The Little Red Hen
What’s inside...
This is the classic story of the Little Red Hen folktale. One day, the little Red Hen finds a grain of wheat in the farmyard, so she asks Duck, Goose, Cat and Pig for help planting the grain, carrying the wheat to the mill, making the dough and baking the bread, but no one is willing to help. Once the bread is made, all the animals volunteer to help eat it, but since no one helped make the bread, the little Red Hen decides to eat it herself! The tale is a traditional retelling for kids, ideal for ages 3 and up, and also specifically for kids in grades 1-2, ages 6-7.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the Little Red Hen doing all the work by herself?
How did the other animals respond when the Hen asked for help and why do you think they reacted that way?
How do you feel about the way the story ended?
What would you have done if you were one of the animals?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone or someone helped you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about teamwork and responsibility by asking them to relate the characters' actions to their own experiences with friends or siblings.
Discuss the moral of the story and what your child can learn from it about helping others and taking initiative.
Prompt your child to imagine alternative endings or different reactions from the characters to develop creative thinking and empathy.
Reinforce the concepts of cause and effect by asking your child what might have happened if the animals had helped the Little Red Hen.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of hard work
Explanation: In 'The Little Red Hen,' the hen demonstrates diligence by doing all the work of planting, harvesting, and baking herself, since none of the other farm animals are willing to help.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of putting effort into tasks to achieve their goals. This can translate into working diligently on school projects or chores around the house.
Example Lesson: The benefits of taking initiative
Explanation: The hen decides to plant grains and make bread from it without waiting for others to take the lead. This shows the benefits of taking initiative rather than waiting for someone else to start.
Real-World Application: In real life, this encourages children to be proactive in their learning and activities, whether it’s starting a new hobby or helping out at home without being asked.
Example Lesson: The consequences of laziness
Explanation: The other animals refuse to help the hen at every stage, but then want to share in the bread once it's made. Their refusal to contribute leaves them without any bread.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that refusing to participate or contribute can lead to missing out on rewards, reinforcing the importance of participation in group efforts like team sports or group study.
Example Lesson: Sharing the fruits of one's labor
Explanation: The hen ultimately decides not to share the bread with the other lazy animals, teaching that rewards come from personal effort and contributions.
Real-World Application: Children learn about fairness and the value of sharing what they have earned with those who have also contributed to a task, fostering a sense of fairness and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and self-reliance
Explanation: The hen carries out all tasks needed to make the bread herself, learning to rely on her own efforts rather than depend on others.
Real-World Application: This can help instill confidence in children to take on tasks independently, understanding that they have the ability to handle responsibilities on their own.