Definition:

The ability to feel what others are feeling and the action of trying to help them with their troubles. 

In short: 

Feel what others feel.

Summary:

Noi is a small boy who lives with his dad on an island. One day, while Noi’s father is away at work, the boy finds a baby whale stranded on the beach. He feels sorry for the whale and takes care of it, putting it in the bathtub so it would be safe in the water. Noi entertains the whale, telling it stories about life on the island. The next morning his dad discovers the whale and together they take it by boat to release it in the ocean. Noi hopes that someday he will see his friend again. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. This lesson can be linked to academic studies in zoology and environmental science (protection of animals). 
2. Students discuss why it’s important to have compassion toward animals, and what they can do to help protect them. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Why do you think Noi did everything he could think of to care for the stranded whale? 
2. Noi was all alone all day while his dad was away at work. Do you think he was lonely? Why or why not? 
3. Why did Noi put the whale in the bathtub? 
4. Why do you think Noi’s dad wasn’t upset when he found the whale? 
5. How do you think Noi felt when they let the whale go? Do you think he agreed with his dad that the whale needed to go back to the sea? Why or why not? 
6. Noi was brave to try to take care of the whale. Can you share about a time when you were in a scary situation and had to be brave enough to do something about it?
7. What would you do if you found an animal in danger? How would you try to help it? 
8. Do you know a story you could tell to someone who needed comforting? If so, what story? 
9. Share about why Noi might be a good friend to have around when you’re in a difficult situation. 
10. Share about a time when someone comforted you when you were frightened or unhappy.