Scenario #1
Working with stories 1: The Lonely Duckling
Aims / objectives
The aim is to develop a story-based approach for children of a younger age as a basis for talking about discrimination, justice, courage, identity, etc. without using these technical terms. In this way, children can be encouraged to stand up against prejudice or discrimination when they or others are laughed at, ridiculed or bullied. The questions, which can be expanded, also show the importance of solidarity and justice and how to support them.
Description of the method
The facilitator tells the following story: Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, there was a farm with many animals: cows, pigs, chickens, cats, mice, dogs, geese and ducks. But one of the ducks had a very hard time because the other animals did not like it. Some of them thought it wasn't pretty enough to play with them, others thought it was not big enough, others thought it was too clumsy, and the older ones thought it was too young to spend the day with them. And so it came to pass that no other animal wanted to have anything to do with it. It was mocked and laughed at and felt very, very, very lonely. Instead of sleeping, it cried at night, until it decided to simply run away. While all the other animals on the farm were still asleep, the little duckling set off. But the duckling soon found out that it was lonely alone in the deep forest and that there were many dangers waiting for it.
After having told the story, the facilitator asks impulse questions: - What does the duckling need on its journey? - Who will make sure it gets it? - Does it have a right to it? - What would the duckling have needed at home? - Who could have made sure it got that? - Does it have a right to it? - Is it fair how the others treated the duckling? - What would you do or say if you see someone like the duckling or the other animals?
The story, an adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s tale "The Ugly Duckling", can of course be accompanied by images, comics, pictures, videos or other visualisation material. It can also be played out in its different roles by the children themselves.
Overview
| Name of the method | The Lonely Duckling |
| Target group | Children from 4 to 10 |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Spatial requirements | Room without special equipment (if videos, video screen and laptop) |
| Competences | (Self-)reflection, tolerance, values |
| Objectives | Children should be strengthened in their own identity and in their social competences, solidarity and fairness. |
| Method description | Facilitator tells the story of the lonely duckling, and children are asked several questions about fairness, social interaction, etc. |
| Social work context | Best for social work in school and kindergarten |
| Preparation | Read the story, prepare questions, eventually further material (pictures, videos, etc.) |
| Risks | No special risks to expect |
| concept / application | Presented by Reinhard Leonhardsberger of the association SOS Menschenrechte (SOS Human Rights) |
| References |
See other scenarios
Working with stories 2: Punch or Political puppet theatre
Free associations and prejudice barometer
Deconstruction of Hate Speech
Extremism barometer (What is extreme?)
The District of Legends
Conspiracy video with youth “Le complot nouillles” (The Noodle conspiracy)
Text message to victims of hate speech
Argumentation training and countering hate speech – role play
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