Moral Messengers

How Stories Deliver the Best Advice

What is a Fable?

Characters

Usually animals that talk and act like humans.

Structure

A short story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Purpose

To teach a lesson or moral about life.

The Story-to-Sage Bridge

The Narrative

A long story about characters facing a problem.

The Adage

A short, punchy sentence that summarizes the lesson.

"The Adage is like the concentrated juice made from the fruit of the whole story."

Case Study 1:
The Ant and the Grasshopper

The Grasshopper spent all summer singing while the Ant worked hard to store food. When winter came, the Grasshopper was hungry and cold while the Ant was safe.

Which adage fits?

A

"Look before you leap."

B

"No pain, no gain."

*Discuss: How does hard work now pay off later?*

Fable Detective Challenge

You will now receive the Fable Finder Worksheet. Your mission is to read the story summaries and hunt for the adage that matches the moral perfectly.

Read

Reflect

Match

Moral Messenger Slides

Moral Messenger Slides