10 Call it Courage Journal Prompts to Help you Explore the Book’s Themes

Do you ever find yourself searching for ways to overcome fear and build courage in your everyday life? Well, fear not! With Call it Courage journal prompts, you can begin to face those daunting challenges and develop the courage that lies within you. This classic novel by Armstrong Sperry has been inspiring readers of all ages for decades and now, through the power of journaling, you can uncover its lessons for yourself.

Whether you’re facing a new challenge or simply want to build your emotional resilience, these journal prompts will help you tap into the courage that already exists within you. With guided prompts inspired by the characters and themes in Call it Courage, you can explore your fears, embrace your strengths, and find the courage you need to take on whatever comes your way. So, grab a pen and get ready to discover a new level of bravery that you never thought possible!

With practical exercises, reflective prompts, and thought-provoking questions, Call it Courage journal prompts are the perfect tool to help you overcome the obstacles that stand in your way. This book is more than just a classic tale of survival, it’s a guide to developing emotional resilience and strength in yourself. So why not take the first step today and start your journey towards courage? With Call it Courage journal prompts, you’re sure to find the fearless warrior that’s been hiding within you all along!

Call it courage themes

Call it Courage is a novel by Armstrong Sperry that tells the story of a young Polynesian boy named Mafatu. Themes in the novel include overcoming fear, the importance of family, and the power of perseverance. Here are 15 examples of Call it Courage journal prompts related to these themes:

  • Describe a time when you were afraid of something and had to overcome that fear. How did you do it?
  • Discuss the importance of family in the novel. How does Mafatu’s relationship with his father contribute to the story?
  • Explain how Mafatu’s experiences on the island help him to become more independent and self-reliant.
  • Describe a time when you had to use your own resources to solve a problem. What did you do and what did you learn from the experience?
  • Discuss the role of nature in the novel. How does Mafatu’s connection with the natural world help him to overcome his fears?
  • Explain how Mafatu’s determination to prove himself to his father guides his actions throughout the story.
  • Describe a time when you had to persist in the face of a difficult challenge. What did you learn from the experience?
  • Discuss the importance of perseverance in the novel. How does Mafatu’s persistence help him to achieve his goals?
  • Explain how Mafatu’s experiences on the island help him to discover his own inner strength and courage.
  • Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision. What did you do and what factors did you consider?
  • Discuss the role of tradition in the novel. How do Mafatu’s actions show his respect for his culture and heritage?
  • Explain how Mafatu’s experiences with the sea and the animals on the island help him to become more connected to his environment.
  • Describe a time when you felt like giving up, but persisted instead. What did you learn from the experience?
  • Discuss the importance of facing your fears in the novel. How does Mafatu’s ability to overcome his fears lead to his growth as a person?
  • Explain how Mafatu’s experiences on the island help him to develop a greater appreciation for the natural world and its beauty.

By exploring these themes through writing prompts, readers of Call it Courage can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of the novel and the insights it provides into the human experience.

Through exercises like these, readers can better understand the important themes of the story and how they relate to their own lives.

Courageous Characters in Literature

Courage is a powerful virtue that is celebrated in literature. Many stories depict characters who confront their fears and display exceptional bravery in the midst of adversity. These characters inspire us to stand up for what we believe in and never give up, no matter the obstacles we face.

