The Man and the Fox: English-Dari Edition (Teaching Stories)
#1 of 167 in Teaching Stories Series
What’s inside...
(Bilingual English-Dari edition) A young fox's ingenuity and perseverance enable it to escape from a clever trap set by a man. This engaging story can inspire children to face challenges directly and to overcome obstacles in their path - and even to make use of those obstacles to solve problems. Adapted for children by Idries Shah, it is one of hundreds of Sufi developmental tales he collected from oral and written sources in Central Asia and the Middle East. Sally Mallam's illustrations provide delightful and imaginative depictions of the characters. For more than a millennium, the story of the man and the fox has entertained young people and helped foster in them the ability to examine their assumptions and to think for themselves.
Character compass
The Man
Fox
Discussion points
How do you think the man felt when he met the fox? Why?
What would you do if you were in the man's place?
How did the fox's actions change the man’s thoughts or feelings?
Why do you think the story was told in both English and Dari? How does it affect the way we understand the story?
What is the main lesson of the story, and how can we apply it in our everyday life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the significance of the story being bilingual, focusing on the cultural richness and diversity it introduces.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or current events to make the message more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child’s responses and build on them, even if they veer slightly off topic, to foster a deeper understanding and connection to the story.
Host a storytelling session where you and your child alternate telling the story in both languages, enhancing linguistic skills and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The story shows how the man's actions of deceiving the fox have consequences, teaching children that their actions impact others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the results of their actions in their own interactions, promoting thoughtfulness and responsibility.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: The narrative highlights the importance of being honest, as the man’s dishonesty leads to loss of trust.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children to value and practice honesty in their dealings with friends and family, building trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: The fox, despite being deceived, finds ways to cope and adapt, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt to challenges and think creatively to solve problems in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story conveys the fox’s feelings effectively, allowing readers to empathize with its situation.
Real-World Application: Promotes empathy in children, encouraging them to understand and share the feelings of others around them.