The Power of Courage: Facing Challenges with Bravery Civic Education JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8
Lesson Plan: Courage
Subject: Civic Education
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 12–13 years
Topic: Courage
Sub-topics:
- Explain the Meaning of Courage
- Identify Types of Courage
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define courage in their own words.
- Identify different types of courage.
- Discuss examples of courage from real-life situations.
- Explain why courage is important in society.
Keywords:
- Courage: The ability to face fear, pain, or challenges.
- Bravery: Acting despite fear.
- Confidence: Believing in oneself.
- Determination: Firmness in purpose.
- Resilience: Ability to recover from difficulties.
Set Induction:
The teacher begins the lesson by asking students to share a time when they felt scared but did something brave anyway. This encourages students to think about personal experiences related to courage.
Entry Behaviour:
Students should have a basic understanding of emotions like fear and bravery, as well as the concept of facing challenges.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Civic Education textbooks
- Videos or stories about courageous figures
- Charts illustrating different types of courage
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Students may have heard stories about historical figures or personal experiences that demonstrate courage, such as standing up to bullies or trying something new despite being afraid.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Critical thinking
- Emotional intelligence
- Public speaking
- Personal reflection
Learning Materials:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for Civic Education
- Visual aids depicting courageous acts
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for Civic Education, JSS 2
- Civic Education textbooks for Junior Secondary Schools
Instructional Materials:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Videos showing acts of courage
- Flashcards with keywords related to courage
Content:
I. Explain the Meaning of Courage:
- Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, or adversity. It means doing what is right even when it is difficult.
- Key points to explain:
- Facing Fear: Courage involves taking action despite being afraid.
- Taking Risks: It often requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
- Moral Courage: Standing up for what is right, even if it is unpopular.
- Emotional Strength: Maintaining determination in difficult situations.
- Persistence: Continuing to pursue goals despite obstacles.
II. Identify Types of Courage:
- Physical Courage: Bravery in facing physical challenges or dangers.
- Moral Courage: Standing up for one’s beliefs or principles.
- Emotional Courage: Facing one’s feelings and vulnerabilities.
- Social Courage: Engaging with others and facing social challenges, like public speaking.
- Intellectual Courage: Willingness to question popular beliefs or take risks in thinking.
Evaluation:
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (with options a, b, c, or d):
- Courage is the ability to face __________.
a) joy
b) fear
c) boredom
d) happiness - Moral courage means standing up for __________.
a) comfort
b) fear
c) beliefs
d) popularity - Physical courage involves facing __________ challenges.
a) emotional
b) physical
c) mental
d) social - __________ courage means being open about your feelings.
a) Moral
b) Social
c) Emotional
d) Physical - Social courage helps us engage with __________.
a) ourselves
b) challenges
c) others
d) feelings - __________ is an example of intellectual courage.
a) Following trends
b) Questioning norms
c) Avoiding conflict
d) Seeking comfort - Bravery is another word for __________.
a) fear
b) courage
c) hesitation
d) weakness - Determination is an important part of __________.
a) fear
b) courage
c) sadness
d) anxiety - __________ courage helps you speak in front of a crowd.
a) Emotional
b) Social
c) Physical
d) Intellectual - Facing your fears is a sign of __________.
a) weakness
b) courage
c) failure
d) doubt
Class Activity Discussion:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- What is courage?
Courage is the ability to confront fear and challenges with determination. - Why is courage important?
It helps us face difficult situations and stand up for what is right. - What are the different types of courage?
Types include physical, moral, emotional, social, and intellectual courage. - Can courage be learned?
Yes, courage can be developed through practice and experience. - How does courage affect our lives?
It enables us to overcome obstacles and pursue our goals. - What is an example of moral courage?
Speaking out against bullying or injustice is an example. - How can we show emotional courage?
By being honest about our feelings and facing our vulnerabilities. - What role does courage play in leadership?
Leaders need courage to make tough decisions and inspire others. - How can we encourage others to be courageous?
Support and encouragement can help others face their fears. - Is it normal to feel afraid?
Yes, feeling afraid is natural; courage is about acting despite that fear.
Presentation:
- The teacher revises the previous topic by asking students to discuss what they learned about discipline.
- The teacher introduces the new topic, “Courage,” by explaining its importance in everyday life.
- The teacher allows students to share examples of courage from their lives or from stories they know.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Explain the meaning of courage and its types using visual aids.
- Facilitate discussions on personal experiences related to courage.
- Show videos that highlight acts of courage in different contexts.
- Courage is the ability to be brave when you are in danger, pain, or in difficult situation. It could also be the ability to be brave enough to say or do what you think is right even though other people may not agree or approve. This exercise of boldness in carrying out positive activities in the community where you are is called courage.
Types of Courage
Physical courage – The willingness to exercise physical energy to get things done. Fear in most cases may hinder physical things from being accomplished.
