Inspiring Courage in the Classroom

What is courage? Courage is a skill students can practice every day inside and outside of the classroom. It means doing what you believe is right, even when it feels scary or challenging. While it might seem like a big concept for kids, it’s something they face every day as they learn and grow in school.

At National Heritage Academies (NHA^®), courage is one of the nine Moral Focus virtues. Encouraging courage builds character and helps student stay engaged in learning. Whether solving a tough math problem, working on a group project, or speaking up in class, these moments build their confidence.

It’s important to remind students that being brave doesn’t mean they won’t feel scared or make mistakes. Encourage them to try new things, even if they feel nervous. Whether it’s trying new food in the cafeteria, sharing an idea in class, or standing up for a friend, courage comes in all shapes and sizes. Encouraging students to express their opinions and disagree respectfully also helps grow confidence and critical thinking.

Stories are a great way to show kids what courage looks like. Reading about brave characters and talking about their choices helps students see how they can apply courage in their own lives. Real-life role models like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, and Malala Yousafzai also offer powerful examples of courage in action. They faced big challenges and made brave choices that changed the world. Ask students to think about what they can learn from these people and how they can show courage in their own way.