Have you ever noticed how trees grow strong through sunshine, storms, and changing seasons?
People are a lot like trees. We don’t grow by staying comfortable—we grow when we face challenges. Just like heroes in stories, we discover our strength by meeting our “dragons.”

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Table of Contents

Lesson Summary

Life is full of challenges, big and small. Just like in the hero’s journey—where ordinary people leave home, face danger, and return wiser—we, too, face fears, mistakes, and struggles that shape us. These difficulties aren’t punishments. They are opportunities to grow.

Hard times help us build courage and wisdom.
Feelings like fear, sadness, or anger are signals pointing to areas where we can grow.
Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zone—but not so far that we break.
By facing even the parts of ourselves we don’t like, we can turn weaknesses into strengths.
Listening—to ourselves and to others—helps us solve problems and bring peace.
Play teaches us fairness, creativity, and teamwork.

Why This Matters

Character education research shows that resilience—the ability to bounce back from challenges—is a key part of living a meaningful life (Berkowitz & Bier, 2005). Psychologists Ryan & Deci also remind us that growth happens when we pursue meaning, not just comfort. By learning to face our “dragons,” children develop courage, wisdom, and empathy—skills that last a lifetime.

Reflection Prompts

Can you think of a time when something hard made you stronger?
What’s one “little dragon” in your life right now?
If you could let go of one old habit, what would it be?
When has life felt “out of tune” for you, and what helped bring the music back?

Good Citizens Club Lesson Plan

Age Group: 8–12
Duration: 30 minutes
Resources: Paper, pencils, whiteboard

1. Starter (5 min)

“Tree Growth” Warm-Up – Ask students: “How do trees grow stronger? What makes them grow?” Write answers on the board (sunshine, storms, water, seasons). Then ask: “What helps people grow stronger?”

2. Main Activity (15 min)

“Meet Your Dragon” Exercise

Each child draws a dragon on their paper.
Inside the dragon, they write a challenge they face (e.g., test anxiety, friendship problems, fear of speaking up).
Around the dragon, they write or draw the “treasures” they might gain if they face it (e.g., confidence, courage, wisdom, stronger friendships).
Optional: Pair-share about their dragons and treasures.

3. Discussion (7–8 min)

Open conversation guided by questions (see below). Encourage students to connect their drawings with real-life experiences.

4. Plenary (3–5 min)

Circle reflection: Each student shares one word they want to “take with them” from the lesson (e.g., courage, listening, growth).

Discussion Questions

Can you think of a story where a hero had to be brave? What did they learn?
What’s one “dragon” you’ve faced in real life?
How do hard feelings like fear or sadness sometimes help us grow?
Why do you think growth doesn’t happen when everything is easy?
What’s one habit you’d like to let go of to become a stronger version of yourself?
How can listening to yourself and others make life feel more “in tune”?

Closing Thought

Every hero’s journey begins with a question: What challenge will you face next? Keep exploring these big questions with us by subscribing to the Questions for Growth YouTube channel—new videos and lessons each week to help you grow braver, wiser, and kinder.