Bravery Boot

This is our Bravery Boot. It is to help children recognise and reflect on their own bravery,  both big and small moments,  and identify ways to support themselves when they feel nervous or unsure. This activity builds self-awareness, confidence, and emotional resilience.

Introduce the Concept of Bravery

Explain that bravery isn’t about being fearless. It’s about doing something even when we feel nervous or scared. Give examples relevant to children’s lives (e.g. trying something new, asking a question, saying sorry).

Share the Boot Worksheet

Hand out the A4 worksheet which includes a boot outline and reflective prompts. Read through the prompts with the group. You might want to model filling in your own boot to demonstrate.

Support Reflection

Encourage children to talk with a partner or adult about times they’ve been brave. Some children may need support thinking of examples.

Use scaffolding like “Did you ever try something new, even when you felt shy?” “Can you remember a time you stood up for yourself or someone else?”

Allow Time to Complete

Children write or draw inside the boot using the prompts provided. They can decorate their boot with symbols of bravery (e.g. stars, flames, lightning bolts, capes, hearts).

Optional Extension

Children can cut out their boots (or keep them as full A4 sheets). Add bravery mottos or badges, or write on the back about someone they admire for being brave.

Display Suggestions

Turn the Bravery Boots into a powerful, affirming visual display!

Title Ideas

“Path of Courage”

“Every Step is a Brave Step”

“Boots of Bravery”

“Our Mighty Steps”

Ways to Display

Wall Path

Create a winding path or trail of bravery boots across a wall or corridor.

Use printable “stepping stones” or “planks” to connect each boot – label these with words like “Confidence”, “Courage”, “Kindness”, “Trying Again”.

String Line Display

Peg boots onto string or ribbon, like bunting across the room. Add star or lightning bolt cut-outs in between for flair.

Courage Climb

Display the boots climbing a “mountain” or up a “ladder” to show that bravery builds over time.

Footsteps to Bravery

Have each boot placed next to a printed paper footprint. The footprint can say:

“One brave step I took was…” or “My next step will be…”

Interactive Bravery Wall

Keep spare boots available for children to fill in when they’ve done something brave in future. Make it an ongoing classroom feature!

Download: Bravery boot