This story is an adaptation from the book 'Earth Tales' by Michael Caduto.
In this story a wise owl tells two otters the secret of their magic tails and how they can join the moonlit tribal gathering. But something happens that leads to a dramatic change to one of the otters lives. Does it have to spend the rest of its life trapped on land or will she ever find a way to get back to the water?
Making Bark Boats (which is found in Nature Activities) is a great activity to do after watching this story. Make a bark boat, write a hope or dream on a piece of paper and sail it down the river, maybe the magical otters will make it come true?
After this story consider the following questions:
1). Otter's are a protected species in the UK- that means it is illegal to harm them purposefully or by foolishness. Many animals however aren't protected, why not? Do you think all animals should be protected? If you could choose one animal to add to the 'protected list' which would you choose?
2). In the story the otter has a very difficult decision to make when she finds her tail. Was she right to leave her family on land and return to the water or should she have given up her life as an otter?
3) For as long as humans have been on Earth they have lived near Rivers, can you think of five reasons why this might be?
Engaging with this story, the activities and the questions is great for your wellbeing because:
1. Be Active- going out in to nature and visiting a river is a great way to get active.
2. Keep Learning: Rivers are essential to life, consider the linked questions and explore about the importance of rivers.
3. Practise Kindness- Otters are protected but why shouldn't other animals be protected too? Consider how we can act with kindness towards all the animals that we share the earth with.
4. Think Community- In the story the children send notes to the otter- making and sending notes is a great way make people smile and build community. (check out this resource).
5. Be Mindful-next time you visit a river consider how it is never stationary and always keeps flowing. Try to notice a bubble on the surface and follow it with your gaze.