Courage
Read "The Little Engine that Could" while teaching the meaning of courage or Click here to Read/Listen
Month 9 · Activity 12 · Character Traits
Instructions
- Read the book “The Little Engine that Could” by Watty Piper and chat about the word "courage" and how the little blue engine never gave up. Click here to Read/Listen
- Help a child remember the phrase “ I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...when trying a new activity. For example, when doing Month 9 Activity 9 repeat the phrase “I think I can....” when making a trail with the dominoes
- Try to make this refrain part of a child’s thinking when doing challenging activities - climbing slides, writing their name, remembering their address and phone number, etc.
- Give an example of something you did that took courage (For example, playing in a music recital, taking a trip by yourself, running in a race, etc.) and ask the child to share their own example of something they did that was courageous
Simplify
Review saying the refrain "I think I can" three times by giving a child a task and letting them do the task while saying the refrain. For example, ask child to wash in the kitchen sink a breakable glass (do not choose a family heirloom). Let them do all the steps: plug the drain, run the water, add the soap, wash the glass, rinse the glass and dry the glass with a towel. While they are doing these six steps let child say aloud, I think I can. These four words can become a child's silent encouragement to himself.
Extend
Challenge a child with a task they can't quite do - riding a two-wheeler, putting a 40 piece puzzle together, etc. - and let them use the words "I think I can" to spur them on until in a few days or months the new task is conquered.
QUESTIONS FOR A CHILD
Describe something you feel your dad or mom has done that is courageous.
Do you think it is okay to be scared of doing something?
Materials
- Book "The Little Engine that Could" by Watty Piper or Click here to Read/Listen
Activity Resources
Language Skills
Social Skills
