’ Credits

- Cover: Elementary school class standing outsideCredit: monkeybusinessimages - From iStock

- White brick photo created by mrsiraphol - www.freepik.com

- Tear vector created by pikisuperstar - www.freepik.com

- Split vector created by starline - www.freepik.com

- Pen paper photo created by jannoon028 - www.freepik.com

- Happy boy photo created by rawpixel.com - www.freepik.com

- Person-wearing-rainbow-socks-while - Photo by Thoni Huangwww.pexels.com

- Typewriter vector created by macrovector - www.freepik.com

- Light bulb vector created by macrovector - www.freepik.com

- Girl thinking photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com

- Japanese man photo created by cookie_studiowww.freepik.com

Content – Illustrations, Photos and Vectors’ Credits

Page 4

Courage 1 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo

Page 6

Courage 2 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo

Page 7

Courage 3 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo Page 9

- Man in a red cape of a superhero and a mask on his face, Strong and self-confident man against the background of a sunset skyPOhoto by Mark Dymchenko-Id 1365000659- From by istockphoto - strong woman concept-Crfeated by Rudzhan Nagiev-Id 1337683229- From by istockphoto Page 10

-fire attack-Photo by JohnnyH5- Id 111925490-From by istockphoto Page 11

- Woman practicing rappelling on a pedestrian walkway.-Photo by AT-ID 1373096382- From by istockphoto Page 12

- Children playing with soccer ball in the sand-Photo by Tom Merton-Id 457984237- From by istockphoto

- Little children pupils running to the school building for lesson classes from the school bus. Welcome back to school. Start of the new academic semester-Photo by Inside Creative House-Id 1338737959- From by istockphoto

Page 13

Courage 4 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo

- Teenager Throwing Frisbee at Girlfriend with Dog.-Created by Five Stars- Id 1221246803- From by istockphoto Page 14

- Two men or a teenager with backpacks bully another guy.Created by sabelskaya-Id 1156453785- From by istockphoto

- Friendly cooperation RGB color icon-Created by bsd555-Id 1278128103- From by istockphoto Page 15

- frisbee game-Photo by Andrew J Miller-Id 1408311434- From by istockphoto

- Vector illustration young sportsman playing freestyle ultimate frisbee, jumping high to catch puck. Outdoor sports activity in a park, field or field near the lake or river. Sports student and teen camp.Created by Anna Nemchinova-Id 1161982882- From by istockphoto Page 16

- Group of schoolchildren sing together in choir-Photo by Highwaystarz-Photography-Id 473210934- From by istockphoto

- Children of singing group that s’animara teachers-Photo by Highwaystarz-Photography-Id 488314326- From by istockphoto Page 17

- A female customer looking at clothes in a clothing store.- Dig Images-Id 1254587710- From by istockphoto

- Vector paper cut craft style musical composition for violin classical music concert poster banner flyer-Created by SiberianArt-Id 1266921475- From by istockphoto Page 18

- People singing songs in the karaoke bar-Created by lucky vectorId 1284007946- From by istockphoto Page 19

Courage 5 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo

- Music festival poster, with hand and guitar. Retro vector background, copy space-Created by LuckyTD-Id 994801276- From by istockphoto Page 20

- Family walking along the zebra crossing - Photo by dglimages-id 1326235477- From by istockphoto

- Happy school students sitting at desk in classroom- Created by BRO Vector-Id 1250664742- From by istockphoto Page 21

- Group of cute happy teenagers having fun, standing near gadgets, backpacks and books. School students. Set of young people in cartoon style flat vector illustration isolated on white.-

Courage / Lion

Created by Bezvershenko-Id 958783822- From by istockphoto - Fame. Male character standing on a stage under the beam of light. Outstanding qualities. Ability. Talent. Flat editable vector illustration, clip art-Created by nadia_bormotova-Id 1175142536- From by istockphoto Page 22

- Shotgun microphone with wind protection isolated on white background. Sound concept windshield bar exterior protection. Popular dead cat on pole kits- Photo by UroshPetrovic- Id 1336934595- From by istockphoto Page 23

Courage 6 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo Page 24

- professional office copier,-Created by drug sales-Id 1138211580From by istockphoto Page 25

Courage 7 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo

- Man hitting a photocopier-Created by caraman-Id 144343187From by istockphoto Page 26

Courage 8 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo

- Theater stage like a book-Photo by vicnt-Id 178115489- From by istockphoto From by istockphoto Page 27

- Ice cream scoops in a glass-Photo by supersmario-Id 964979812- From by istockphoto

- Beautiful hispanic young woman wearing sunglasses looking unhappy and angry showing rejection and negative with thumbs up gesture. bad expression.-Photo by AaronAmat-Id 1044210194From by istockphoto Page 28

- The works of art are decorated in a frame much in the workshop.-Photo by Dvoinik-Id 482672018- From by istockphoto

- SMS to a mobile phone-Created by Overearth- Id 1360591359From by istockphoto Page 29

Courage 9 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo

- two movie tickets on white background movie ticket template in black and red colors-Created by Yevhenii Dubinko-Id 1143508971From by istockphoto Page 30

Courage 10 – Illustrated by Franky Carrillo

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