TASSI: Ooka and the Honest Thief

Synopsis: Yahichi, owner of a rice store, notices that each night more and more of his rice is disappearing. He complains to the great magistrate, Ooka, who sets out to find the culprit. Ooka finds the thief (Gonta) but also discovers the reason for the theft. Ooka tests Gonta to see if he is honest or dishonest.
Theme: Honesty and Compassion

Discuss the possible meanings of the words "honest" and "dishonest" with the class. Create a class cluster on things students consider honest and/or dishonest.
Have students quick write about a time they have seen something they considered honest or dishonest. Share with a partner. Ask for volunteers to share with the whole class.
Teacher reads story aloud to students. Students may read story again with a partner.
In groups, students list questions they would like to ask characters in the story. Then have the students play the part of one character and answer the questions as they think the character might answer them.

Other Activities:

Read other pieces of literature related to the same theme. Then compare and contrast main characters/story using a Venn diagram.
In pairs or groups, have students write a different ending or sequel to the story.
Have students take turns retelling part or all of the story.
In cooperative groups, have students dramatize their favorite part of the story.
Have students design an award for Chogoro or OOka related to their behavior in the story.
Have students write another fable to go with the moral of this story.