Country
Spain

Tale typology
Intercultural traditions

Age Suitability
This video is suitable for 5 years old children

Tale summary
An old pencil maker took his newest pencil aside, just before he was about to pack him into a box and told him 5 things that are important in life before sending him out in the world.

Educational potential / Learning Outcomes
The pupils will learn about trusting the people around him, that difficult situations only make them stronger, that mistakes can be corrected, that they should have a positive impact in the world and always believe in themselves.

Full Plot
An old pencil maker took his newest pencil aside, just before he was about to pack him into a box. Imagining the little fellow as a person he recalled a few things about the pencil. “There are five things you need to know,” he said to his pencil, “before I send you out into the world. Always remember these five things - never forget them - and you will become the best pencil you can be! “The first thing is to remember that you will be able to do many great things, but only if you put yourself in someone else’s hands.“
From time to time you will experience a painful sharpening, but remember that this will make you a better pencil. “Also, keep in mind that you will be able to correct any mistakes you might make along the way.
“And the most important part of you is what’s on the inside.
“And remember this, as well, upon every surface that you are used, you must leave your mark. No matter what else happens, you must continue to write.”
It seemed the pencil listened to him and promised he would remember these five things so that he could live his life with heart and purpose.

One Lesson Plan
PROCEDURAL INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction Activity: Play the video The Pencil’s tale and afterwards ask the children the following questions: what are the five things the old pencil maker tell to the pencil before sending it in the world?
What do you think he meant by: you will be able to do many great things, but only if you put yourself in someone else’s hands.
What about the following thing: the most important part of you is what’s on the inside. What can be found inside ourselves?
Main Activity: After the children answer to the questions, you can take them outside and organise the following activity. Prepare in advance blindfolds for half of the children.
The children have to be divided into two groups. Make sure that both the groups have the same number of players.
Blindfold one group and let one kid from each group hold hands with each other to form a pair. Each pair should have one kid who has the blindfold and one who doesn’t. Depending on the level and intensity of the activity, you can let the path be regular or add obstacles. The kid who is not blindfolded has to guide his partner carefully through the path and reach a safe zone. Once all kids are in the safe zone, switch the blindfold and put it on the kids who did not wear it earlier.
Debriefing: Ask them what they’ve felt during the activity? They’ve felt safe with his/her colleague? How they’ve felt when they’ve switched places?
Follow-up Activities: Another activity that can be tested if the time allows it or in another lesson is 4 UP that can be organized in the classroom.
4 Up is a fun game that will teach your kids about trust building and communicating without speaking. Ask the children to sit around in a circle on chairs. Tell them that they are now in a different planet where they cannot speak out loud but can only communicate through actions. Also, it is required that at all given time, at least 4 people from the group remain standing, while ensuring that no participant can stand for more than 10 seconds at a stretch. The activity will teach your kids to communicate effectively and also form strategies.
Additional Resources: Blindfolds for half of the group of children.