Definition of Cooperation for 4 - 7 year olds: Cooperation happens when two or more people help each other to make something good happen. It can also apply to animals or parts of a whole that need each other and work together.  An example of this is the human body – all the parts work together to make you healthy.

In a nutshell:

Together we can do more. 

Summary:
Ruby wants to build a red fort. She tries to summon the help of her friends but they refuse. Ruby builds the fort on her own and all of sudden her lazy friends want to play with her. At first Ruby refuses to allow them in the fort. But things change when her friends realize their mistake. 

LessonObjectives: 

1. Students compare this story to the familiar “Little Red Hen” and identify the similar themes: if you want to be part of something then you have to contribute. They memorize the proverb “many hands make light work.” 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Does this story remind you of another story? (prompt if needed: “The Little Red Hen”)
2. What did Ruby want to build? 
3. What did Ruby do first? 
4. Do you think her friends should have helped her? 
5. Were they making excuses or were they really too busy?  
6. Have you ever wanted to do something and you needed help, but no one would help you? What happened and how did that make you feel? 
7. Have you ever wanted to do something and when you asked for help you got it? What happened and how did that make you feel? 
8. Has anyone asked you to help with something and you didn’t feel like helping? What happened? 
9. Would you like to help with something, but no one asked you yet? What is it and how could you let them know you want to help?  
10. Think about something you did with your friends or family in which everyone helped out. What was it, and how did it feel when everyone worked together?