Welcome to the Turtle Tales series.

The story-The Turtle and the Bird is about what makes a house a home.

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources are available at www.rituvaish.com/the-turtle-and-the-bird

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Transcript

A turtle was resting under a tree. Right above, a bird had built its nest in that tree. She was singing a melodious song to her fledglings. And the fledglings were tweeting back to her in their soft voices.

Children, what do you think mumma bird gives to her babies to eat?

That’s right! She gave them little worms to eat.

The turtle spoke to the bird mockingly, “What a shabby home you have! It is made of broken twigs, it has no roof, and looks so crude. What’s worse is that you had to build it yourself. I think my house, which is my shell, is much better than your pathetic nest”.

Children, which house do you think is better? The turtle’s or the bird’s nest?

Listen ahead

“Yes, I agree, it is made of broken sticks, looks shabby, and is open to the elements of nature. It is crude, but I built it, and I like it,” the bird said proudly.

“Oh well, I guess it’s just like any other nest, but not better than mine”, said the turtle.

“You must be jealous of my shell, though.”

“On the contrary”, the bird replied. “My home has space for my family and friends; your shell cannot accommodate anyone other than you. Maybe you have a better house. But I have a better home, and that’s what matters,” said the bird happily.

The turtle didn’t know where to look. He realized that indeed his house was just a house, whereas the bird’s house was a home.