Definition:

Patience means having self-control, waiting and enduring when one would rather not.

In short:

Stay calm while you wait.

Summary: A fisherman and his wife live by the sea. One day he catches a magic talking fish who grants him wishes. The fisherman’s wife makes many wishes, and each time she becomes dissatisfied with what is granted. Eventually, the magic fish, unhappy with the wife’s impatience and greed, takes everything away, and they are back in their humble cottage.  

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Teachers guide students in a discussion about the difference between needs and wants. Students learn that needs include the following: nutritious food, shelter, clean drinking water, access to education and medical care, a loving family and safe community. Wants are what we’d like to have but don’t need. 
2. Teachers and students discuss how we get the things we need and want, emphasizing that it takes effort, not just wishful thinking, and patience.
3. Students discuss examples of greediness, and what happens to us when we become greedy. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. What was the big surprise the fisherman experienced at the beginning of the story? 
2. Why did the wife get mad at her husband when he told her about the surprise? 
3. Why was she satisfied when a wish was granted, then changed her mind and asked for more? 
4. Why did the magic fish stop granting wishes? 
5. What do you think the author of this story wants you to learn? 
6. It’s okay to wish for things you don’t have, but what do you think is the best way to get something you really, really want? 
7.  Can you describe the difference between greediness and a grateful attitude? 
8. How are greediness and impatience similar? 
9. How did the fisherman’s wife show lack of self-control? 
10. If you caught a magic fish, what would you wish for?