  • Atticus Finch – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Atticus Finch is a lawyer who defends a black man in a case of rape despite the backlash he faces from his peers.
  • Hercules – Hercules by Walt Disney: This mythological hero demonstrates both physical and moral courage, including choosing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.
  • Harry Potter – Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: Despite constantly being in danger, Harry Potter consistently shows bravery and courage, particularly when he confronts Lord Voldemort.
  • Jane Eyre – Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre maintains her courage and integrity in the face of various challenges, including poverty, social status, and rejection.
  • Luke Skywalker – Star Wars by George Lucas: Luke Skywalker overcomes his fear to confront the evil Empire and save the galaxy from complete destruction.
  • Frodo Baggins – Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: Frodo Baggins displays bravery and courage throughout the series, particularly when he embarks on a mission to destroy the One Ring.
  • Shasta – The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis: Shasta is a young boy who displays bravery and courage, traveling with a talking horse to uncover the truth about his identity.
  • Éowyn – Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: Éowyn disguises herself as a man to fight in the war and ultimately kills the Witch-king, allowing the armies of Middle-earth to triumph.
  • Aslan – Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: Aslan is a powerful and noble lion who often acts as a protector and symbol of hope, demonstrating courage and bravery time and time again.
  • Santiago – The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: Santiago is an old fisherman who continues to fight for his catch, even when faced with setbacks and challenges.
  • Jon Snow – A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin: Jon Snow is a character who displays courage when facing various challenges, including the threat of the Night King and the White Walkers.
  • Bilbo Baggins – The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Bilbo Baggins demonstrates bravery and courage when he embarks on a quest to help the dwarves reclaim their homeland from the dragon, Smaug.
  • Katniss Everdeen – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Katniss Everdeen is a character who displays exceptional courage and bravery in the face of adversity, particularly during the Hunger Games.
  • Aragorn – Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: Aragorn is a powerful warrior who puts his life on the line to protect his friends and save Middle-earth from its enemies.
  • Kira – Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry: Kira is a young girl who displays exceptional courage and bravery in the face of various challenges, including physical disability, poverty, and danger.

These courageous characters in literature inspire us to believe in ourselves and pursue our dreams, no matter the adversities we face. They prove that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the willingness to face it, overcome it, and emerge stronger on the other side.

So the next time you’re feeling afraid or discouraged, think of these characters and let their bravery inspire you to be courageous and chase your dreams!

Fear and how it affects our decisions

Fear is a strong emotion that often prevents us from making good decisions. Fear can paralyze us and keep us from taking risks that could improve our lives. In Call It Courage, Mafatu faces many fears, and we can relate these fears to our own lives. Here are some examples of how fear affects our decisions:

  • Fear of failure can stop us from trying new things
  • Fear of rejection can prevent us from forming new relationships
  • Fear of the unknown can keep us from taking risks
  • Fear of embarrassment can keep us from speaking up
  • Fear of change can stop us from making important life decisions
  • Fear of being judged can prevent us from being ourselves
  • Fear of losing control can prevent us from delegating tasks
  • Fear of disappointment can cause us to doubt our abilities
  • Fear of success can keep us from taking the next step
  • Fear of making mistakes can cause us to avoid taking action
  • Fear of the future can prevent us from enjoying the present moment
  • Fear of being alone can cause us to stay in unhealthy relationships
  • Fear of the past can prevent us from moving forward
  • Fear of being vulnerable can prevent us from forming deep connections with others
  • Fear of criticism can prevent us from speaking our minds

As you can see, fear can have a powerful impact on our lives. However, it’s important to remember that fear is a natural emotion and everyone experiences it. The key is to not let fear control our decisions. In Call It Courage, Mafatu learns to face his fears and overcome them, and we can do the same in our own lives.

Journal prompt: Think about a time when fear held you back from making a decision. What were you afraid of? How did that fear affect your decision? What could you have done differently?

Overcoming obstacles and challenges

One of the major themes in Call it Courage is overcoming obstacles and challenges. Mafatu faces many difficult situations throughout the novel that he must overcome in order to prove his bravery and gain confidence in himself. Journal prompts related to this theme can help students to explore their own experiences with overcoming obstacles and how they have grown as a result. Here are 15 examples:

