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Trait of the Month

As we head into the spring, Baker Elementary is proud to focus on the trait of Courage.

We define courage as "choosing what is helpful, right, and kind—even when it is hard or scary." At school, courage doesn't always look like a grand, heroic gesture. Often, it is found in the quiet moments: a student raising their hand when they aren't sure of the answer, someone standing up for a classmate who is being treated unfairly, or a child admitting they made a mistake. Courage is the "inner roar" that helps us align our actions with our values, even when we feel nervous or uncertain.

"I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than chances I didn't take at all." — Simone Biles

This quote from Olympic champion Simone Biles reminds us that growth requires us to step outside of our comfort zones. When we let fear stop us from trying, we miss out on discovering what we are truly capable of. This month, we are encouraging our students to take "positive risks" in their learning and their friendships.

Courage Discussion Prompts for Home

Use these prompts to help your child explore what it means to be brave in their everyday life:

  1. "Can you think of a time when you saw someone doing something that wasn't kind? What would have been the 'courageous' thing to do in that moment, even if it felt scary?"

  2. "Simone Biles talks about taking chances. Is there something new you’ve been wanting to try—like a new club, a hard math problem, or a new sport—but you’ve been a little afraid to start? How can we help you take that first step?"

  3. "Courage is like a muscle. What is one small way you can practice being brave this week? (Example: Saying 'hi' to someone new or trying a food you usually avoid.)"

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