Moral courage – The ability to choose to do what is right irrespective of pressure to do otherwise. Many people today are not morally okay so they pile pressure on people to go along with them in the wrong way. Some youths today make jest of other youths who dress up well to cover their nakedness. They want everyone to dress in miniskirts, ‘show me your breast’ etc, smoke and drink as they consider them as the order of the day. It takes moral courage for a disciplined person to resist the pressure from these wayward majority.
Spiritual courage – Courage to exhibit ones spiritual faith and live according to religious tenets. Fundamental human rights have given everyone the freedom to choose any religion. Religion is the way people worship God. This is what gives people spiritual courage in whatever they do.There is no religion that points people to the negatives. All the different religions teach are the good moral upbringing which are positives. So your spiritual courage should be exhibited to bring out the positive attributes of your faith as a Christian, Muslim or Traditionalist.
Benefits/Effects of Having Courage
Courageous people stand up against things that threaten them or the things or people that they care about.
You feel more confident. (It takes more to bring you down than usual)
Acting courageously generally makes us feel good, because it involves mastering emotions
You’re admired. (People notice when others have courage, and they in return try to model themselves after them)
You are more successful. (People are always looking to hire or promote people who show true courage)
Assessment
What does courage mean?
Give 2 types of courage with explanation
- Attributes of Courageous Persons in the Society
Attributes of a Courageous Person
Commitment – When they make promises, they are committed to fulfilling or carrying out their promises. The commitment is a driving force that gives them courage to continue. For example, a person who committed himself to the clearing of the classroom. This commitment gives him or her the courage to clean the classroom whether it is convenient or not.
Endurance – It is the ability to suffer difficulties or pain with strength and patience.
Determination – The ability to continue trying to achieve what you have decided to do even when this is difficult is called determination. Many people fail to
achieve the desired result because of lack of determination.
Steadfastness – It is the faithful and loyal way of following a thing, a discipline or religion. When a person is steadfast, he/she follows that discipline or religion without looking back
Diligence – A person who works hard.
Boldness – To be bold means not to be afraid of taking risk to achieve good things. It could also involve making difficult decision to attain a greater height. The fear of taking such risks make people to remain mediocre today.
Bravery – These are actions, behaviours, attitude that show courage and confidence. Most of the attributes discussed so far may show courage but may not show confidence.
Examples of Courageous People Throughout History
Moses After escaping from his slavery in Egypt, led his people out of Egypt and across the Red Sea.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) A key figure in the American revolution and foremost author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson sought to challenge existing policies on religious tolerance, education and slavery.
Martin Luther King (1929 – 1968) A symbol of the fight against racial discrimination. Martin Luther King passionately supported the civil rights movement, despite virulent opposition and discrimination in parts of America.
Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013) Nelson Mandela had the courage to fight against the unjust system of apartheid. For his political activities, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, but he was released to lead a free South Africa.
Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965) In 1940, Britain stood, alone against Nazi Germany. Some in Britain wanted to seek a deal with Hitler, but Churchill wanted to fight on, and he inspired Britain through their darkest hour.
Rosa Parks (1913-2005) Refused to give up seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama and started a mass protest which led to the end of segregation on public transport.
Socrates (469 BC–399 BC) – Greek philosopher. Socrates was willing to die for his beliefs. Arrested for his philosophic teachings, Socrates was willing to accept death rather than change his opinions and beliefs. It is said he calmly accepted his fate.
Emmeline Pankhurst – Leading suffragette in the UK. Emmeline Pankhurst went to jail several times for her protests to gain women the vote.
Joan of Arc – Peasant girl who went to Dauphin of France to encourage him to fight English occupation. Led French army into battle.
Sophie Scholl (1921-1943) German student who took part in the White Rose Resistance group who opposed Hitler and the Nazi Party. She was arrested in 1943 for distributing anti-war leaflets and was executed.
Assessment
Give two examples of courageous acts you have carried out in time past.
Mention 4 Courageous persons in Nigeria that you and their acts of courage (From the History of Nigeria, hints – Martyrs)
Learners’ Activities:
- Share personal stories of courage in small groups.
- Participate in class discussions about the importance of courage.
- Work on identifying different types of courage in various scenarios.
Assessment:
- Assess understanding through participation in discussions and responses to fill-in-the-blank questions.
- Observe group activities to gauge engagement and comprehension.
Evaluation Questions:
- Define courage in your own words.
- List three types of courage and give examples of each.
- Discuss a time when you had to show courage.
- Why do you think moral courage is important?
- How can courage affect your future decisions?
- Describe a situation where physical courage might be needed.
- How can you encourage someone to be brave?
- Explain the difference between social courage and emotional courage.
- What role does courage play in friendships?
- How can we learn to be more courageous?
Conclusion:
The teacher summarizes the key points, emphasizing the value of courage in overcoming challenges and making positive choices. Students are encouraged to reflect on how they can demonstrate courage in their daily lives.