  • Have you ever had to face a fear? How did you overcome it?
  • Think about a time when you struggled academically. What steps did you take to improve?
  • What was a time when you had to ask for help from someone else? How did that experience change you?
  • Have you ever experienced a setback that felt insurmountable at the time? How did you eventually move past it?
  • Did you ever have to stand up for yourself in a situation where you felt powerless? What did you learn from that experience?
  • Think about a time when you had to face a difficult decision. How did you ultimately make a choice?
  • Have you ever had to learn a new skill or take on a new challenge? How did you approach it?
  • Think about a time when you were pushed outside of your comfort zone. How did you react, and what did you ultimately learn?
  • Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough to achieve something? How did you eventually prove yourself wrong?
  • Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by responsibility. How did you cope with those feelings?
  • Have you ever had to apologize or make amends for something you did wrong? How did that experience shape you?
  • Think about a time when you had to persevere in the face of adversity. What motivated you to keep going?
  • Have you ever experienced prejudice or discrimination? How did you stand up for yourself?
  • Think about a time when you had to be patient and wait for something. How did you handle the waiting?
  • Have you ever had to forgive someone who hurt you? What did you learn from that experience?

These journal prompts can help students to reflect on their own experiences with overcoming obstacles and challenges and how those experiences have shaped them. Encouraging students to write regularly about these topics can help them to develop resilience and a growth mindset, which will benefit them in all areas of life.

Remember, the act of writing is not only a way to reflect on and process experiences, but it also helps to develop communication and critical thinking skills. By encouraging regular journaling, teachers can help students to develop important life skills that will serve them well in the future.

Facing Our Fears

Fear can be a paralyzing emotion. It can keep us from taking risks, trying new things, or pursuing our goals. In Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry, Mafatu, the main character, is faced with numerous fears, including a fear of the ocean. Overcoming our fears, however, can be a powerful and transformative experience. Here are 15 journal prompts to explore the theme of facing our fears.

  • What is your biggest fear?
  • Where do you think this fear comes from?
  • What specific steps can you take to confront and overcome your fear?
  • What are some potential benefits of facing your fear?
  • What are some potential risks or challenges of facing your fear?
  • What role does courage play in facing our fears?
  • What role does persistence play in facing our fears?
  • What role does support from others play in facing our fears?
  • Describe a time when you faced a fear and overcame it.
  • Describe a time when you faced a fear and were not able to overcome it. What did you learn from that experience?
  • What are some common fears that people face in everyday life? How can they be overcome?
  • How can facing our fears help us grow and develop as individuals?
  • What are some healthy ways to cope with fear?
  • What are some unhealthy ways to cope with fear?
  • How can we overcome the fear of failure?

By journaling about our fears, we can gain insight into ourselves and develop strategies for facing them. It is important to remember that facing our fears is a process that takes time, patience, and perseverance. It is okay to feel scared or uncertain, but we should not let our fears hold us back from living our best lives.

Remember the words of Mafatu in Call it Courage: “Courage is not the lack of fear, it is the overcoming of it.”

Journal prompts for self-reflection on courage

Self-reflection is a process of introspection that helps us understand our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It enables us to look inward and gain insights into our experiences. Journaling is an effective tool for self-reflection as it allows us to express our thoughts and emotions. Here are 15 journal prompts for self-reflection on courage:

  • What does courage mean to me?
  • When have I demonstrated courage in my life?
  • What scares me the most, and how can I overcome it?
  • What challenges have I faced in life, and how have I dealt with them?
  • What limiting beliefs do I have that prevent me from being courageous?
  • What are some small acts of courage that I can do every day?
  • What would I do if I were not afraid?
  • What values are important to me, and how do they relate to courage?
  • When have I failed to be courageous, and what did I learn from the experience?
  • Who is a courageous person that I admire, and why?
  • What risks am I willing to take to achieve my goals?
  • What opportunities am I missing out on because of fear?
  • How can I build my courage muscle?
  • What steps can I take to face my fears?
  • What would my life look like if I were more courageous?

Reflecting on courage can help us develop a better understanding of ourselves. It can also help us identify areas where we need to be more courageous and take action towards our goals. By journaling regularly, we can cultivate courage and develop a growth mindset.

Remember that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to face it. Taking small steps towards our goals and facing our fears can help us build resilience and become more confident in ourselves.

