The Courage Trail

The gate at the edge of the Whispering Woods is older than anyone remembers, and tonight it is the official start of the junior night patrol. Finn has a patrol leader's armband, a clipboard Ranger Hazel gave him, and a tail that will not keep still.

He glares at it. The tail ignores him. Behind you the sun is going down and the path ahead is already the colour of strong tea.

The story continues in the mission.

First, a choice: 4 options

• Nervous against excited
• Nervous against angry
• Excited against angry
• Start with my own outline

On the printed page: Choose a pair of feelings and mark it on the outlines.

By the end they have: Body-signal map with a key.

You will need: The four body outlines on this page (or draw quick ones) · Pencils or pens

1. Pick your pair of feelings, or start with your own outline.
2. Make a key first: decide on three marks for small, medium and strong signals (dots, stripes, solid shading, or your own system).
3. On the outlines, mark where each feeling shows up for Finn, using the story as evidence.
4. On a fourth outline, mark your own signals for the same feelings, as much or as little as you like.
5. Circle the two signals that are hardest to tell apart.
6. Write one line under the map: 'When I notice ___, it could be ___ or ___.'

Smaller step if needed: Map one feeling only, on Finn's outline, using the story clues.

The grown-up’s part: If your child wants company, map your own signals alongside theirs. Do not ask to see their outline.

Before one event this week that matters to you, such as a test, a match or a club session, pause and notice which two body signals show up, then decide whether they are more nerves or more excitement.

What it practises: Practise noticing where nervousness shows up in the body, and comparing it with excitement and anger so the signals become information rather than alarms.