Sample Lesson: Courage

Volume X, Issue Y
Month Date, Year

Announcement

Friday night, I went out to dinner with my friends. A friend of a friend told this joke where the punchline made it seem like all Polish people were stupid. Most of my friends laughed politely. Others remained silent, hoping that the conversation would just move along. I thought the joke was awful and really wanted to say something to the girl who told it. I didn't know what to do. I could say something in a gentle way, but my comments might seem rude. Besides I might really upset my friend who invited her. Was it worth making such a big deal out of it? It was just one joke. Did it really matter?

Then I remembered an essay that we read in English class called "Letters from a Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr. King talked about his frustrations, not only with racists, but also with the good people who stood by and let it happen, people who favored order over justice, people who said King needed to save his message for a more appropriate time. King once said that "The time is always right to do what is right."

After thinking about King's story for a minute, I knew that I had to make my feelings known. It was difficult to stand up to my friends, but I had to be strong in my beliefs. If I couldn't even stand up to my friends, how would I ever stand up to my enemies? I am not going to become courageous in some moment of crisis. I know I need to be courageous each day because "The time is always right to do what is right."

So, remember—when in doubt, can't figure it out…maxim-ize the moment. This week's maxim is "The time is always right to do what is right."

Teacher Information

Maxim

"The time is always right to do what is right."
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Featured character trait

Courage-- I am willing to do what is difficult.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

Fortitude-- I have the strength to live by my convictions.
Leadership-- I am able to take charge and be a good example.
Responsibility-- I recognize my duty and honor it.
Respect - I acknowledge the innate dignity of each person and my actions reflect my beliefs.
Justice - I am aware of each person's dignity and work to ensure that all people are treated in a way that honors their innate worth.
Honor - I recognize the difference between right and wrong and, as result, treat myself and others with respect.

Discussion starters

How realistic does this scenario seem to you?
To what extent do you think this situation describes prejudice?
What does it mean to be prejudiced?
Do all people have prejudices?
Why are prejudices so dangerous?
Are jokes about other races more or less dangerous than others kinds of derogatory remarks? Why or why not?
When is something important enough to make a stand?
What sorts of things make it difficult to act upon what you believe?
What helps you to act based on your beliefs?
Give an example of an everyday act of courage that you have witnessed recently.