Courage and Combat

🌟 The Warda Way lesson

The Warda Way teaches us:

• To be Strong.
• To be Confident.
• Work Hard.
• Be Kind
• Be Respectful.
• Never, ever give up.

🎯 Objectives

Children will be able to:

1. Explain why Winter grows more confident (practice, patience and respect).
2. Tell the difference between being loud and being strong, using Pug’s change in the book.
3. Practice responding to unkind words calmly and kindly, the way Winter does.
4. Connect “Never, ever give up” to a time Winter fell and stood back up.

📖 Read-aloud guide

1. Before reading: look at the cover. Ask, “What does it mean to be brave?”
2. Pause when Winter’s whiskers droop. Ask how she feels and how you can tell.
3. Pause at her first class. Notice that her paws tremble but she walks in anyway.
4. Read the coach’s words, “Practice, patience and respect,” in a slow, steady voice. Have your child repeat them.
5. At the end, read the Warda Way lesson page together and point to each line.

💬 Discussion questions

1. Why did Pug tease others? What did the book say he felt on the inside?
2. What did Winter do each time she fell?
3. How did Winter answer Pug when he started teasing again? Was that brave?
4. Why do you think Winter invited Pug to class?
5. The book says real strength is being respectful, helping others and working hard. Do you agree? Why?

✏️ Reading & writing

Brave words list: write or trace the words strong, confident, kind, respect, calm. Older children write one sentence about a time they felt brave. Younger children draw it and dictate a sentence to you.

🔢 Math & logic

Week of practice chart: Winter practiced “week after week.” Make a 7-day chart. Each day your child practices something new (a cartwheel, a tricky word, tying shoes), add a tally mark. Count the total at the end of the week. Older children: if you practice 3 times a day for 5 days, how many practices is that?

💛 Character & values

Stand tall role-play: take turns being “teased” with silly, harmless words. Practice standing tall, a deep breath, calm eyes, and a kind answer. Then talk about how it felt to stay calm.

✂️ Hands-on project

Make a medal: Winter won a shiny medal. Cut a circle from cardboard, cover it with foil or yellow paper, add a ribbon, and write one Warda Way lesson on the back. Award it when your child shows that lesson.