Study

Guide

ABOUT THIS STUDY GUIDE

The Ugly Duckling Study Guide is an educational resource providing concrete learning activities
along with background and summary information to aid in understanding concepts in the
production, and to promote anti-bullying education for primary-school students.
ABOUT HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN
Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author and poet (April 2, 1805 August 4, 1875). He is
best remembered for his fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages
and have inspired motion pictures, plays, ballets, and animated films. Andersen's other best
known fairy tales are The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Princess and the
Pea, and The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
ABOUT THE UGLY DUCKLING
The story tells of a ugly little bird born in a barnyard, who suffers abuse from the other animals
around him until, much to his delight (and to the surprise of others), he matures into a swan, the
most beautiful bird of all. The Ugly Duckling is an excellent story for exploring themes of
kindness, fairness, inclusion, and tolerance. The Ugly Duckling was first published in November
of 1843 with three other tales by Andersen in Copenhagen, Denmark to great critical acclaim.
Scholars believe the story is autobiographical and expressed how Andersen felt growing up.

The Story of The Ugly Duckling

(Note: Character names appear in bold on first reference)
It was lovely summer weather in the country. In a sunny spot stood a pleasant old farmhouse close by a deep river, a mother duck sat on her nest, watching for her young brood to
hatch; she was beginning to get tired. Finally, one shell cracked, and then another, and from each
egg came a living creature that lifted its head and cried, Peep, peep.
How large the world is, said the young ducks, when they found how much more room they
now had than while they were inside the egg-shell.
Are you all out? she continued, rising; No, I declare, the largest egg lies there still. I wonder
how long this is to last.
Well, how are you getting on? asked an old duck, who paid her a visit.
One egg is not hatched yet, said the duck. But just look at all the others, are they not the
prettiest little ducklings you ever saw?
At last the large egg broke, and an Ugly Duckling crept forth crying, Peep, peep. It was
very large and ugly. The duck stared at it and exclaimed, It is very large and not at all like the
others.
The mother duck took her young brood down to the water, and jumped in with a splash.
Quack, quack, cried she, and one after another the little ducklings jumped in. The water closed
over their heads, but they came up again in an instant, and swam about quite prettily with their
legs paddling under them as easily as possible, and the ugly duckling was also in the water
swimming with them.

Oh, said the mother, how well she uses her legs, and how upright she holds herself!
She is my own child, and she is not so very ugly after all if you look at her properly. Quack,
quack! come with me now, I will take you into grand society, and introduce you to the farmyard,
but you must keep close to me.
When they reached the farmyard, there was a great disturbance. All the farmers and their
children were working, some coming home from fishing, others coming from the field.
They all made fun of of the Ugly Duckling. She was quite miserable because she was so ugly
and laughed at by the whole farmyard. So at last she ran away.
They are afraid of me because I am ugly, she said. So she closed her eyes, and flew still
farther, until she came out on a large moor, inhabited by 2 wild geese. All she wanted was
permission to lie among the rushes, and drink some of the water on the moor. They dance
together until they are interrupted by a noise.
Pop, pop, sounded in the air, and the two wild geese were scared away. The sound
continued and two hunters appeared. How they terrified the poor duckling! She hastened away
from the moor as fast as he could. She ran over field and meadow till a storm arose, and she
could hardly struggle against it.
Towards evening, she reached a poor little cottage. A woman, a tom cat, and a hen lived in
this cottage. She saw the duckling she thought it must be a fat duck, that had strayed from home.
Oh what a prize! she exclaimed, I hope it is not a drake, for then I shall have some ducks
eggs. I must wait and see.
So the duckling was allowed to remain, but she did not get along with the hen and cat.
Can you lay eggs? the hen asked.
No.
Can you raise your back, or purr, or throw out sparks? said the tom cat.
No.
So the duckling sat in a corner, feeling very low spirited, till the sunshine and the fresh air
came into the room through the open door, and then he began to feel such a great longing for a
swim on the water.
What an absurd idea, said the hen.
But it is so delightful to swim about on the water, said the duckling, and so refreshing to
feel it close over your head, while you dive down to the bottom.
Delightful, indeed! said the hen. Why you must be crazy! Ask the cat, he is the cleverest
animal I know, ask him how he would like to swim about on the water, or to dive under it.
You don't understand me, said the duckling.
We don't understand you? Who can understand you, I wonder? Do you consider yourself
more clever than the cat, or the woman? I will say nothing of myself. Don't imagine such
nonsense, child, and thank your good fortune that you have been received here. I advise you,
therefore, to lay eggs, and learn to purr as quickly as possible.
I believe I must go out into the world again, said the duckling.
Yes, do, said the hen. So the duckling left the cottage, and soon found water on which it
could swim and dive.
Autumn came, and the leaves in the forest turned to orange and gold. Then, as winter
approached, the wind caught them as they fell and whirled them in the cold air. One evening, just
as the sun set amid radiant clouds, there came a large flock of beautiful birds out of the bushes.
The duckling had never seen any like them before. They were swans, and they curved their
graceful necks, while their soft plumage shown with dazzling whiteness. They uttered a singular

