Thursday, June 10, 2010

Fairy Tale Fridays: The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Special Thanks to my Personal Faery Friend for the Button Art: Ye Olde Faery Shoppe


This week's selection for Fairy Tale Fridays is The Boy Who Cried Wolf or what was originally known as The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf by Aesop.  Because Aesop is so very short and to the point, I am going to copy the full text for you below to enjoy right here and now . . .
A shepherd boy, who tended his flock not far from a village, used to amuse himself at times by crying out "Wolf!  Wolf!"  His trick succeeded two or three times, and the whole village came running to his rescue.  However, the villagers were simply rewarded with laughter for their pains.
 One day the wolf really did come, and the boy cried out in earnest.  But his neighbors thought that he was up to his old tricks and paid no attention to his cries.  Consequently, the sheep were left at the mercy of the wolf.
Even when liars tell the truth, they are never believed.
I really do not know if it is pure coincidence or if it was part of a master plan for me to be reading this story and discussing it here at this time.  I have been struggling the last couple of weeks with my preschooler in telling lies.  I understand that it is common for this age group, but I have still been racking my brain on what to do with this kid in getting him to simply tell the truth!  In walks a perfect example of bibliotherapy . . . well, in a sense!


My personal copy of this story is actually not illustrated or kid-friendly.  I have decided that I must find myself a good illustrated copy from the library to share with my preschooler.  It is times like these that no matter how many times I tell the kid . . . "Mommy does not like being lied to." OR  "I feel so bad when you do not tell me the truth."  OR  "It is important not to lie so that people will trust you in the future." . . . These comments are simply not getting through to him.  Books can get through to him usually.  Books can be a great way to share a life lesson such as this, particularly through illustrations, with a child of varying ages.  This is one Aesop fable that I can get on board with!


What other tales or stories do you know that you have found to work in helping to teach your child about morals?


UPCOMING TALES:
Friday, June 18th:  Peach Boy or Momotaro (A Japanese Folktale)  
Friday, June 25th:  The Mother of the Jungle (Traditional Latin American Tale)
Friday, July 2nd:  Rainbow-walker or Johnny Appleseed (An American Tall Tale)
Friday, July 9th:  The Lion, The Hare, and the Hyena (An African Folktale)


**SPECIAL NOTE:  I have linked those stories that I can find above either in writing or as a video of the reading via YouTube.  The generic link via the country's tales will take you to a listing of additional tales or possible replacements.  Enjoy!





5 comments:

  1. I think a lot of stories have morals tucked in to them. The best ones are the ones where the kid doesn't know he's being taught something.

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  2. Fear not! They all do that. Plus, I swear I just saw a report on the news that said the smarter your kid is, the earlier she or he will lie!
    Celebrate the genius!

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  3. If it makes you feel any better, it's a phase. And depending on the child, it could last for years...lol. OKay, so that last comment could have been left unsaid, but I'm thinking of my oldest. I am so glad my kids are almost grown. I never want to do this again!

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  4. carolsnotebook . . . That is so true! I really need to get my hands on the copy of this story that you reviewed this week! I think that could be one of those great hidden messages for my son! :)

    KateW . . . Whew!! That makes me feel so much better!!! I've got myself quite the genius on my hands! Now, let's hope that I'm smart enough and patient enough to get through this stage!! :)

    J. Kaye . . . I love this age and it's hard to see my kids growing so fast! BUT, I could not do it with another child!! I'm done!! :)

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  5. carolsnotebook . . . That is so true! I really need to get my hands on the copy of this story that you reviewed this week! I think that could be one of those great hidden messages for my son! :)

    KateW . . . Whew!! That makes me feel so much better!!! I've got myself quite the genius on my hands! Now, let's hope that I'm smart enough and patient enough to get through this stage!! :)

    J. Kaye . . . I love this age and it's hard to see my kids growing so fast! BUT, I could not do it with another child!! I'm done!! :)

    ReplyDelete

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