Ugly Duckling
Learning Together: Reading Together S. Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
In Nina Filipek's adaptation of 'The Ugly Duckling,' a young bird is born in a barnyard and is immediately ostracized by the other animals because of his perceived unattractiveness. Despite being ridiculed and rejected, the duckling remains resilient and kind-hearted. As the seasons change, the duckling matures and undergoes a stunning transformation, emerging as a beautiful swan. The story concludes with the swan finding acceptance and recognition for his true beauty and grace, which had been there all along but had gone unrecognized by those who judged him solely by his appearance.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the duckling felt when others treated him differently?
What does this story teach us about how we should treat others who may look different from us?
Can you think of a time when you felt like you didn't belong? What helped you feel better?
What do you think changed in how the duckling saw himself at the end of the story?
Why do you think the other animals reacted the way they did when the duckling turned into a beautiful swan?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the duckling’s situation, encouraging them to put themselves in the duckling’s shoes.
Discuss the importance of kindness and acceptance, highlighting how the duckling was treated and how it could have been handled better.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences with feeling different or excluded, and discuss positive ways to handle such feelings.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene and explain why they chose it, fostering a deeper connection with the story’s themes.
Encourage your child to think about how the story might continue after the ending, imagining future interactions between the swan and his former detractors.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story portrays the growth and transformation of the 'ugly' duckling, who is initially ridiculed and marginalized because of his appearance, but later grows into a beautiful swan.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing and accepting differences among people, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite harsh treatment from others, the duckling does not give up and continues on his journey, eventually finding his true identity and worth.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persevere through difficult circumstances and believe in themselves, even when others may not support or understand them.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: The narrative follows the duckling through various challenges, leading him to discover his true nature as a swan, symbolizing personal growth and self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own unique paths and embrace who they are becoming, recognizing that personal challenges lead to growth and self-discovery.
Example Lesson: Patience with personal development
Explanation: The transformation of the duckling into a swan does not occur immediately, but rather through a process of maturation and experiences.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that growth and change take time, teaching them patience and the value of experiencing life at their own pace.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: As readers see the world through the duckling’s struggles, they learn the effects of harsh words and actions and the value of kindness to others.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes the importance of being kind and empathetic to others' feelings and situations, inspiring children to act with compassion in their daily interactions.