Reference
As I recently explored the themes of Spring planting, Honesty, and China with my Kindergarten students I was thrilled to happen upon The Empty Pot by Demi. A simple tale with delightful, intricate illustrations, I found that this book is better to read to children on an individual basis or in very small groups so they are able to see the details and ask questions. The message of honesty is rather subtle and can be missed by easily distracted children in a large group setting. A few of my students had to have it read twice before they "got it."
The Emperor is seeking his successor and gives all of the children in the land a seed to grow. The child with the best flower at the end of the year will win the competition and become his heir. Little do they know that the seeds have been cooked and it's impossible for them to grow. The protagonist, a little boy named Ping, has a green thumb and loves to garden. He tries and tries to get his seed to grow, but to no avail, so he arrives at the palace distraught with an empty pot. All of the other children have apparently grown other seeds and present beautiful flowers to the emporor. But once the secret is revealed it is Ping who is the chosen one, because he is the only honest one. If only we could choose our politicians in this manner!
Five and six-year-olds still believe in Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. They are still trying to determine fact from fiction and they are constantly wrestling with the concept of truth. I spend a good bit of time throughout the year reading books and discussing honesty. What I love about this story, besides the artwork and Chinese scenery, is the way in which Ping is rewarded for being honest, even though it was painful and embarrassing for him. After reading this to my students, we discussed similar situations that had happened to them, how they felt, and what the outcome was. Ping is a small, courageous hero, which is something I hope for all of the children in our society to be. We also discussed the plants, trees, pottery, architecture and clothing in the story. I find it to be a nice addition to a K-3 unit on China, because it has so much to offer beyond facts. I love this story and feel confident that you will too.
