Fables and Proverbs

A FABLE is a short story that teaches a lesson. You may have heard the expression: “Look before you leap.” This expression is the moral of several fables. Short story format (usually 1-2 paragraphs) Has problems and solutions Animals that act like people Teaches a lesson

The Tortoise and the Hare The hare was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. "I have never yet been beaten," said he, "when I put forth my full speed. I challenge anyone here to race with me." The tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge." "That is a good joke," said the hare. "I could dance around you all the way." "Keep your boasting until you've beaten," answered the tortoise. "Shall we race?" So a course was fixed and a start was made. The hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the hare awoke from his nap, he saw the tortoise nearing the finish line, and he could not catch up in time to save the race.

“The Tortoise and the Hare”

Now it’s your turn to write a fable. 1.Make sure that animals are your main character. One of the animals should be a trickster. 2.No more than 3 characters 3.Should have a problem/solution format 4.Should have a beginning, middle, and end. 5.No more than 1-3 paragraphs. A paragraph is 7 sentences. 6.Must have a moral.

Proverb A short saying that expresses a common truth or experience, usually about human failings and the way that people interact with one another. Usually has one of the following elements: Metaphor: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Alliteration: “He who laughs last laughs best.” Parallelism: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Rhyme: “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” Simile: “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”

African Proverbs A wise man who knows proverbs, reconciles difficulties. Interpreted Meaning: If you can understand the meaning and lesson behind a proverb, you will understand where your problems begin and how to resolve them. Rain beats a leopard's skin, but it does not wash out the spots. Interpreted Meaning: This is most recognized as "You can not change a leopard's spots." Basically, it is believed that people don't change. In truth though, if you really want too, you can become more enlightened and change your thoughts and perceptions, which in turn will change your "spots."

African Proverbs When a king has good counselors, his reign is peaceful. Interpreted Meaning: Listen to those that are wiser, more experienced, and have achieved success in their lives in a moral and ethical manner. Then apply what you learn. Don't listen to those who would give you bad advice just to hold you back. To engage in conflict, one does not bring a knife that cuts - but a needle that sews. Interpreted Meaning: Use understanding to resolve conflicts, not criticism and harsh words.

African Proverbs No one tests the depth of a river with both feet. Interpreted Meaning: Take the time to do your "homework" when considering a new proposition. Don't jump in blindly without due diligence. A chattering bird builds no nest. Interpreted Meaning: I think this is one of the best African proverbs; stop talking about what you want to do in life... you need to begin doing it! If you don't begin, you can never have what you want.

Write 3 Different Proverbs No more than 1 sentence Must be original Must express a truth After each proverb, write a short explanation Must have ONE of these: metaphor, simile, alliteration, parallelism, or rhyme

How do fables and proverbs compare?

Well done! And now you know about fables and proverbs. Who says “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”