Fables and Stories: Supplemental Guide 4A | The Dog in the Manger 69- Oxen are animals, similar to bulls—or male cows—that are used for
carrying or pulling things. When there is only one, we say ox. When
there is more than one ox, we say oxen.
A plow is a farm tool with one or more blades—or sharp edges—that
are used to turn and mix the soil. - [Show image of ox pulling a plow.] An ox pulls the plow across the
field. - Do you think pulling a plow is hard work? Do you think an ox is an
important animal to a farmer? Do you think a plow is an important tool
to a farmer? Tell your partner what you think.
Purpose for Listening
Remind students that the title of this fable is “The Dog in the Manger.”
Review the three characteristics of fables: they are short, contain a
moral, and sometimes have animals that act like people. Tell students
to listen carefully to find out how one of the animals acts like a
person.By the end of this lesson, students should be able to: Demonstrate familiarity with “The Dog in the Manger”
Describe the characters, setting, and plot of “The Dog in the Manger”
Identify that “The Dog in the Manger” is a fable
Identify characteristics of fables (short, moral, personification)
Explain in their own words the moral of “The Dog in the Manger”