1. Slide 1
The Story of the Donkey
Based on a Fable by Aesop
What kinds of activities do you enjoy doing with family members such as aunts, uncles, and grandparents? What have you learned from them?
Long ago, a girl named Anna lived with her parents and grandfather. Anna and Grandfather had a special relationship. He liked to tell her stories, and he taught her how to play the games that he played as a boy. But their bond became even stronger when they took a trip together. This is the story of what happened on that journey.
One day, the family decided it was time to sell their donkey. Grandfather volunteered to take the donkey to market, and Anna wanted to go with him. So early the next morning, they set off for the market with the donkey following behind.
The two had been walking for a little while, when they met a man who was chopping wood. “Why are you both walking?” he asked. “One of you should be riding. How foolish you are!”

2. Slide 2
The Story of the Donkey
Based on a Fable by Aesop (Cont.)
So Grandfather put Anna on the donkey, and they went on their way. They had traveled a short distance when two women passed them and said, “What a lazy girl you are to let your grandfather walk while you ride! Have you no respect for your grandfather?”
On hearing that remark, Anna quickly got down from the donkey, and Grandfather got on the donkey. Then they resumed their journey.
After some time, they passed a group of people that were having a picnic. The people were pointing at Grandfather, and one of them called out, “How can you let a young girl walk while you ride comfortably on that donkey? You are a grown man and she is just a small child. How can you be so selfish?”

3. Slide 3
The Story of the Donkey
Based on a Fable by Aesop (Cont.)
Upon hearing what was said, Grandfather felt ashamed. So he got off the donkey to discuss the matter with Anna. “We should ride together on the donkey,” said Grandfather. “You will ride in front, and I will ride behind you.” So Grandfather and Anna both got on the donkey and resumed their journey.
After some time, they passed two farmers who were planting crops in their field. The farmers pointed at Grandfather and Anna and scolded them. “How cruel the two of you are to be riding together on that donkey! Don’t you know that poor animal must be terribly fatigued?”

4. Slide 4
The Story of the Donkey
Based on a Fable by Aesop (Cont.)
Grandfather and Anna got off the donkey and tried to figure out what to do. Finally, Grandfather found a pole and tied the donkey’s feet to it. Then he and Anna raised the pole to their shoulders. Off they went, carrying the donkey to market.
After a while, they passed a group of people on horseback. When the people saw them carrying the donkey, they burst out laughing. “What a strange sight!” they yelled. “Are you both fools? Donkeys are meant to carry people!”
So Grandfather and Anna untied the donkey. Then they sat down to reflect on all that had happened. Finally, Grandfather spoke. “We must do what we think is best and not worry about what others think. When we try to please everyone, we end up pleasing no one, especially ourselves.” Anna agreed.
They set off again, both of them walking and the donkey following behind, which is exactly what they had done in the first place! When they reached the market, they sold their donkey for a good price. As they walked home, they laughed and talked about the lesson they had learned.
Unit 1, Week 3
1. With what friend do you have a strong bond? What makes the bond strong?
2. Who are some cruel story characters that you know of? How are they cruel?
3. What activities make you feel fatigued?
4. Why is it a good idea to reflect before doing something important?
5. What family member do you have a close relationship with? What do you do together?
6. What remarks would you make if you wanted to say something nice about a friend?
7. Who is an adult that you have respect for? Why?
8. When does school resume after the summer?
9. Why might someone scold a puppy?
10. When have you volunteered your help? What did you volunteer to do?