“Doing Things Scared”

You kind of have to do things scared, because it doesn’t go in this order: fear, fear goes away, then the action happens.

Usually what happens is: fear, fear gets worse, take action, then fear goes away.

So you have to be able to do things scared.

What I think we forget to do is celebrate the stuff we’ve done scared. So, think about the things and write them down. What are the things that you have done scared? From the bungee jump, to the breakup, to the big presentation you did on stage—what have you done scared?

And then I want you to celebrate it.

🌈 Lesson Flow

1. Hook (5–7 min): “Doing Things Scared” Discussion

Engageli Poll or Chat Prompt:

What’s something you’ve done that scared you at first—but you did it anyway?

Examples students might give:

Speaking in front of class
Moving to a new school
Standing up to someone
Trying out for a team

Teacher Talk (2 min mini-story):

“When I was younger, I had to speak on stage for the first time. My hands were shaking. I thought the fear would go away before I started — but it didn’t. I just did it scared. Afterward, I felt proud. That’s what today’s writing is about.”

2. Mini-Lesson (10 min): The Power of the Hook

Share Slide or Screen Example:

Boring: I was scared when I moved to a new city.
Better: My suitcase thumped against the airport floor as I tried not to cry.

💬 Discuss:

What makes the second sentence stronger?
What do you notice about emotion and imagery?

Teacher Note:
Explain that a hook pulls the reader in with a sensory image, question, or bold statement.

Hook Types Students Can Try:

Start in motion: “My knees were shaking as I stepped to the edge.”
Start with dialogue: “You’ve got this,” I whispered to myself.
Start with emotion: “I had never felt fear like that before.”
Start with a question: “What happens if I fail?”

3. Guided Brainstorm (10–12 min): Things I Did Scared

Students open a Padlet or Canvas journal and list five moments they’ve done something scared.
Encourage variety:

Physical courage (trying a rollercoaster)
Emotional courage (telling the truth)
Academic courage (giving a speech)
Social courage (making a new friend)

💬 Teacher Cue:

“We often forget to celebrate what we’ve already done scared. You’ve all done brave things — now, let’s put one into words.”

4. Independent Writing (15–20 min): 100 Words of Courage

Prompt (posted in Canvas):

✍️ Write 100 words about a time you did something scared.
Start with a hook that grabs attention.
Include sensory details — what you saw, heard, and felt.
End with a note of self-celebration or reflection.

Example Mentor Text (Teacher Model):

My hands trembled as I held the microphone. The stage lights glared, and my heartbeat echoed louder than the music. “Just talk,” I told myself. “Don’t think.” My voice cracked at first, but then I kept going. By the end, people were clapping, and I realized something I’d forgotten: being brave isn’t about not being scared. It’s about speaking anyway.

5. Peer Celebration (5–10 min): “Do It Scared Showcase”

Engageli Tables or Padlet Share:
Each student posts their hook sentence only in chat or Padlet.

💬 Ask:

“Which one grabbed your attention right away?”
“What emotion or image pulled you in?”

Applaud with emojis 👏🔥💖

6. Reflection (Canvas Discussion or Google Form):

“How did it feel to write about something that scared you?”
“What did you learn about yourself by remembering that moment?”
“How does celebrating courage help your anxiety or confidence?”

Encourage 3–5 sentence responses.

🧩 Assessment

Formative: Participation in brainstorm and discussion.
Summative: 100-word story graded on:
- Clear focus and emotional depth
- Engaging hook
- Vivid language
- Reflection at the end

EDUCATION