This story, After the Fall by Dan Santat, beautifully captures what it means to try again after something didn’t go as planned. Using the familiar character of Humpty Dumpty, this book shifts the focus from the fall itself to what happens after. It opens the door to conversations about fear, resilience, and the courage it takes to climb back up.

Extension ideas include:

• “What Courage Sounds Like” Anchor Chart
• “After My Fall” writing reflection: Students write about a time they had to try again
• Fear ladder activity: Identify small steps toward something that feels challenging
• Character traits chart: How does Humpty change from beginning to end?

“What Courage Sounds Like” Anchor Chart

Courage often begins with the quiet words students say to themselves. This anchor chart makes those words visible and teachable, giving students practical phrases to use when learning feels uncomfortable. When students change their self-talk, they change their response to challenges.

“After My Fall” writing reflection

This reflection activity invites students to connect personally with After the Fall by examining a time they had to try again. Writing about their own “fall” helps students normalize mistakes and see perseverance as a skill they can strengthen. It’s a meaningful way to reinforce resilience and growth mindset in authentic, age-appropriate language.

Fear Ladder Activity

The Fear Ladder activity helps students break big, overwhelming challenges into small, manageable steps. By identifying one “rung” at a time, students learn that courage doesn’t require a giant leap, just forward movement. This strategy builds confidence while teaching students how to approach fear with intention rather than avoidance.

Character Traits

This character traits chart helps students move beyond surface details and think deeply about how a character changes over time. By identifying specific traits and describing the character’s development, students practice citing evidence and understanding growth within a story. It’s a powerful way to connect literary analysis with themes of resilience and courage.