The Scorpion and the Frog
Aesop's Fables
This fable has an extremely powerful message for students about lying.
The scorpion needs something from the frog; a ride across the lake. Naturally, the frog is reluctant to help, so the scorpion assures the frog that he will not sting the amphibian. However, half way across the lake the scorpion succumbs to his instincts and stings the frog. As a result both the scorpion and the frog drown.
While the original moral of this story falls in the realm of “One cannot escape their natural instinct”, the 20th century can adjust the moral to reflect the evils of lying. The visual of the frog and scorpion dying shows that when you lie not only do you hurt someone else, but you can also hurt yourself.
This fable can be a useful tool when teaching elementary students about lying. The students will be able to recognize the demise of the characters, and it has the potential to spark great conversations.
This articulates the importance of treating others with respect.
While the original moral of this story falls in the realm of “One cannot escape their natural instinct”, the 20th century can adjust the moral to reflect the evils of lying. The visual of the frog and scorpion dying shows that when you lie not only do you hurt someone else, but you can also hurt yourself.
This fable can be a useful tool when teaching elementary students about lying. The students will be able to recognize the demise of the characters, and it has the potential to spark great conversations.
This articulates the importance of treating others with respect.