cry, as they spread their glorious wings and flew away from those cold regions to warmer
countries across the sea. As they mounted higher and higher in the air, the ugly little duckling
felt quite a strange sensation as she watched them. she whirled herself in the water like a wheel,
stretched out his neck towards them, and uttered a cry so strange that it frightened herself. Could
she ever forget those beautiful, happy birds.
The winter grew colder and colder; she was obliged to swim about on the water to keep it
from freezing until she became exhausted.
Early in the morning, a peasant, who was passing by, saw what had happened He carried the
duckling home to his wife and three children. The warmth revived the poor little creature; but
when the children wanted to play with her, the duckling thought they would do her some harm.
She started up in fright. It was a mess. Dishes fell. She got her foot stuck in a bucket, but luckily
she escaped. The door stood open and she flew away.
Her wings were strong, as she flapped them against his sides, and rose high into the air.
They bore her onwards, until she found herself in a large garden. The duckling remembered the
lovely birds, and felt more strangely unhappy than ever.
I will fly to those royal birds, she exclaimed.
She flew to the water, and swam towards the beautiful swans. The moment they espied the
stranger, they rushed to meet her with outstretched wings.
She realized she was one of them. She was no longer a dark, gray bird. She was a Swan! She
now felt glad at having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled her to enjoy so much
better all the pleasure and happiness around her; for the great swans swam round the new-comer,
and stroked his neck with their beaks, as a welcome.
She knew she was the most beautiful of all the birds. The sun shone warm and bright. Then
she rustled her feathers, curved her slender neck, and cried joyfully, from the depths of her heart,
I never dreamed of such happiness as this, while I was an ugly duckling.

COMING TO THE THEATRE

How is the seating organized? You will have tickets and assigned seats. Ushers will direct you
to your seats, and can answer any questions that you have during the performance.
What if my child has trouble staying still? Fidget balls will be provided for all children. In
addition, if your child wants to walk around during the performance, that is fine. The aisle seats
will be empty providing extra space for movement. Children are welcome to walk in the aisles,
between the seats during the performance.
What if my child needs a break during the performance? There will be a quiet room
available for all audience patrons. This room will have calming activities available for anyone
who needs them. Volunteers from Mary Cariola and Rochester Kidsfirst Network will also be on
hand to play with children and assist caregivers.
What if I need to leave the ballet? Please feel free to come and go as needed. If your child is
not comfortable, it is not disruptive to leave during the performance. Some children may not
make it into the theatre, others may have to leave early. This is why tickets are free. Rochester
City Ballet and its funders are dedicated to making this opportunity available to all families
without financial risk.
What can I bring to the auditorium? Children can bring iPads and other electronic devices to
the performance. We ask that all members of the audience, please mute cell phones.

