The Bundle of Sticks
A simple demonstration shows why people can be stronger when they work together.
A story to read together
The Bundle of Sticks
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
A farmer had several children who often argued about small things. He wanted them to understand how much stronger they could be when they worked together. One day, he gathered a bundle of dry sticks and called the family to the yard.
One stick at a time
The farmer handed a single stick to each child and asked them to break it. They did so easily. Then he tied the sticks into a bundle and asked them to try again.
A lesson in strength
“One stick is easy to snap,” the farmer said, “but a bundle is stronger. People can be like that too.” The children began to see what he meant.
Working side by side
The garden needed many hands. The children took turns, shared the tools and helped whenever someone grew tired. Their small jobs added up to a bright patch of vegetables.
A family that cooperates
At harvest time, the farmer and children gathered the vegetables together. They gave some to a neighbor and cooked the rest for supper.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
What changes when the sticks are together?
How could the characters use this idea in their own lives?
What changed when the sticks were tied together?
Make something: Draw a bundle made of people’s different strengths. Label one helpful job each person could do on a team.
