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Lesson plan

The Dolphins the Whales and the Sprat

Grades
2–5
Reading level
4
PDFPrint the worksheetRead the story

STORY OVERVIEW

  • Title and Moral/Theme: The Dolphins, the Whales, and the Sprat; Pride and stubbornness can prevent resolution and lead to self-destruction.
  • Plot Summary: In the midst of a fierce battle between the Dolphins and the Whales, a small Sprat offers to mediate and help reconcile their differences. However, the Dolphins refuse to accept help from the Sprat, choosing pride over resolution, ultimately leading to their downfall.
  • Key Characters and Their Significance:
    • Dolphins: Represent pride and stubbornness, highlighting the theme of self-destruction through refusal to accept help.
    • Whales: Their involvement in the battle showcases the destructive nature of conflict.
    • Sprat: Symbolizes humility and the potential for resolution; serves as a reminder that even the smallest voices can offer valuable insights.

LESSON FUNDAMENTALS

  • Learning Objectives:
    • Students will understand the moral of the story and its relevance to real-life situations.
    • Students will analyze the characters’ motivations and their impact on the story's outcome.
    • Students will discuss the consequences of pride and stubbornness in conflict resolution.
    • Students will create their own short tales with moral lessons inspired by the story.
  • Discussion Questions:
    1. How does pride influence the decisions made by the Dolphins and Whales?
    2. What might have happened if the Dolphins had accepted the Sprat's help?
    3. Can you think of a situation in your own life where pride got in the way of resolving a conflict?
  • Required Materials:
    • Copies of the story "The Dolphins, the Whales, and the Sprat"
    • Whiteboard and markers
    • Paper and writing utensils for students
    • Optional: Illustrations or videos of dolphins and whales to engage students

LESSON FLOW

  • Opening Hook (5 min):
    • Start with a humorous animal anecdote to capture students' attention and relate it to the theme of pride. Ask students what they think pride means.
  • Story Exploration (15-20 min):
    • Read the story aloud to the class, pausing to discuss key moments. Ask for predictions and reactions as the conflict unfolds.
  • Analysis Exercises (15 min):
    • Divide students into small groups and assign each group a character. Have them discuss the character's traits, motivations, and what their actions reveal about pride and stubbornness.
  • Application/Reflection (10 min):
    • Regroup and ask each group to share their insights. Then, prompt students to reflect on personal experiences where pride affected their decisions.
  • Assessment Strategy (5 min):
    • Conduct a quick exit ticket where students write one thing they