The following story can help older pre-schoolers and young elementary schoolers relate storybook bravery to their own everyday behavior.

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A young prince had never seen a real dragon before, but he had heard of dragons and knew of their great strength and the hot fire they could breathe out of their nostrils. One day he had gone for an early ride on his favorite horse and had just galloped down the path into the woods. As he turned a corner, he found himself face to face with a dragon. He could have turned his horse and ran, and maybe he could have escaped, but the dragon was heading for the town and would surely hurt or kill the townspeople. So, he charged straight at the dragon. The dragon was so stunned by the prince's courageous charge that it turned and ran away. The dragon was gone and the kingdom was saved.

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Parents, expand and elaborate this story as you wish. Then ask:

- "Did the prince have courage?" (Yes)
- "Do we need courage today in this world?" (Yes)
- "Why? We don't have dragons." (Because there are things other than dragons that require courage).

Review the following list of today's "dragons"—things that take courage—and write down two of your own.

- Admitting you are wrong when you are.
- Doing what is right when everyone else isn't.
- Saying "hi" to a new child at school or at karate.
- Saying no when kids try to get you to do something you know you shouldn't.
- Asking for extra help when you know you need it.

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Your own experience in courage:

1.
2.

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Family Members:

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3. (optional)