The Story of Our Fingers

Today’s podcast story is called “The Story of Our Fingers”, obtained from the book Philippine Popular Tales by Dean S. Fansler, and read by Mir D. Lucas.

Listen to the story here or on Spotify.

Learning Guide

Prepared by Kristine Anne P. Valdellon, Mir D. Lucas, and Jez Keanu J. Ambrocio.

A. Discussion Questions

It is universally accepted that stealing is wrong. But could you imagine another situation in which Mr. Thumb’s proposal to steal in order to save lives can be justified? Briefly describe this situation. What would you do in this situation?

B. Class Activity

Draw your hand on any medium: a paper or a computer. On this page, write your name and draw yourself on the palm of the hand. On each of your finger, write or draw a symbol that would answer the questions that follow:

• On the Little Finger (since he was the one who was hungry) - What is one thing you hunger for? This may or may not always be physical hunger.
• On the Ring Finger (since he was also hungry, but tried to question as to how they would get the food) - What is one question you have about life?
• On the Middle Finger (since he was the hopeful one) - What is one thing that you hope for?
• On the Forefinger (since he was the one who was worrisome) - What is one thing you worry or are concerned about?
• On the Thumb (since he was the one who made a mistake) - what is a fault or mistake you made in the past that you deeply regret? What is a resolution you can make so that you will not make the same mistake in the future?

Source: Dean S. Fansler, Filipino Popular Tales. Lancaster, PA. and New York: American Folklore Society and G. E. Stechert and Co., 1921. Available from Project Gutenberg.

Current Stories in the Series

English

The Monkey and The Turtle

Sun and Moon

Sagacious Marcela

The Story of Our Fingers

Why the Cow’s Skin is Loose on the Neck

The Lost Necklace

The Light of the Fly

The Snail and the Deer

Filipino

Ang Pagong at ang Matsing

Ang mga Paglalakbay ni Juan

Ang Pinagmulan ng Daigdig (Si Malakas at si Maganda)

Ang Unang Unggoy

Ang Alamat ng Palay

Ang Pinagmulan ng Lamok

Kung Paano Yumaman si Jackyo

Ang Gamugamo at ang Liwanag

Ang Anting-anting ni Manuelito

Stay in tune for other stories in this podcast series!