This story could be used to spark discussion about the moral of the story and allow students to come up with their own opinions on what the tale may tell us. Students can graph out the important events on a graphic organizer and discuss the importance of kindness.
I would use this book to highlight both reading comprehension and moral lessons. The wordless illustrations by Jerry Pinkney encourage students to practice visual literacy skills by retelling the story in their own words, identifying beginning, middle, and end, and discussing character feelings through pictures. The fable‘s message allows for discussions about empathy, cooperation, and respecting everyone‘s contributions.
pickThe lion and the mouse by Jerry Pinkney is a Caldecott award winning picture book that is considered a fable. It‘s a retelling of one of Aesop‘s classic fables, which are short stories that use animals with human traits to teach a moral lesson. The lion and the mouse talk, think, and act like people. It also teaches a moral lesson that even the smallest creature can help the strongest, emphasizing kindness.
pickThe Lion & The Mouse (Caldecott Award 2010) is a fable because this story teaches a lesson, and uses creatures to show how they can make a difference and help others using kindness. The characters in the book are a lion and a mouse that talks, which reflects human behavior.
In the classroom, I can use this book by addressing social lessons that can be used in our everyday lives. For example, I can use the story to teach empathy, kindness, and how small individuals can make a difference. I can then ask the students how they can help someone in the classroom, at home, or even in a public setting.
I can use this story in my classroom to teach my students about how you should always be kind to everyone and kindness is never wasted on anyone.
