Lesson flow
Opening Hook
Begin with a brief discussion on how different people handle stress and challenges. Ask students for examples of various strategies they’ve observed or used.
Story Exploration
Read the story "Philosophers Three" aloud. After reading, allow students to share their initial reactions to the characters and their choices.
Analysis Exercises
Divide students into groups and assign each group one character. Have them discuss their character’s approach to the flood and prepare a short presentation on why their character’s strategy might be effective or ineffective.
Application/Reflection
Bring the class back together and discuss how the moral of the story can be applied to their lives. Encourage students to share personal experiences where they had to decide between confrontation, cleverness, or retreat.
Assessment Strategy
Conduct a quick exit ticket where students write down which character they resonate with most and why, along with one lesson they learned from the story.
STORY OVERVIEW
- Title and moral/theme: "Philosophers Three" - The moral is that different situations require different approaches; sometimes bravery, cunning, or strategic retreat is the best response to adversity.
- Plot Summary: In this short tale, three animals—a Bear, a Fox, and an Opossum—find themselves facing a flood. Each animal reacts differently to the impending danger, showcasing distinct philosophies on how to handle adversity. The Bear charges forward, the Fox relies on cunning to hide, and the Opossum chooses to play dead, revealing the importance of understanding one's situation.
- Key Characters:
- Bear: Represents bravery and direct confrontation.
- Fox: Embodies cunning and cleverness, illustrating the value of wit.
- Opossum: Symbolizes wisdom and strategic retreat, showing that sometimes it's better to avoid confrontation.
LESSON FUNDAMENTALS
- Learning Objectives:
- Students will understand the different approaches to adversity represented by each character.
- Students will analyze the motivations behind each character's actions.
- Students will discuss how the moral of the story applies to real-life situations.
- Students will reflect on their personal experiences with adversity and the strategies they employed.
- Discussion Questions:
- How do each of the characters' approaches to the flood reflect their personalities?
- In what ways can the story's moral be applied to situations you have encountered?
- What can we learn from the Opossum’s strategy of playing dead in the face of danger?
- Required Materials:
- Copies of the story "Philosophers Three"
- Whiteboard and markers
- Paper and pencils for student notes
- Optional: Art supplies for extension activities
Original text available on the story page.