In a sunny meadow, there lived a Hare who was very, very fast. He loved to tell everyone how quickly he could run, and he often teased a kind Tortoise who moved slowly and steadily.
The Challenge
"You are the slowest thing I have ever seen!" the Hare boasted one day. "I bet I could beat you in a race to the big oak tree with my eyes closed!"
The Tortoise, who was very wise, just smiled. "You are very fast, that is true. But I will race you."
All the other animals gathered to watch. The race began! The Hare shot off like an arrow, leaving the Tortoise in a cloud of dust. He ran so far ahead that he could no longer see the Tortoise. "He is so slow," the Hare thought with a chuckle. "I have plenty of time for a nice, long nap." He found a shady spot under a tree and quickly fell asleep.
A Growth Mindset
The Tortoise, meanwhile, just kept going. He didn't worry about the Hare. He wasn't focused on winning or beating someone else. He was focused on a different, more powerful idea: a growth mindset. This means you believe you can get better at something by trying hard and not giving up. The important part is the effort, not just the result.
With each steady step, the Tortoise thought to himself, "I am a little bit stronger than I was yesterday. I enjoy this walk." He wasn't racing against the Hare; he was racing against himself, trying to do his personal best. He enjoyed the journey and the feeling of his own steady effort.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
While the Hare snored away, the Tortoise kept moving, step by steady step. He passed the sleeping Hare, but he didn't boast or laugh. He just gave a quiet nod and kept going, focused on his own path and his own progress.
When the Hare finally woke up, he stretched and yawned. He looked toward the finish line and gasped! The Tortoise was just a few steps away from the big oak tree. The Hare ran as fast as he could, his feet flying, but it was too late. The Tortoise crossed the line first.
The other animals cheered for the Tortoise's amazing effort. The Hare felt silly. He had been so focused on being the best that he forgot that just trying your best is what really matters. The Tortoise was happy he finished, but he was even happier because he knew he had given his best effort and had fun along the way. He learned that the real prize isn't always winning the race, but about the joy of trying and getting a little better every day.
Learning Goals
Moral of the Story: This classic children's story teaches young readers that the true joy is in the effort and consistent progress, not just the winning. It's a valuable bedtime story for kids that promotes a growth mindset, perseverance, and the understanding that steady effort leads to success.
Key Vocabulary
- Growth Mindset: The belief that you can get better at something by trying hard and not giving up.
- Effort: Hard work.
- Progress: Forward or onward movement toward a destination.
Discussion Questions
- Why did the Tortoise win the race?
- What is a "growth mindset"?
- What is something you would like to get better at? How can you practice?