Definition:

A friendship occurs when two or more people are able to experience respect, trust, and kindness in their relationship. 

In short:

Build bonds that last forever.

Summary:
The wise saying, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is the theme of this story. But there’s one significant change - “others” is substituted by the word “otters.” Otters are playful creatures that live near the water and eat crustaceans like clams and crayfish. For those who like to laugh and learn, there are lots of good tips, funny plays on words, and humorous illustrations about how to be a good friend and neighbor.  

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students will be motivated to practice greater consideration for others, including saying please and thank you frequently  (in five different languages). 
2. Teachers can guide students in discussions about practicing the golden rule. Students can create stories and act out situations in which characters do and don’t practice the golden rule. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Describe what an otter is. If you don’t know, look it up. 
2. What is the Golden Rule? 
3. How do you say please and thank you in a language other than your own? 
4. Do you think that practicing the Golden Rule in your relationships will help you get better at making and keeping good friends? Why or why not? 
5. What are three ways to show that you are honest? 
6. What are three ways to show you’re considerate? 
7. What are some ways to show you know how to share? 
8.  Are you able to apologize when you do something wrong? Explain your answer. 
9. Are you able to forgive someone when they hurt you? Explain your answer. 
10. Using some of the tips in this story, how could you be a better friend?  I could do this ….more often. I could do this …less often. (fill in the blanks)