Once upon a time there was an enormous fifth grade classroom which was very colorful. The walls were full of colors, it had many drawings and posters which some of them were the work of the students and in others they taught the steps to do different things. In this class there were 20 students, and they were divided into groups of 4 so they could help each other. 

It was very spacious, and it was organized with different spaces for the activities that the students could do, like read some books, do mathematics, etc. Finally, on the biggest wall, there was a spotless whiteboard on which the teacher explained all the subjects and three bright windows through which a lot of natural light enters. 

Susi is a generally happy, small and sensitive whale. She is rather shy, but when you get to know her better, she is a very funny girl. She always tells the most hilarious jokes! She doesn’t like to go to school because she doesn’t have any friends, except Daisy. She doesn’t have friends because she has a movement disorder, and no one wants to play with her because she is different from the others.

Daisy is Susi’s best friend; she is a smiley and open-minded dog who loves to play with all of her classmates. Daisy is very loyal and talkative, and she always helps Susi with whatever she needs. Her empathetic nature makes her understand Susi’s situation and want to help her.

Max has a lot of friends, but he is not very kind to Susi because she is different from all the rest of their classmates. He feels insecure, so he becomes the bully of the class. His fierce nature hides his vulnerabilities and his fear of not being the best.

Susi the whale struggles to fit in at school because of her movement disorder, which makes her different from her classmates. Her only friend, Daisy the dog, always stands by her side and supports her, but Susi feels lonely and left out because most of the other students avoid her. Max, a popular and seemingly confident classmate, frequently teases Susi, making fun of her inability to move as easily as the others. Daisy notices how Max’s treatment is affecting Susi and decides to confront him, hoping to change his behavior and help him understand the impact of his words. 

CONFLICT

All the class is on the playground during recess, playing cops and robbers all together except Susi, who is sitting in a corner. Daisy has just arrived at the playground and is watching the scene.

Max: Hey Susi, are you having fun sitting over there?

Susy: I… I’m fine, Max. I’m just watching.

Daisy: Max, why don’t you leave her alone? She’s not bothering anyone.

Max: Come on, Daisy, I’m just joking around! Susi knows I’m just having fun.

Daisy: Fun? You call it fun to make her feel bad for something she can’t help? Just because she can’t move as fast as you doesn’t mean you get to treat her like that.

Susy: It’s okay, Daisy. Maybe he doesn’t mean it…

Daisy: (firmly, looking at Susi) No, Susi, it’s not okay. Max, have you ever thought about what it feels like to sit out all the time? To be left on the sidelines, day after day? 

Daisy: No, it’s not. But it’s not hers, either. She just wants to feel included, like everyone else. 

Max: (pausing, looking a bit defensive) I... I guess I haven’t really thought about it. But it’s not my fault she can’t keep up! 

Max: (looks at Susi, uncertain) Well… I mean, what can I do? It’s not like I can just slow down for her. 

Susy: No one’s asking you to stop being you, Max. But you could try being kind. Why not try inviting her to play something she can join in on? Or at least stop making her feel worse than she already does.

Daisy: Maybe next time, think about how your words might feel. You’re the fastest in our class, Max. Why not be a leader and make everyone feel included? 

Max: (nodding slowly, looking at Susi) I’m sorry, Susi. Really. I’ll… I’ll try to be better. Maybe we can come up with a new game tomorrow. One where we all play together? 

Susy: (smiling slightly and feeling absolutely amazed) I’d like that. Thanks, Max. 

Max starts to think about what Daisy said and feels pretty guilty. The next day, during gym class, he notices that Susi is struggling to keep up with the other students during a running game. Remembering Daisy’s words, Max decides to run over to Susi and suggests they form a team together.

RESOLUTION

At first, Susi is hesitant, not sure if she can trust him, but Max surprises her by offering encouragement and even slowing down to match her pace. Gradually, Susi starts to feel more confident, and Max realizes that it’s fun to work together with her. His friends watch from the sidelines, a bit puzzled but curious about this unexpected change.

RESOLUTION

CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

MORAL