Product reviews for The Wolf’s Colourful Coat

The Wolf's Colourful Coat (Making relationships) is important to understanding the difference between being kind and being mean. Children are often mean to one another and it is hard to fathom why this is happening. The reaction of Wolfgang is very realistic as he runs inside and hides. He becomes afraid to come out and to engage with others. He personalizes what happened to him and is hurt by the action of others. This experience can be so strong that a child may never engage with another person again. The story helps children realize there are better actions they can take - sharing your feelings, rejoining with your friends who miss you, and playing where the child feels safe. But the heart of the learning comes when Wolfgang is again confronted by the bully and, in spite of the first encounter, is able to do the -˜kind' thing and to reach out to the dog.  Mighty powerful lesson. Lots of transformation in this story for all the characters. 



The teaching guide suggests some excellent story questions at the end of each story that allows children to explore their own thoughts about the characters and what has happened. This is a critical follow-up to each of the stories so that many options of kindness can be considered. Each child can strategize how they might react to such a situation when they are faced with it. Again, some good uses for the emotion cards with this story. One of my favorites here is to encourage children to do -˜random acts of kindness' especially if they know they will get nothing in return, but are doing it because it is the right thing to do. I also think the tree house game can help remove the child from his or her direct involvement in the situation in order to consider alternatives or different perspectives. Great activity.