Belling the Cat by

Ms Naicker

Belling the Cat

The Mice once called a meeting to decide on a plan to free themselves of their enemy, the Cat. At least they wished to find some way of knowing when she was coming, so they might have time to run away. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such constant fear of her claws that they hardly dared stir from their dens by night or day.

Many plans were discussed, but none of them was thought good enough. At last a very young Mouse got up and said:

"I have a plan that seems very simple, but I know it will be successful.

All we have to do is to hang a bell about the Cat's neck. When we hear the bell ringing we will know immediately that our enemy is coming."

All the Mice were much surprised that they had not thought of such a plan before. But in the midst of the rejoicing over their good fortune, an old Mouse arose and said:

"I will say that the plan of the young Mouse is very good. But let me ask one question: Who will bell the Cat?"

Moral Values

It is one thing to say that something should be done, but quite a different matter to do it.
Easier said than done!

Vocabularies to watch for!

dreaded proposing solutions padded assembled applause generally

Complete the KWL chart to activate your prior knowledge about this fable.

Discussion Time!

Do you think the mice should follow through with their plan?
What do you think they should do?
What do you think the moral of the fable is?
Can you think of an example from your own life that illustrates the moral?
Can you think of a different moral for the fable?

Follow up Tasks

Junior

Story Sequencing: Read the story of Belling the Cat. Draw pictures or cut out pictures to show the main events in the story. Students can then sequence the pictures and retell the story in their own words.
Making a Venn Diagram: Create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the mice and the cat. List the characteristics of each on separate sides of the diagram and discuss any shared traits in the middle section.

Middle

Create a comic collage about the crow and the pitcher.
Post it on your blog.
Write a short story related to your life experience and then share with the class!
Create a Comic Strip: Students can create a comic strip that tells the story of Belling the cat. Each panel can show a different scene from the story.

Senior

Create a Comic Strip: Students can create a comic strip that tells the story of Belling the cat. Each panel can show a different scene from the story.
The Bystander Effect: The story explores the concept of inaction due to fear. Discuss the "bystander effect" in real-life situations. How can we overcome fear and take action when someone needs help? Students can research real-life stories of bystanders who acted bravely and discuss the positive outcomes.