Twelve courage conversation cards

English-language edition | October 2026 | bernard.ink

Courage conversation cards

Cut on the dashed lines. Choose two or three cards after reading; everyone may pass.

1. What does Esi say about being afraid at the beginning?
2. Which picture shows a change in Esi's feelings?
3. How could you describe the festival using a sound?
4. What helps Esi keep going?
5. Can asking for help be brave? Why?
6. What would you say to a character who feels worried?

More things to wonder

7. How can a place feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time?
8. What might a trusted grown-up do when a child feels lost?
9. Does everyone feel brave in the same situations?
10. What makes a celebration special to a family?
11. What do you notice about the masks and costumes in the illustrations?
12. What is one kind thing a community can do to help someone?

Teacher notes

Purpose and preparation

10-15 minutes. Practise listening and explaining ideas without forcing personal disclosure.

Read the book aloud first. Have one copy available to revisit words and pictures. Pupil pages are suitable for black-and-white printing.

Suggested responses

Accept varied responses. Ask children to distinguish what the book shows from what they imagine. Fear is a feeling, not a failure. No pupil needs to represent Ghana or a whole community.

Support and stretch

Support: Offer a partner rehearsal, a drawing or an option to pass.

Stretch: Invite a child to respond to a classmate: I agree because ... or I wonder ...

Teaching links

England spoken language: listen, explain ideas and build on responses. US Grade 1 SL.1.1: collaborative conversation; SL.1.2: questions about a read-aloud.

These are suggested links, not an accredited lesson or a complete curriculum. Grade 1 links do not apply automatically to younger children.

Use cards 1, 2 and 4 to return to the story, then choose broader prompts. Agree a simple rule: one speaker, careful listening, no pressure to share.