COURAGE
Subject :
Civic Education
Term :
First Term
Week:
Week 7
Class :
JSS 2 / BASIC 8
Previous lesson: Pupils have previous knowledge of
Respect for Rules and Regulations
that was taught in their previous lesson
Topic:
COURAGE
Behavioural objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the pupils should be able to
- Say the meaning Courage
- List the benefits being courageous
- Mention the advantages of courage
Instructional Materials:
- Wall charts
- Pictures
- Related Online Video
- Flash Cards
Methods of Teaching:
- Class Discussion
- Group Discussion
- Asking Questions
- Explanation
- Role Modelling
- Role Delegation
Reference Materials:
- Scheme of Work
- Online Information
- Textbooks
- Workbooks
- 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum
- Workbooks
Content
Courage
Introduction
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)
Presentation
The topic is presented step by step
Step 1:
The class teacher revises the previous topics
Step 2.
He introduces the new topic
Step 3:
The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own examples and he corrects them when the needs arise
Conclusion
The class teacher wraps up or conclude the lesson by giving out short note to summarize the topic that he or she has just taught.
The class teacher also goes round to make sure that the notes are well copied or well written by the pupils.
He or she does the necessary corrections when and where the needs arise.
Evaluation
- What is the meaning of courage
- List four examples of courageous people
- Mention four disadvantages of lawlessness which will arise as a result of disobeying rules and regulations of the society
