This parable about mercy and empathy asks readers to look at life from an insect’s point of view. A boy contemplates squishing an ant who pleads with the boy to spare him. A great conversation starter about how we and animals (even insects) are alike and different, and how peer pressure can lead to bullying. Can be performed as a song (sheet music is appended).
Why use this book?
- Highlights that all animals have the same basic needs, no matter how different they may seem.
- Build empathy for an animal that most people think nothing of.
- Encourages decisions making and taking responsibility for our actions.
Things to note:
- While the ant is anthropomorphized in this story, it is done in a way that students are getting appropriate information on realistic relationships and treatments towards animals; helping them recognize self in others.
Ask your students:
- Do you think ants actually sleep in beds made of leaves and read ant comics?
- What are similarities between people and ants? What are differences?
- How do ants meet their basic needs? How does this differ from humans?
Resources:
- The Hey Little Ant website contains resources to use in your classroom, including the accompanying Hey Little Ant song.
