Celebrating Courage: Heroes Who Shaped Our Society Civic Education JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Lesson Plan: Courageous Persons in Society

Subject: Civic Education

Class: JSS 1 / Basic 7
Term: Third Term
Week: Week 3
Topic: Courageous Persons in Society
Sub-topic: Attributes of Courageous Persons, Examples of Courageous Men and Women in History
Duration: 60 minutes
Age: 12–14 years

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define courage and explain its importance in society.

2. Identify the key attributes of courageous persons.

3. Discuss the role of courageous individuals in society.

4. Give examples of courageous men and women from history, explaining why they are considered courageous.

Key Words:

• Courage

• Bravery

• Determination

• Resilience

• Role Model

• Heroism

• Sacrifice

Set Induction (Storytelling to Spark Interest):

I want to share a personal story with you: When I was growing up, I watched a documentary about a woman named Rosa Parks. She was a simple seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, even though she knew it could get her arrested. Her single act of defiance sparked the Civil Rights Movement in America and changed the course of history.

Now, let’s talk about what courage truly is—beyond movies, beyond superheroes. What is courage in real life? Can someone who is not famous still be courageous? Let’s explore!

Entry Behaviour:

Students have been exposed to basic knowledge of leadership, heroes in stories, and historical events in previous terms.

Learning Materials:

• Flashcards with key words (courage, bravery, resilience)

• Photos and posters of historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai

• Short video clips of courageous acts (e.g., speeches by influential historical figures)

• A whiteboard and markers for brainstorming

Building Background Knowledge:

Students have likely encountered stories of bravery in books, movies, and real-life examples such as police officers, soldiers, or activists. These stories may have inspired them to think about what makes someone courageous.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing the actions of courageous persons and reflecting on how these actions impacted society.

• Empathy: Understanding the challenges faced by courageous individuals and their communities.

• Ethical Understanding: Discussing the importance of making decisions that benefit the greater good.

Reference Books:

• Social Studies for Junior Secondary Schools

• “Heroes” by Paul Johnson (for further reading on courageous historical figures)

• “The Story of Courage” by Howard G. Hendricks

Presentation:

Step 1 – Revision of Previous Topic:

The teacher will review the last lesson on “Leadership and Role Models,” asking students to recall famous leaders they know and discuss the qualities they admire in these figures.

Step 2 – Introduction to the Topic:

Teacher asks the class: “What comes to your mind when you think of someone who is courageous? Can you think of anyone who has done something that made you think, ‘Wow, that person is really brave’?” The teacher listens to students’ responses and guides the class to the idea that courage isn’t just about doing something heroic in the movies, but it’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard.

Step 3 – Teaching the Key Concepts:

A. What is Courage?
Courage is not just about being fearless; it’s about taking action despite fear, standing up for your beliefs, and facing challenges head-on. It involves bravery, determination, and resilience.

B. Attributes of Courageous Persons:

1. Bravery: The ability to face dangerous or difficult situations without being overwhelmed by fear.

   • Example: A firefighter running into a burning building to save lives.

2. Resilience: The capacity to keep going despite setbacks or challenges.

   • Example: A student who continues to study hard after failing an exam.

3. Selflessness: Putting the needs of others before oneself.

   • Example: A volunteer working in a refugee camp, helping others despite personal discomfort.

4. Integrity: Sticking to what is right even when it’s not popular.

   • Example: A whistleblower who exposes corruption, even though it might lead to personal consequences.

5. Determination: Having a strong will to keep going, no matter the odds.

   • Example: Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, continuing his fight for equality.

C. Examples of Courageous Men and Women in History:

1. Nelson Mandela (South Africa):
   Nelson Mandela stood up against the apartheid regime in South Africa. He was imprisoned for 27 years but never gave up his fight for justice and equality. He showed great resilience and sacrifice for his beliefs, eventually becoming South Africa’s first black president.

2. Rosa Parks (United States):
   Rosa Parks made history when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, challenging the racial discrimination of the time. Her act of courage sparked the Civil Rights Movement, which brought about significant changes in American society.

3. Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan):
   Malala is a young girl who was shot by the Taliban for advocating girls’ education. Despite the attack, she continued to fight for education and women’s rights, becoming the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her story is one of determination and courage in the face of extreme adversity.

4. Martin Luther King Jr. (United States):
   Known for his leadership during the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for racial equality using nonviolent methods. His famous “I Have a Dream” speech still inspires millions worldwide, embodying the power of courage in fighting injustice.

Step 4 – Teacher’s Activity:

The teacher presents the examples of courageous figures in history, explaining how each person’s actions contributed to society. The teacher shows clips of speeches and moments of bravery, highlighting the courage in these acts.

Step 5 – Learner’s Activity:

• Students will divide into small groups and discuss the attributes of courageous people in their own lives (e.g., family members, friends, teachers).

• Each group will present one example of courage from history or personal life and explain why that person is considered courageous.

Evaluation (Classwork):

Students should answer the following questions:

1. What is courage, and why is it important?

2. List and explain three attributes of courageous people.

3. Name one courageous person in history and explain why they are courageous.

4. How can you show courage in your daily life?

Class Activity:

• Students will create a “Courage Wall” where they write down names of courageous people they admire and one act of courage they have witnessed or experienced.

Conclusion:

The teacher will summarize the lesson, reinforcing that courage isn’t limited to historical figures but can be shown by anyone, at any time. The teacher encourages students to act courageously in their daily lives, whether at school, at home, or in their communities.

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