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- [00:02]
Nanimals Advertiser
Hello.
- [00:03]
Amanda Weldon
Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called Animal School, an adaptation from the short fable by George Rivas written for you by Daniel Hines. We have Stories Podcast merch, available@storiespodcast.com shop. We're also on cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast. If you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now here's a word from our sponsors.
- [00:38]
Nanimals Advertiser
This is an ad for Nanimals. Hi Stories fans. Pets are great, but have you ever tried putting a parakeet in your pocket or a cat in your backpack? Spoiler alert. It won't go well, but Nanimals are the perfect pals to play with on the go. Nanimals are mini animal figures with heart meters that fill the more you pet, feed and move them. They interact with you by making over 70 sounds and silly reactions. And if you have more than one, Nanimals will interact with each other too. You can connect them and swap their textured outfits to create different styles. Nanimals are tactile and tiny, making them a great toy to fidget with on the go. And since they come with a handy backpack clip, it's easy. Easy to take them anywhere, collect and connect.
- [01:35]
Amanda Weldon
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- [02:41]
Nanimals Advertiser
Want to learn more?
- [02:42]
Amanda Weldon
Visit nextplayground.com that's nextplayground.com to explore active family gaming today. Thanks. Enjoy the episode Animal School Once upon a time, the Wise old Owl was sitting in his tree, watching the other animals play. He was definitely old, with some of his feathers fading and his beak always sore when it rained. But the animals could only take his word for it that he was wise. He certainly said it often enough. And owls did have a certain reputation for cleverness, which is why they all went along with him when he had one of the worst ideas the animal kingdom had ever seen. It all started when he was watching some young animals play under his tree. It was a group of young friends, including a duck, a rabbit, a squirrel, and an eagle. They were just messing around, playing tag with a lot of stumbling and laughing. It was just a little game. But to the owl, it looked like a terrible waste of time.
- [03:55]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Those kids should be learning all the different things an animal needs to know, said the owl.
- [04:01]
Amanda Weldon
Of course, he didn't know all the different things, but since he thought he was so wise, he figured he knew what was best for everyone. So he left duck, Rabbit, squirrel and eagle to play their little game, and he went to their parents. The owl visited the ducks first and explained to them that their little duckling was wasting his time playing with friends and should be enrolled in school. Of course, then the owl had to explain what school was and how it was definitely a good idea. Well, the ducks didn't really get it, but they knew the owl was very wise because he told them so. And in the end, they agreed their little duckling could go to the owl school. And of course, it was his school, because he was the only one wise enough to be a teacher. After the duck's parents, he visited the squirrels and rabbits and eagles too, and gave them all the same spiel. They were all equally confused as the ducks, but decided since the old owl was so, so, so wise and it would be best for their kids to send them to his school. And so the next day, instead of going out and playing tag and hunting for snacks, duck, Squirrel, Rabbit and Eagle all were told by their parents to report to Owl's classroom, which was in the little clearing under his tree by the pond. What do you think he wants to teach us? Asked Duck, waddling along next to Rabbit. Maybe he'll show us how he spins his head all the way around, said Rabbit, trying and failing to do the same. Only owls can do that. And I think it looks super cool, for sure, said Duck. Oh, hey, Squirrel. Hey, Eagle. Hey, you two, said Squirrel. She was sitting in the dirt, eating an acorn and talking to Eagle, who was perched on a limb above her. What do you think we'll learn? Asked Duck.
- [06:00]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
I hope he teaches us how to.
- [06:01]
Amanda Weldon
Spin our heads all the way around, said Eagle. We were just saying that, said Duck, and they all laughed. The laughter was cut off by a very serious hoo hoo call from up above. They all looked up to see the old owl perched high above them in the tree.
- [06:22]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Come on now, class, he said. Sit on the ground and listen up.
- [06:28]
Amanda Weldon
The animals got in a rough line, the eagle hopping down to the dirt even though he hated it.
- [06:34]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Okay, you all need to stop messing around and learn all the skills of a successful animal, said Owl. And up first is the most important skill of all. Flying.
- [06:47]
Amanda Weldon
Eagle and Duck looked happy, but Squirrel and Rabbit just looked at each other, confused. Um, said Squirrel. We totally can't fly.
