The Duck That Was Afraid To Swim
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The Duck That Was Afraid To Swim is an adorable story that encourages kids to face and conquer their fears.
Age
1-12
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the duck afraid to swim?
How do you feel when you try something new or challenging?
What did the duck learn by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you were scared like the duck, but decided to try anyway? What happened?
How did the duck’s friends help him feel better about swimming?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle and curious tone when asking these questions to help your child open up about their feelings and thoughts.
Relate the duck’s experiences to your child’s own life, drawing parallels that might help them connect more deeply with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine different scenarios by asking what they would do if they were in the duck's place.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing the value of open communication.
Discuss the importance of trying new things and the role of support from friends and family, emphasizing these themes presented in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: The story follows a duck who is initially afraid to swim, but gradually learns to overcome its fear through encouragement and practice.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own experiences, understanding that with support and persistence, they can overcome their own fears, such as trying new activities or making new friends.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Support
Explanation: In the book, the duck receives support from its friends, which plays a crucial role in helping it overcome its fear of swimming.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of supporting others who are facing challenges and how positive encouragement can make a significant difference in someone's life.
Example Lesson: Trying New Things
Explanation: The duck eventually decides to try swimming, discovering that it can be enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new things, which can lead to discovering new passions and joys.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the initial fear and setbacks, the duck continues to try and swim until it succeeds.
Real-World Application: This highlights the virtue of perseverance, showing children that persistent efforts can lead to success and should not be easily given up.