MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 2

Story

I remember what it felt like a year ago. It was so scary-everything was confusing and no one seemed to understand what was happening. For weeks afterwards, I hated saying goodbye to my parents in the morning. I worried about them being at work and I missed them. After a while, things got more normal. I got busy with everyday stuff: school, sports, and piano lessons.

But now it's all over the news, and I'm starting to feel scared again. I don't want to think about it, but I can't help it. I told my mom how I was feeling and she let me know that it's OK to get upset and she even said she admired my courage. When I told her that I was feeling weak, not strong and courageous, she said something really cool: "Being courageous doesn't mean you don't get afraid. It means you know that some things are more important than fear." I think she's right, too. Being courageous isn't about being big and tough and never getting scared. It's about being a survivor.

This week's maxim is "Being courageous doesn't mean you don't get afraid. It means you know that some things are more important than fear."  

Teacher Information

Maxim

• "Being courageous doesn't mean you don't get afraid. It means you know that some things are more important than fear."
  Adapted from Ambrose Redmoon

Featured character trait

• Courage-I am not overwhelmed by fear; I continue to do what is right, even if it is challenging.

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

• Perseverance-I continue on, even when the situation is difficult, challenging, or painful.
• Hope-I believe in the goodness of the future.
• Optimism-I have a positive outlook and look for the good in all situations.
  Faith-I believe and trust in goodness.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

• Is this an issue you want to discuss? Does talking about it make you feel better or worse?
• Do you feel like the child in this week's message? Why or why not?
  What helps you when you feel uncertain?
• What helps you when you feel scared?
• Who do you go to for support when you are upset? How do they help you?
• What are some ways that you can help others when they feel scared or uncertain?
• How do you overcome your fears?
• Do you agree with this week's maxim? Why or why not?
• What are some other situations that this maxim could help you with?

Related Links

• ASCD Health in Education Initiative: Remembering September 11th, 2001
  http://webserver2.ascd.org/web/health_in_education/9-11-anniversary2.cfm
• Education World: Homepage
  http://www.education-world.com/
• American Library Association: Resources for Dealing with Tragedy
  http://www.ala.org/alsc/dealing_with_tragedy.html
• National Education Association: Homepage
  http://www.nea.org/
• Scholastic: Homepage
  http://www.scholastic.com/
• National Association of School Psychologists: One Year Later
  http://www.nasponline.org/NEAT/oneyearlater.html

Extending the Conversation

In many cases, understanding emotions helps one to deal with them. Have students draw pictures of what it feels like to be scared and worried. Then, have pairs of students think of ways to deal with and find support. Next, have the pairs share their ideas with the class while you keep track of their answers on the board. Then, have students turn their illustrations over and draw illustrations/symbols of what it feels like to overcome fear. Students can share these illustrations with the class. You can also post their illustrations in the room.