The Importance of Listening:
Lesson from the Ucky Mucky Duck
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Stories in children’s literature often play double missions. This is to entertain the younger minds and teach the true values meant for life. One valuable example of such literature and, at the same time, a story meant as fun, and adventure, but still carrying a message from what Kayla Michiels presents in her “The Ucky Mucky Duck.”
A Story of Curious Consequences
At the heart of The Ucky Mucky Duck is a feisty little duck who, led by curiosity, ignores his mother’s warning about a big, gooey puddle of muck. “Do not play in that muck, or you will get STUCK! ” She cautions. But that is just not what the little duck had in mind. The frothy narrative keeps the children entertained until a point when they know that inevitable the little duck gets stuck in the muck! This lovely tale explains a simple lesson: while curiosity is great, one has to listen to those close to them. Parents seem to know best from where they have learned from past experiences, and The Ucky Mucky Duck taught the same lesson, of listening, which could literally save us from getting mucked up.A Conversation Starter for Parents
As the children join the duck in the misadventure, the story is very good at teaching parents some valuable lessons with regard to conversations on listening and consequences. Reading helps children reflect on their personal choices. It then instills in them an understanding of needing guidance for value acquisition, as through questions, like:- Why did you think the little duck didn’t listen to his mother?Have you ever ignored someone’s advice? What happened? How can listening help prevent all the troubles in our lives?