Even though she didn’t know how to swim, my 2-year-old walked over to the pool and jumped in!  I wasn’t even close to her and had to swim like an Olympian to pull her up!  As she came out of the water, I was surprised to see no tears; just a smile and legs kicking ready to jump again.   Like all young kids, she had no fear!  I wouldn’t call it courage – she just had no concept of danger yet.

Within a couple of years, she had grown much more cautious.  I was happy at first.  Then, I saw her fears become more of a problem.  She didn’t want to try new things, and I didn’t want that to hold her back.  We started to talk more about courage and fears and planned some activities to help her step out of her comfort zone.  It really helped!

That’s why I wanted to see the new Disney movie, Planes.  It was a great opportunity to talk about courage and give my kids some more practice overcoming fears.

To kick off our family movie night, we invited a friend over to make some snack boxes and play a game about being courageous.  To prepare the Airplane Snack Boxes ahead of time, I cut the top half off of a box and glued some construction paper on.

The girls chose the wings and propellers they wanted and then decorated them.

Teaching Children About Courage

As they were decorating, I asked the girls if they knew what courage was.  Audrey was the first to answer.  She said, “It is being brave.”  So I had to ask, “What does being brave mean?”  She responded, “It means you aren’t afraid.”

Although that is part of the answer, I explained that it’s good to be afraid sometimes because that’s how our minds warn us of dangerous things.  I said that having courage and being brave means that you will do the right thing even if you are afraid to do it.  Having courage also means that you are willing to try new things even if you are scared, when someone you trust says it’s okay.

I had a question for each of the girls to see if they understood.   Questions like, “If you put something in your pocket at the store and accidentally walked out without paying for it, what would be the courageous thing to do?” and “What if someone told you to do a bad or unsafe thing?  What would a courageous person do?” and “Who is a person you can trust and try new things with?”

After we were done making our snack boxes, we filled them with goodies from Walmart.  Aren’t these Jello cloud parfaits cute?!

We also had some Airplane sandwiches and stoplight veggies

Before they had a chance to dig in, we had to have our own race!  The winner of the race got a special treat.  I had all the children line up and take a couple of practice runs.  Then, I told them they would have to race against me!  Ready.  Set.  Go!

Ouch!  Thud.  I pretended to fall and that I couldn’t get up.  Moaning added to the effect.  Of course, little Colton was the first on the scene, asking if I was O.K. with his little, “Oh! Oh!”  I stood up and thanked him and announced the winner of the race… Colton!

I explained that I never said the winner was the first to cross the finish line.  The winner was the person who showed courage and did the right thing even if it meant losing the race.  So, I gave Colton a treat to share with everyone.  Then, to practice trying new things, we had the girls take turns jumping off a few stairs into Daddy’s arms.

Disney Planes Movie

In Disney’s Planes, courage isn’t just about not being afraid to try new things.  The main theme is doing what is right and caring for others.  That is the most important attribute of a courageous person.  A courageous person always does the right thing even if they are scared.

The kids loved the movie!  There were a couple of minor bad words used in the movie like “moron”, but overall it was very clean.  Have you seen the movie, or are you going to watch it?  I’d love to hear what you thought!

You can download even more activities to go with Disney Planes on Pinterest or like the movie on Facebook.  It is available to own on Blu-ray Combo Pack & Digital HD on November 19!

Do you have any suggestions on teaching children about courage?  Please leave a comment!

The post Teaching Children About Courage: Disney Planes Movie Night first appeared on True Aim.

Definition

Verse

Activities

• Ask your children what they are afraid of and try to ease their fear by comforting them and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
• Explain that it is OK to be afraid of some things and that it helps them to know what is safe and what is not.
• Remind them that God is always with them and they can talk to God whenever they are afraid.
• If your children are scared of something, try to expose them to it several times, but be sure it is a positive experience by adding some kind of motivation or reward.

Have any tips on teaching children about courage?  Please leave a comment below!

Books that Teach Values: Courage

  

David and Goliath
This version of the story is told in rhyme and the illustrations are realistic.  I like this version because it tells the main lesson of the story and gives a prayer to reflect on at the end of the book. Ages 2+

The Swiss Family Robinson

An action packed adventure: The first scene in the book is aboard a ship that is breaking up in a storm.  On board, the Robinson family is afraid and yet they encourage each other to remain calm and pray for courage and peace.  Many dangerous situations arise and the family is courageous throughout.  Ages 4+

Free Book of Virtues
This eBook is filled with the most important virtues for children.  Explanations are simple and Classic works of art will capture your child’s attention.  Ages 3+

The Empty Pot

Ages 2+

 

Activities that Teach Values: Courage

Bag of Courage

Materials: Paper bag, different objects with different textures.
Activity: Place an object in a bag without letting the child see it.
Have the child reach their hand in to feel the object.
Tell them how they are brave for trying it without seeing what is inside.
You could add a little bit of excitement if the children are older
by pretending whatever is in the bag is moving or jumping.
Be sure to explain that this is just a game and the difference
between being dangerous and being courageous.

Trying New Things

Bug Search

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Craft

5 Stones 1 Mighty God

Click here to see more Values for Children!

 

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The post Values for Children: Courage first appeared on True Aim.