Reading Champion: Androcles and the Lion: Independent Reading White 10
Reading champion Series
What’s inside...
The story follows a young slave named Androcles who, after escaping from his master, encounters a fearsome lion in pain. Androcles bravely helps the lion by removing a thorn from its paw, leading to a unique friendship. This tale of kindness and bravery explores the rewards of compassion and the unexpected ways friendships can form.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Androcles felt when he first met the lion?
What would you have done if you were in Androcles’ place?
Why is it important to help others, even if they seem scary at first?
What did Androcles and the lion learn about friendship and trust?
How can we show kindness to animals and people in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Androcles’ shoes to foster empathy and understanding.
Discuss the moral of the story to highlight the importance of kindness and bravery.
Ask your child to relate the story to personal experiences where they helped someone or experienced kindness.
Explore the emotions depicted in the story by asking your child how different events made them feel.
Praise your child for insightful or thoughtful responses to foster a positive and open discussion environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and kindness
Explanation: The story shows Androcles, who aids an injured lion by removing a thorn from its paw, demonstrating kindness to another being despite its fearsome nature.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of helping others in need, regardless of their appearances or initial impressions. This can be applied in everyday interactions, teaching them to offer assistance and empathy.
Example Lesson: Courage and overcoming fear
Explanation: Androcles faces his fear when he decides to help the lion rather than flee. His brave act leads to a lasting friendship with the lion.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what's right, showing them that courage can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: The impact of good deeds
Explanation: The lion later reciprocates Androcles' kindness by sparing his life in the arena, illustrating how good deeds can come back to benefit the giver.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand that their actions can have long-term impacts and that kindness can be repaid, encouraging them to engage in positive behaviors and acts of generosity.
Example Lesson: Friendship between diverse beings
Explanation: A unique friendship develops between a human and a lion, showing that friendship can transcend different backgrounds and species.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be open to friendships with those who are different from themselves, promoting inclusivity and acceptance.