The brave little parrot
To explore the idea of leadership by good example.
by Gordon and Ronni Lamont
Suitable for Whole School (Pri)
Aims
To explore the idea of leadership by good example.
Preparation and materials
- You will need a copy of the story of The Brave Little Parrot. You can find it online at http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/little_parrot/brave_little_parrot.html
- Or as an illustrated book: The Brave Little Parrot by Rafe Martin and Susan Gaber (ISBN: 039922825X).
- To create a class assembly you could dramatize the story using mime, dance, music, colourful costumes and perhaps puppets. See our resources section for more on drama in assemblies.
Assembly
- Introduce the story as an old Buddhist tale and read or tell your own version of it; or the rehearsed dramatization.
- Ask the children for their thoughts about the story. Why did the parrot try to put the fire out? Why didn’t she simply fly away? Wasn’t her action pointless – she could never carry enough water to douse the flames? Why did one of the gods turn into an eagle? What made the god cry?
- Introduce the idea of being an example to others and suggest some real-life parallels. For example, one person stops being unkind to someone and then others follow on. One person decides to have a go at a difficult challenge in school work or sport and this gives others the courage to join in. One person takes a stand against bullies and suddenly the bullies have no power. Ask the children for any examples of their own.
- End by reminding everyone that the brave little parrot didn’t have the strength or capacity to put out the fire on her own but she tried her best and this is what led the god to put out the fire. Trying our best is all that we can do too.
Time for reflection
Reflection
Think about the brave little parrot, who tried and tried and wouldn’t give up.
Think about the god who became an eagle and was so moved by the parrot’s bravery.
Think about the difference you could make if you became the one person to do the right thing,
the one person leading by example.
Prayer
We think about the story of the brave little parrot.
Help us to be brave and to do the right thing,
to lead by example.
Amen.
Song/music
‘Peace is flowing’ (Come and Praise, 144)
Publication date: October 2007 (Vol.9 No.10) Published by SPCK, London, UK.