The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling originated in Denmark and was published in 1843. The story was written by Hans Christian Andersen and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. 

The story is about a plain little bird, born on a farm, whose brother and sisters tease him because he's ugly.  So he runs away to live with wild ducks, until hunters come and he runs away again. He finds a new home with an old women, but her cat and hen tease him, so he runs away again. Then he finds a flock of swans and wishes to join them, but hes too young and can't fly well enough. Then winter comes and a farmer takes in the duckling, but the farmer's children and animals tease the duckling too. For the rest of the winter, the duckling stays hidden, but then in the spring the swans return to a place near by. This time the swans accept him as one of their own. Then the swan sees his reflection and realizes hes turned into a beautiful swan and has finally found his family. The story is a good read for children because it teaches them that it's ok to be different, everyone has a family that accepts them.

Discussion Questions:

• How do you think the baby swam ended up with the ducks?
• How did the swam survive the winter on it's own?
•  It is the moderen term used for teasing?
• If you were the duckling what would you do?
• Where do you think the ducklings mother is?

Motivational Activities: 

• Have the students research the difference between ducks and swans, and list the differences on a KWL chart. Then draw a picture/make a craft to determine the difference between the two.

 
 

Andersen, H. C. (1843). (J. Pinkney, Ed.). Harper Collins.