Courageous Historical Figures:

Throughout history, there have been countless individuals who have displayed remarkable courage in the face of adversity. Many of these individuals have become icons of courage, inspiring generations to stand up for what they believe in and to fight for a better world. Here are just 15 examples of courageous historical figures:

  • Mahatma Gandhi: The Indian independence leader who used nonviolent resistance to achieve his goals, inspiring similar movements around the world.
  • Nelson Mandela: The South African anti-apartheid activist who spent 27 years in prison before leading his country to democracy through peaceful means.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.: The American civil rights leader who led a nonviolent movement for racial equality and against segregation in the United States.
  • Rosa Parks: The American civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and helping to end segregation in public transportation.
  • Harriet Tubman: The American abolitionist who escaped slavery and helped hundreds more to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
  • Anne Frank: The Dutch-Jewish teenager who wrote a diary during World War II, documenting her family’s experience in hiding from the Nazis and serving as a symbol of hope and resistance against oppression.
  • Mother Teresa: The Albanian-born nun who devoted her life to serving the poor and sick in India and around the world, founding the Missionaries of Charity and inspiring countless others to follow in her path.
  • Malala Yousafzai: The Pakistani activist for girls’ education who survived a Taliban assassination attempt and went on to become the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
  • Sally Ride: The American astronaut who became the first woman to travel to space, inspiring generations of girls to pursue careers in science and technology.
  • Winston Churchill: The British prime minister who led his country through World War II, inspiring his fellow citizens to stand up to tyranny and fascism.
  • Mary Wollstonecraft: The British philosopher and writer who advocated for women’s rights and education in the late 18th century, paving the way for modern feminism.
  • Leonardo da Vinci: The Italian Renaissance artist and inventor who fearlessly pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work that continues to inspire to this day.
  • Mao Zedong: The Chinese Communist leader who fought against the Japanese during World War II and led his country through revolution and modernization, inspiring a generation of Chinese people to stand up for their ideals.
  • Joan of Arc: The French heroine who fought bravely in the Hundred Years’ War, leading her country to victory and becoming a symbol of courage and inspiration for generations to come.
  • Benjamin Franklin: The American statesman, inventor, and Founding Father who fearlessly pushed the boundaries of knowledge and creativity, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and progress.

These courageous historical figures serve as examples of what it means to stand up for what is right, even in the face of daunting obstacles and great personal risk. Their stories are a reminder of the importance of courage and leadership in times of crisis, and an inspiration to all who seek to make the world a better place.

So who inspired you the most? Who is your role model when it comes to courage? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

FAQs about Call It Courage Journal Prompts

1. What are Call It Courage journal prompts?

Call It Courage journal prompts are thought-provoking questions or prompts that are designed to help readers reflect on their reading of the book “Call It Courage” by Armstrong Sperry.

2. Why should I use Call It Courage journal prompts?

Using Call It Courage journal prompts can help you gain a deeper understanding of the book, connect with the characters on a personal level, and enhance your own personal growth.

3. Who can benefit from using Call It Courage journal prompts?

Anyone who has read “Call It Courage” can benefit from using the journal prompts. They can be especially helpful for students, book club members, or anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the book.

4. How do I use Call It Courage journal prompts?

Using Call It Courage journal prompts is easy. Simply choose a prompt from the list and reflect on your thoughts and feelings about the question. Write down your answers in a journal or notebook.

5. Can I share my thoughts on the journal prompts with others?

Yes, sharing your thoughts on the journal prompts with others can be a great way to gain new perspectives and insights. Consider discussing the prompts with your book club or class.

6. How many prompts are there in total?

There are seven journal prompts in total. Each prompt is designed to help you reflect on a different aspect of the book.

7. Can I use Call It Courage journal prompts for other books?

While these prompts are specifically designed for “Call It Courage,” you can use them as a model for developing your own prompts for other books.

Closing Paragraph

Thank you for taking the time to explore the world of Call It Courage through these journal prompts. We hope that you found them helpful in deepening your understanding of the book and connecting with the characters on a personal level. Remember, these prompts are just a starting point. Feel free to use them as a model for developing your own prompts for other books. Be sure to check back soon for more fun and educational resources!