About the Story and Activity
In this story, the Little Wave first sees herself as separate from the rest of the sea, but we can already see that is not the case. Similarly we often see ourselves as separate, single beings - and then life feels very lonely and scary.
The storm is there to represent the challenges and problems that we all face in life. The boats are there as a familiar and safe anchor point - representing our family and friends and the life we know. The Little Wave is terrified of the unknown that she is moving towards.
We respect children’s autonomy and curiosity and with this story, you might want to encourage them to talk about the fears they have about the future - including death.
The Little Wave ultimately finds that ‘death’ is not the end for her, and instead she is united with the universal spirit at the heart of the ocean. We come from and go back to that place of peace. If we believe we are a part of something much greater, then we are never really alone, either.
What You'll Need
A clear jar or bottle with a watertight lid.
A larger body of water - a bathtub in your home will work, or a pond (or ocean) outside are even better.
Instructions
Take your child to the water (bath, pond, or ocean).
Fill the clear vessel half-full with the water from the bath, and put the lid back on.
Place the jar on the body of water and watch it float and bob on the surface.
You may like to try opening the jar and tipping the water out into the larger body of water.
Explore the themes from The Little Wave as you ask your child some of the questions below:
How is the water in the jar different from the water in the bathtub/pond/ocean?
What is making it feel separate?
What do they each represent to you - the jar and the water?
How do you feel when you’re separated from everything else? And how do you feel when you’re part of something bigger?