What if my child gets hungry during the performance? Although food and drink are typically
not permitted, you are welcome to bring a snack to this performance. If you choose to do so,
please select a snack that will not easily make a mess or spill, so that everyone can enjoy the
show.
Where are the restrooms? There are restrooms in the main lobby. We will have extra ushers on
hand to answer questions and to direct you.

How will the auditorium look? The house lights will be dimmed rather than turned off
entirely. This will preserve visibility in the audience throughout the performance.
Can I take pictures of the ballet? Flash photography and videotaping are not permitted during
the performance. Recording the performance in any way is illegal, disruptive to audience
members, and dangerous to the dancers. We want you to enjoy the performance, while still
respecting the theatres policy. There will be opportunities to take pictures with the dancers,
after the performance, and we encourage you to do so at that time.
What is my role as a member of the audience? Members of the audience are as much a part of
the theater event as our dancers, designers, technicians, and crew. Each ballet asks you to come
into a world that we have created. It is a world that is different from television or movies
because it is interactive. The dancers need your responses - your laughter and your applause, so
that they can respond to you while they dance. This enhances the performance. If you play your
part well, the dancers can then play their parts well and everyone will enjoy the ballet!

IN THE CLASSROOM
Using The Ugly Duckling to talk about empathy and resolving conflicts. The story of The Ugly
Duckling offers opportunities to talk about rivalry, building empathy, and resolving conflicts.
The Ugly Duckling gets picked on because she is different.
Lead the students in a discussion by asking questions such as:
What happens when we judge people by the way they look (their appearance) and not by
the way they are (their character)?
Put yourself in the Ugly Ducklings place or shoes. How do you think the ugly ducklings
brother and sister made him feel?
What can we learn from placing ourselves in another person shoes?
What do you think are the qualities of a good brother or sister or friend or classmate?
Have you ever been teased by a brother or sister or friend or classmate?
How did you deal with it? Was it successful? Would you change how you dealt with it if
it happened again? If so, how?
What steps can you take as a brother, sister, friend, classmate, or school to stop teasing
and bullying?

ASSESMENT
Have students work as a class or in small groups to create an illustrated or written chart of words,
actions, or rules that lead to a kinder classroom, playground, or cafeteria.
Invite students to use their imagination to come up with a name or title for this chart or
document and have it signed by the entire class.
Brainstorm ways students can share this document with their families, schoolmates, and
the whole school community.

CREATIVE WRITING/DISCUSSION
1. Have students write about a time when they felt like they didnt fit in. Share them with the
class if they feel comfortable. If children dont possess strong writing skills, have them create a
short skit/dramatic scene showing the story.
2. Was the duckling actually ugly? Were there any characters in the story that were truly ugly? If
so, what made them ugly?
3. Acceptance is a major theme in this story. Why did the duckling not feel welcome in the
barnyard or in the old womans house? Why did the wild ducks and the swans seem to accept the
duckling and why did they invite him to join them?
4. Who was kind in the play? Who was unkind?
5. Our hero the Duckling is not alone in feeling like she doesnt belong. Discuss historical
figures who probably felt like outsiders and succeeded, despite the skepticism of other people.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anti Bullying Resources http://cdna.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/TT45_web.pdf
The Fall 2013 Teaching Tolerance guide provides a comprehensive view of school-culture issues
and direction for educators trying to build an inclusive, nurturing school climate. Bullying is a
behavior, and it can be changed. In this issue, Teaching Tolerance offers strategies for helping
students who bully find a better way.
http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/ Founded in 2006, PACERs National Bullying Prevention
Center unites, engages, and educates communities nationwide to address bullying through
creative, relevant, and interactive resources:
PACER.org/Bullying: This is the portal page for parents and educators to access bullying
resources, which include educational toolkits, awareness toolkits, contest ideas,
promotional products and more.
PACERKidsAgainstBullying: A creative, innovative, and educational website designed
for elementary school students to learn about bullying prevention, engage in activities,
and be inspired to take action.
http://www.freespirit.com/catalog/item_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=704 No Kidding About
Bullying:125
Ready-to-Use Activities to Help Kids Manage Anger, Resolve Conflicts, Build Empathy, and
Get Along by Naomi Drew No Kidding About Bullying gives educators and youth leaders a
diverse range of activities they can use to help kids in grades 36 build empathy, manage anger,
work out conflicts, and stop bullying by peers. Featuring 125 mini-lessons that may be
completed in 20 minutes or less, the book is a flexible resource that can be used as a stand-alone
curriculum or a complement to bullying prevention and character education programs already in
place. Free downloads from No Kidding About Bullying include:
Introducing the Concept of a Get Along Classroom
Standing Up for Those Who Are Mistreated
Things We Do When We Get Angry
The Dignity Stance
Dealing with Exclusion and Rejection
Taking Responsibility for Mean Words
What to Do If Someone Bullies You
http://www.njea.org/news-and-publications/njeaFree Downloadable Lessons, Tools, and Information from the New Jersey Education Association
to Prevent and Address Bullying: Teaching Tolerance Tools and Info
http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/resources-andproject-partners
Kidsbridge Tolerance Museum http://www.kidsbridgemuseum.org/
Dear Bully, a book where 70 childrens authors tell their stories about being bullied as a child
http://www.dearbully.com/ http://www.educationworld.com/a_special/bully.shtml School

