The Girl Who Swam With the Fish: An Athabascan Legend
What’s inside...
Retells the legend of a girl who, after wondering what it was like to be a king salmon, turns into a fish, and while she lives with the salmon, learns how they expect to be treated. A young Athabascan girl wonders what it would be like to be a fish. Suddenly, she finds herself on a watery odyssey as she learns about the salmon's journey from stream to ocean and back again.
Discussion points
What lessons do you think the girl learned from her adventures with the fish?
How do you feel about the way the girl treated the natural world in the story?
Why do you think the fish decided to help the girl?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
What would you do if you were in the girl’s place during her journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the connection between humans and nature, as highlighted in the story. Show interest in their thoughts and feelings, and relate them to real-life scenarios to make the discussion more relatable. Use positive reinforcement to applaud their ideas and insights, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The protagonist's journey intertwined with various elements of nature demonstrates the importance of respecting and preserving the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and care for the nature around them, understanding the role they play in the ecosystem.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The girl’s venture into the world of fish highlights the value of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore new subjects, ask questions, and seek out learning opportunities.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges as she swims with the fish, teaching the importance of bravery when encountering new or intimidating situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to handle unfamiliar situations with courage, promoting self-confidence and resilience in everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: By living as a fish, the girl gains a deep understanding of another way of life, promoting empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of stepping into others' shoes to understand different perspectives and foster empathy.
Example Lesson: Importance of heritage and tradition
Explanation: The story is rooted in Athabascan legend, highlighting the significance of cultural heritage and traditions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to learn about and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds and those of others.