Teaching Ethics through the Timeless Tale of Mary Had a Little Lamb

Teaching Ethics through the Timeless Tale of Mary Had a Little Lamb

The nursery rhyme I chose is “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” This timeless American classic has captured the hearts of children for generations. Its simple yet endearing story follows Mary and her beloved lamb, consequently creating a delightful and engaging experience for young learners (Hammond, 2016). Through the story, students can explore important values such as empathy, caring, and responsibility. As we delve into Mary’s relationship with her lamb, we can spark meaningful discussions about how we should treat and care for others. We can encourage students to develop an understanding of empathy and the importance of looking out for one another through discussing the nursery rhyme’s underlying themes. We can prompt them to reflect on their own responsibilities and the impact they can have on the well-being of others. Moreover, the rhyme serves as a gateway to discussions about animal welfare because highlighting Mary’s care for her lamb can broaden students’ awareness of the ethical treatment of animals.

Through creative activities inspired by the nursery rhyme, such as drawing, writing, or role-playing, students can express their understanding of the ethical values embedded in the story (Galda et al., 2017). This not only reinforces their comprehension but also encourages them to apply these values in their own lives. While this nursery rhyme may not have the same energetic movement as the likes of “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” it possesses a timeless charm that captures the imagination of young learners. Its gentle melody and relatable characters make it a valuable tool for engaging students (Galda et al., 2017). I believe that young students would respond positively to this type of lesson using the nursery rhyme. The nursery rhyme’s simplicity and familiarity make it easily accessible and relatable to children. Its engaging story and lovable characters capture their attention and imagination.

References

Galda, L., Liang, L. A., & Cullinan, B. E. (2017). Literature and the child (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Hammond, P. (2016). Mary had a little lamb. Early Years Educator, 18(1), xii–xiii. https://doi.org/10.12968/eyed.2016.18.1.xii

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Mary Had a Little Lamb

Find a nursery rhyme that teaches a moral or a lesson and explain how you could use it to teach ethics within your classroom. Do you think young students would respond to this type of lesson?