Androcles and The Lion: First Reading Level 4
Usborne Very First Reading Series
What’s inside...
A tale adapted from the classic story about a slave named Androcles who befriends a lion by removing a thorn from its paw, demonstrating themes of friendship and kindness.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Androcles brave enough to help the lion?
How did Androcles and the lion feel about each other after their encounter?
What would you have done if you were in Androcles' place?
Why do you think the story emphasizes the importance of kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by summarizing the plot together to check comprehension.
Encourage your child to put themselves in Androcles’ shoes to foster empathy.
Ask about the emotions depicted in the story to help your child understand and express their own feelings.
Discuss the moral of the story and relate it to real-life scenarios to enhance ethical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and kindness
Explanation: The story highlights the relationship between Androcles and the Lion, where Androcles removes a thorn from the lion's paw, showcasing an act of kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to help others in need, understanding that their actions, no matter how small, can make a big difference in another's life.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Androcles faces his fears when he decides to help the lion despite the potential danger, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to overcome their fears and stand up in challenging situations, whether it’s helping a friend or facing their own difficulties.
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The lion later reciprocates Androcles’s kindness when it encounters him in the arena, teaching the value of being grateful and returning favors.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of expressing gratitude when someone helps them and the positive impact of reciprocating kindness in their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The mutual respect and care between Androcles and the Lion suggest a deep bond and friendship, despite their natural roles as predator and prey.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to form friendships based on respect and kindness, regardless of differences, and to value these relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Androcles’s decision to approach and assist the lion represents effective problem-solving, turning a potentially dangerous situation into a beneficial one.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to assess situations and think critically about how to handle challenges they face in daily life.