Friendship

Life skills

Grade 2

Robinson crusoe

Module 2

Friendship

A long time ago there was a man named Robinson Crusoe. He was making a journey by sea. In those days the ships were wooden with many sails. The ship was caught in a terrible storm and was tossed about on the waves. The captain lost control and many of the crew were swept overboard. Eventually the ship was blown onto some rocks and broke up in the rough sea. One man was washed up onto the shore. It was Robinson Crusoe.

When he regained consciousness, Robinson saw that he had landed on a sandy beach. He saw the wreck of his ship stuck fast on the rocks. When he felt better he swam out to the broken ship and managed to find food and all sorts of useful things. He also found the captain’s dog.

Over the next few days he built himself a shelter with the wood from the ship, using the tools he had found. He needed protection from the weather and wild animals.

He had also taken a gun and, armed with this, he had searched until he found a fresh water supply. He found berries growing and other fruit. He also shot small animals to eat. Robinson planted some of the seed that he had taken from the ship and made a garden.

Soon he had made a comfortable home. It should have been perfect. Why wasn’t it?

Robinson Crusoe washed up on the beach.

• Colour the picture.

Who would you choose to have as your companion if you were ship wrecked?

Look at each situation and decide what kind of person he/she should be. Underline your choice.

A deserted island.

You are washed ashore and you see a body next to you. It is your best friend. The two of you decide to explore the place. There are thick bushes at the top of the beach. You are both very scared, but you need to find water.

1. An unkind friend teases you about being scared and dares you to go in alone.
2. A caring friend takes your hand and says “Let’s do this together.”

You find some water. You realize you should also try to find fresh fruit or vegetables. All of a sudden you spot a tree with fruit on it. The birds have eaten most of the fruit, but there is one delicious looking piece of ripe fruit.

(a) A selfish friend grabs it first and says “Finders Keepers!”

(b) A friend who knows how to share , says, “It must be safe to eat because the birds have eaten the rest. Let’s share it.”

Then you go back to the beach where you feel safer. It is getting dark and you need to find somewhere to sleep.

(a) A thoughtful friend says “Let’s make a place where we can both be together.”

(b) A competitive friend says “Let’s separate and see who can find the best spot.

That night you feel really scared and worried. You wonder if you will ever be found. You imagine all sorts of animals coming after you. You cuddle up to your friend, but it doesn’t help. Suddenly you can’t be brave any more and you burst into tears.

(a) A kind friend will comfort you even though he/she is also scared.

(b) A friend who only cares about himself , will say, “Oh don’t be such a crybaby and go to sleep.”

The next morning a helicopter is flying overhead, obviously looking for you. You both jump up waving your arms and shouting. The helicopter lands and you are saved.

(a) A boastful friend tells the rescuers that you were so scared that you cried and he/she didn’t.

(b) A loyal friend just says that you are both so happy to be found.

Read through your answers and discuss them with your group.

Now write out the qualities you would appreciate in a friend.

• Draw a picture of your best friend.

Assessment

Memorandum:

• Let the children discuss the situation. What did Robinson lack?
• Lead the discussion to the fact that he had no companionship. What kind of companion would be desirable? After all, he did have the dog!
• Who would they like to be shipwrecked with? Why? They might choose friend or family. But the qualities in the companion of their choice would also be those of a good friend. The following questions should help the children to arrive at the qualities they would like to have in a friend.
• Bring the children’s attention to the description of people’s qualities, written in Bold. These qualities can be discussed as well. The children may also have other adjectives to describe the qualities, which are revealed in the situations below.
• Once they have identified these qualities, they may write them out under the title ‘A good friend is…….’ . This could be in the form of a poster.