This character education mini-lesson is not intended to be a service learning lesson or to meet the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice. The character education units will be most effective when taught in conjunction with a student-designed service project that provides a real world setting in which students can develop and practice good character and leadership skills.  For ideas and suggestions for organizing service events go to www.generationon.org.

Anticipatory Set

Ask the learners to identify their favorite hero in the "Star Wars" movies. As students choose heroic characters (Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Anakin, Obe-Wan, etc.), have them identify one courageous act of the hero. Keep a list of courageous acts on the board as they share their favorites. Note: If students aren't familiar with this movie, discuss heroic characters from a more current movie or book, such as "Transformers" or the Harry Potter series.

• Tell the students that "Star Wars" and the Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings are classic hero tales. Give them a summary of the features of a classic hero tale. For example, there is a classic hero with a humble beginning who, through difficult circumstances, finds himself faced with saving the world. He repeatedly shows courage by facing stronger enemies or daunting obstacles. His good character and wise and loyal friends give him the strength he needs to rise above his fears and limitations to ultimately change the world. Note: Ask different students to write on a chart paper the italicized words you read.
• Review the classic hero features written by students on the chart and star the word courage.
• Have the students discuss and come to an agreement on the definition of courage. Write it on the chart and keep on display for the duration of the unit.