violence is an issue in the news and on the minds of educators and administrators alike.
Education World takes a look at the problem of bullying and how to stop it.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson294.shtml
World offers lessons focused on messages of tolerance:
Bursting Stereotypes Balloons serve as the conduit for this lesson in which students
burst stereotypes. (Grades 2-12)
Those Tear-Me-Apart, Put-Me-Back-Together, Never-Be-the-Same-Again Blues This
powerful activity illustrates how unkind words can hurt. (Grades PreK-8)
Everybody Is Unique: A Lesson in Respect for Others Differences Teach about respect
for others unique qualities in this lesson that combines art and language arts. (Grades K8)

Book List: Building Skills to Prevent Bullying

Books for Young Children

Stories and board books by Todd Parr

o Its OK to be Different
o The Thankful Book
o The I Love You Book
o The Feelings Book
o The Feel Good Book
o The Okay Book
o Things that Make You Feel Good/Things That Make You Feel Bad
o Dos and Donts

Books for Elementary School Children

Stories by Julia Cook

o My Mouth is a Volcano
o I Cant Believe You Just Said That!
o Bully B.E.A.N.S.
o Making Friends is an Art
o Cliques Just Dont Make Cents
Empathy: I Know How You Feel , by Liz George
You are Never Too Small to Make a Big Difference, by Beth Davis, Rebekah Davis &
Benjamin Davis
Homesick Penguin: Empathy/Caring for Others, by Ken Bowser
Field Day: A Lesson on Empathy, by Suzanne I. Barchers and Mattia Cerato

Stand in My Shoes: Kids Learning About Empathy, by Bob Sornson, Robert Sornson &
Shelley Johannes
Kid Presidents Guide to Being Awesome, by Robby Novak and Brad Montague

Books for Parents, Teachers and Youth Leaders

Unselfie, by Michele Borba

The One Rule For Boys, by Dr. Max Wachtel
Friends Forever, by Fred Frankel
Born for Love: Why Empathy is Essentialand Endangered, by Bruce Perry & Maia
Szalavitz
No Kidding About Bullying, by Naomi Drew

Online Resources: Building Skills to Prevent Bullying

www.tolerance.org/lesson/developing-empathy (lesson plans for groups of all ages)

www.stopbullying.gov>kids (things children can do to prevent bullying)
www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/no-bullying.html (teaching children about
empathy to prevent bullying)
www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/bullies.html (helping children handle
bullying)
www.community-matters.org/get-involved/11-ways-to-stop-bullying