Thought and Tactics: Hermie vs the Hare

🌟 The Warda Way lesson

The Warda Way Teaches us that:

• Speed is fun, but thinking is powerful.
• Always work harder than the person next to you!
• Tactics can turn small steps into big victories.
• Hard work beats talent.
• Never, ever give up!

🎯 Objectives

Children will be able to:

1. Describe Hermie’s plan and how she followed it.
2. Compare Hermie’s and Libby’s choices during the race.
3. Explain what “tactics” means (a smart plan).
4. Make and follow a step-by-step plan.

📖 Read-aloud guide

1. Before reading: ask, “Who do you think will win a race, a tortoise or a hare?”
2. Read Hermie’s plan slowly. Have your child hold up a finger for each part of the plan.
3. Each time Libby stops to play, ask, “Is that a good tactic?”
4. Whisper “One step at a time” with Hermie.
5. End with the Warda Way lesson page and Hermie’s words: “A race isn’t only about speed.”

💬 Discussion questions

1. What did Libby keep bragging about?
2. What were the parts of Hermie’s plan?
3. What made the path hard for Hermie? What did she do?
4. How did Libby feel when she lost? What did she learn?
5. Why did they walk back as friends?

✏️ Reading & writing

My plan: write a 3–4 step plan for a goal (building a block tower, learning a new word, cleaning a room), using “First, Next, Then, Last.” Younger children draw each step in a box.

🔢 Math & logic

Steady steps race: mark a start and finish line. Count how many “tortoise steps” (heel to toe) it takes to reach the finish, then how many giant “hare hops.” Which number is bigger? Subtract to find the difference. Measure with a measuring tape for older children.

💛 Character & values

Bragging vs. sharing: talk about the difference between bragging (like Libby at the start) and kindly sharing what you are good at. Practice saying one thing you’re good at in a kind way, and one thing someone else is good at.

✂️ Hands-on project

Obstacle course: build an indoor or backyard course with a “mud patch” (a pillow pile), a rough path, and a finish line. Make a plan before starting, then go slow and steady.