Definition:

Courage is being willing to face something hard or scary, like trying to do something you’ve never done before. 

In short:

Do good, try hard even when it’s scary.

Summary:Even though Little Penguin looks like other penguins, he is different because he’s afraid of the water. One day he accidentally slides off of the ice into the water as he plays with Little Seal Cub. At first Little Penguin is scared but his instincts kick in and he swims confidently for the first time. He encourages Little Polar Bear, who is also afraid of the water, to swim with him. They enjoy their time together and feel good about themselves because they are no longer afraid.  

Lesson Objectives:

1. Students  demonstrate willingness to talk about their fears and problem-solve what to do about it with help from an adult. 
2. This story can connect to studies about penguins, seals, and polar bears, and other animals that live in  climates where there is ice and snow. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. What do the penguins in this story look like? 
2. Are penguins good at swimming? If you don’t know, ask someone. 
3. Even though Little Penguin is afraid of the water,  he likes to do other things. What does he like to do? 
4. What happens when Little Penguin and Little Seal are playing on the ice? 
5. Why do you think Little Penguin felt good about himself once he wasn’t afraid of the water anymore? 
6. What did Little Penguin say to Little Polar Bear to help him overcome his fear of the water? 
7. Do you like the water? Why or why not? Do you know how to swim? 
8. Is there something you’d like to do but are afraid to try it? Ask someone to help you (remember how Little Penguin helped Little Polar Bear). 
9.  Have you ever played in the snow or tried walking or skating on ice? If so, what was it like? If not, would you like to try it? 
10. In this story, did anyone make fun of Little Penguin because he was too scared to swim? Do you think it’s good to not make fun of someone who is afraid? Why or why not?