Diligence Curriculum Connection – Literature Link

Everyone knows the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. The Tortoise keeps plodding on, while the Hare jumps ahead. The Hare gets arrogant and takes a nap, while the Tortoise moves steadily and carefully toward the finish line. The Tortoise wins because he showed Diligence in his approach to winning the race, and never lost focus from his goal.

Is there another lesson from the Hare’s point of view? It’s not enough to have the skill of running fast if you don’t actually use it.

And then there is the positive mindset of the Tortoise – Did he really think he could beat the Hare? He must have believed in himself enough to have challenged the Tortoise. Confidence can help you achieve your goals, too.

Have the students choose between a picture of the Hare or the Tortoise, whichever they identify with (or just plain like better). Have them choose an educational goal for a time period that makes sense for the class. Ideas for goals would be to study spelling words, practice math drills, or read a set number of minutes a day. Have a list of things ready to suggest that would be appropriate for the class. On the animal that they choose they will write their name and the goal they have chosen. You can post these in the classroom or have them keep them in a folder they will look at often.

To process this activity, review the three lessons in the story.