Balloon of Humility Script

Introduction (Warm-Up)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something really important called humility. But first, I want you to think about something you're really proud of achieving. Maybe you scored a great goal in soccer, got an amazing grade on a test, or helped a friend when they needed it. Take a moment to think of one thing that made you feel really good about yourself.

Who would like to share one thing they're proud of?" (Call on a few students to share.)

"Those are wonderful achievements! It's fantastic to feel proud of our hard work and success. But how we think about our achievements can make a big difference, and that's what we'll explore today."

The Inflating Ego (Balloon Demonstration Part 1)

"Now, I have a balloon here. (Hold up a deflated balloon). Imagine this balloon represents us and how we feel about our achievements. Sometimes, when we achieve something great, we can start to feel like we did it all by ourselves, that we're the only reason for our success. We might think, 'I'm the best! I did it!'"

(Start to slowly inflate the balloon as you talk about taking all the credit. Make it bigger and bigger.)

"When we only focus on ourselves and take all the credit, our 'balloon' of self-importance can start to get really big! (Show the inflated balloon). What do you think happens when our 'balloon' gets too big like this? How might others see us? How might we treat others?"

(Allow for a brief discussion.)

The Deflating Humility (Balloon Demonstration Part 2)

"Sometimes, when our balloon gets too big, it can block our view of other important things. (Hold up another deflated balloon, or use the first one if it's not popped). Now, let's think about humility. Humility isn't about thinking less of yourself; it's about thinking of yourself less, and thinking more about others and the help you've received."

(If using a new balloon, inflate it quickly beforehand to a medium size. If using the first, already inflated one, continue.)

"When we achieve something, are we ever truly alone? Think about that goal you scored – maybe your coach taught you, your teammates passed you the ball, or your parents drove you to practice. For that good grade, perhaps your teacher explained the lesson, your parents helped you study, or a friend encouraged you. And for those of us who believe, we also recognize God's blessings and guidance in our lives."

(As you mention each type of support – parents, teachers, friends, God – slowly and intentionally let the air out of the balloon until it's completely deflated.)

"See? When we remember all the people who helped us, and for those who believe, God's hand in our success, our 'balloon' of self-importance doesn't need to be so big. It deflates, not because we are less important, but because we are grateful and see the bigger picture. This is humility.

The Bible also talks about this. In Philippians, chapter 2, verse 3, it says: 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.'"

"What do you think this verse means? How does it connect to our balloon example?"

(Allow for a brief discussion, guiding students to connect valuing others to the deflating balloon.)

Real-World Humility Scenarios & Reflection

"Now, let's think about some real-world situations where people might struggle with humility. I'm going to describe a few short scenarios, and I want you to tell me: What did the character do wrong, and how could they have shown more humility?"

(Present the scenarios from the Real-World Humility Scenarios Activity. Allow for discussion after each one.)

"Great discussions, everyone! It's easy to spot when others might be struggling with humility, and it helps us think about how we can show it ourselves."

"Now, I have a Humility Reflection Worksheet for you. You'll write about one of your achievements and identify who helped you, reflecting on how that makes you feel after considering our discussions."

(Distribute the worksheets and monitor students. Bring the class back together for a quick wrap-up after most have finished.)

"To wrap up, remember that humility isn't about putting yourself down. It's about having an accurate view of yourself and your achievements, full of gratitude for everyone and everything that helped you get there. It makes us stronger, kinder, and more appreciative people. Great job today, everyone!"

Humility Reflection Worksheet: My Balloon of Achievement

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Part 1: My Big Achievement!

Think about something you are really proud of achieving. It could be anything! For example, scoring a goal, doing well on a test, finishing a big art project, or helping someone.

1. What is one achievement you are really proud of?
   
   
   
   
   
2. How did it feel when you accomplished this? (Like an inflating balloon, maybe? Why?)
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Who Helped My Balloon Stay Grounded?

Now, let's think about all the people who helped you achieve this goal. Remember, very few things are done completely alone! You can also think about how God might have helped you.

List at least three people who helped you, and explain how they helped:

1. Person/Group 1: ____________________________
   How they helped:
   
   
   
   
2. Person/Group 2: ____________________________
   How they helped:
   
   
   
   
3. Person/Group 3: ____________________________
   How they helped:
   
   
   
   How do you think God might have played a role in your achievement?
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Reflecting on Humility

Thinking about all the people who helped you, and God, changes how you see your achievement. This is what humility is about!

1. How does remembering everyone who helped you make you feel about your achievement now? (Like a deflating balloon, perhaps? Why?)
   
   
   
   
   
2. Why do you think it's important to be humble and value others, as the Bible verse Philippians 2:3 tells us?
   
   
   
   
   

Real-World Humility Scenarios Activity

Objective: To identify and discuss examples of humility (or lack thereof) in relatable situations, fostering understanding and application of the concept.

Instructions for Teacher: Read each scenario aloud. After each scenario, facilitate a brief class discussion using the prompt questions.

Scenario 1: The Solo Artist

Scenario: Maya spent weeks working on an amazing art project for the school fair. When she won first prize, she stood on stage and said, "I did this all by myself! I'm the best artist here!" She didn't thank her art teacher who taught her new techniques, or her friends who gave her ideas.

Discussion Prompts:

• What did Maya do that showed a lack of humility?
  
  
  
• How could Maya have shown more humility when accepting her award?
  
  
  

Scenario 2: The Basketball Star

Scenario: Jake scored the winning basket in the championship game. After the game, he bragged to everyone, "I won the game for us! My teammates weren't even that good." He forgot that his teammates passed him the ball, played defense, and that his coach trained him all season.

Discussion Prompts:

• How did Jake demonstrate a lack of humility?
  
  
  
• What could Jake have said to show appreciation and humility?
  
  
  

Scenario 3: The Smart Student

Scenario: During a group project, Sarah knew all the answers. When her group members were trying to figure things out, she said, "This is so easy, why are you all struggling? I could do this whole project alone." She made her teammates feel bad and didn't offer to genuinely help or explain.

Discussion Prompts:

• What was unhumble about Sarah's behavior?
  
  
  
• How could Sarah have used her knowledge to help her group in a humble way?
  
  
  

Scenario 4: The Perfect Performance

Scenario: Emily practiced her song for the school talent show every day. She nailed her performance and received a standing ovation. Afterwards, when her music teacher congratulated her and mentioned how hard they had worked together, Emily just said, "Yeah, I'm just naturally good. It wasn't that hard for me." She didn't acknowledge the hours her teacher spent helping her or the encouragement from her friends.

Discussion Prompts:

• What did Emily do that showed a lack of humility?
  
  
  
• How could Emily have responded to her teacher and friends with more humility?
  
  
  

Scenario 5: The Talented Child

Scenario: David's parents always tell him how talented he is at playing the piano. When he performed perfectly at a school concert, he took a bow and then, when his dad tried to congratulate him backstage, David said, "It's nothing, Dad. I'm just naturally better than everyone else." He didn't acknowledge his parents for paying for lessons and supporting his practice, or his teacher for guiding him.

Discussion Prompts:

• How did David demonstrate a lack of humility?
  
  
  
• What could David have said or done to show humility and gratitude to his parents and teacher?