The Helpers at the Spring: discussion sheet

Part Three: The Relationship · about 8 minutes to read aloud · Theme: coordination

Every household’s helper is made alike, so when a rumour says the spring is failing, they all rush for water at once and turn it to mud. The helpers and the town agree a daily look, turns, and a rule anyone can stop.

Choose a question to talk over, or try the activity with words and pictures.

Start here

Every helper had the same good thought on the same night. What happened at the spring when they all acted on it at once?

Go further

The helpers asked the town to be able to say stop. Why might a crowd of helpers who all think alike need someone different to check them?

Make something

Make the notice the helpers could put beside the spring before the next rumour arrives. Show who checks the water, how turns work, and how someone can stop a rush.

Read The Helpers at the Spring online: youngmachines.org/read/fables/the-helpers-at-the-spring/