The Lion and the Clever Hare

Why This Topic Matters

This topic gives students a chance to connect a story or life example to practical leadership. The goal is to discuss, question, listen, and apply the lesson.

Reading

A fierce lion frightened all the animals in the forest. The animals agreed to send one animal each day so the lion would stop hunting everyone. One day a small hare was chosen.

The hare used intelligence instead of strength. He led the lion to a well and told him another lion lived inside. Seeing his own reflection, the angry lion jumped in and was defeated by his own pride.

This story teaches children that calm thinking can solve problems that strength alone cannot.

As you read, pay attention to the choices, challenges, and values in the story. These details will help you prepare for a meaningful group discussion.

For teenagers, the most important part of The Lion and the Clever Hare is not memorizing names or dates. The deeper goal is to ask what kind of person the story is training us to become. The leadership skill for this page is Problem Solving. That means students should look for examples of responsibility, self-control, courage, humility, or clear thinking, and then connect those examples to school, friendships, family, and community life.

A strong presenter should explain the background, the turning point, and the lesson. The background tells the group what is happening. The turning point shows the choice or challenge. The lesson explains why the story still matters today. This structure helps the presenter speak clearly and helps listeners prepare thoughtful comments.

During discussion, avoid giving only one-word answers. Support your ideas with a reason from the reading and an example from real life. You may agree or disagree respectfully, but the goal is to think deeply together. When students listen carefully, ask better questions, and build on each other's ideas, the club becomes more than a reading group. It becomes a place to practice leadership.

After the session, try the practical takeaway: Students solve a simple problem using three possible strategies. This turns the reading into action. The best lessons are not only remembered; they are practiced in small choices during the week.

Vocabulary

• clever
• strategy
• force
• wisdom
• danger

Discussion Questions

1. How did the hare solve the problem? Explain your thinking with evidence or an example.
2. Why did pride defeat the lion? Explain your thinking with evidence or an example.
3. When is strategy better than force? Explain your thinking with evidence or an example.
4. What value is most important in this reading? Explain your thinking with evidence or an example.
5. How can students practice this lesson? Explain your thinking with evidence or an example.

Leadership Takeaway

Problem Solving: Students solve a simple problem using three possible strategies.