- [07:01]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Not with that attitude.
- [07:03]
Amanda Weldon
Owl said.
- [07:04]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Now everyone join me up on this branch up here.
- [07:09]
Amanda Weldon
Duck and Eagle launched up, and with a few flaps of their wings, they joined Owl on the branch. Squirrel was able to scramble up the tree in just a few minutes, but Rabbit only looked helpless. Um, I can't get up that tree.
- [07:25]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
That's a terrible attitude, said Owl. Rabbit, you get an F in flying.
- [07:32]
Amanda Weldon
Is that, like, good? Asked Rabbit.
- [07:35]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
It's the worst grade possible, snapped Owl. Now the rest of you, follow me. Flapping like so.
- [07:45]
Amanda Weldon
He took off, flying across the clearing and landing in another tree across the way. Eagle followed like a shot, faster than even Owl, and Duck was a few flaps behind. Um, I can't make it that far, said Squirrel, peering out at the huge gap.
- [08:04]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Try or you'll fail, said the Owl.
- [08:08]
Amanda Weldon
From across the way. All right, here goes nothing, the squirrel said, and then she leapt for all she was worth. She glided for a second and then dropped down to the ground to plop in the dust next to the rabbit. She picked herself up and shook off the dirt.
- [08:27]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Nice attempt, but not nice enough, said Owl. You get an F like Rabbit.
- [08:33]
Amanda Weldon
But I don't have wings, Squirrel said.
- [08:37]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Nonsense, said Owl. Everyone has to learn everything to be the best animal they can be.
- [08:45]
Amanda Weldon
Squirrel and Rabbit grumbled, but then Owl and the others came down to the ground next to them.
- [08:51]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
All right, said Owl. Next up, every animal needs to know how to run through the forest. I'm going to fly a few clearings over in that direction, he said, waving a wing. Everybody run to me and and I'll assess your skill.
- [09:07]
Amanda Weldon
Eagle and Duck started to argue, but Owl spread his wings and launched into the air, flying away. Well, time to go, said Rabbit. She took off through the trees, running and leaping and bounding, and she got to the Owl almost as soon as she had landed. The squirrel wasn't quite as fast, but she got there a few moments behind.
- [09:32]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Wonderful, owl said. That's an A for the rabbit and a B for the squirrel. But where are the others?
- [09:40]
Amanda Weldon
The duck came a few minutes later. He had waddled the entire way and his webbed feet were scuffed and sore.
- [09:49]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
What took you so long?
- [09:51]
Amanda Weldon
Asked Owl. Oh, I'm not much for running, admitted Duck. I got here as fast as I could. Hmm, said Owl.
- [10:02]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Well, I guess you got here eventually, so you get a C for effort.
- [10:08]
Amanda Weldon
A minute later, the eagle flew into view and landed next to them. Sorry, he said, bowing his beak. I tried to walk, but it's hard for me, really. I just fly most places I need to go, especially if they're far away.
- [10:24]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Well, this wasn't flying class. It was running class or waddling class in Duck's case, said Owl. Very self important. Sorry, Eagle, but you get an F, eagle grumbled.
- [10:37]
Amanda Weldon
But Owl didn't even care to notice. He was already on the next lesson, which he considered to be very important for a well rounded animal. Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other favorite Kid Podcasts Ad Free subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts Autumn is in full swing and IXL helps keep homeschooling lessons structured and steady. Whether you're following a set curriculum or creating your own, IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling, especially this time of year. It offers interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies for every grade from Pre K through 12. IXL adapts to your child's level and gives them the right challenge at the right time. Whether your kid is reviewing third grade math or jumping into sixth grade reading, IXL meets them where they are and lets them move at their own pace. And it keeps kids motivated between the awards, challenges and little moments of celebration. I IXL makes it easy to keep learning light and engaging. Over 15 million students use IXL and more than 75 research studies show it actually works. That's real peace of mind for homeschool parents. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and stories. Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com dragon Visit ixl.com dragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.
- [12:18]
Nanimals Advertiser
This is an ad for Nanimals hi stories Fans Pets are great, but have you ever tried putting a parakeet in your pocket or a cat in your backpack? Spoiler alert. It won't go well, but nanimals are the perfect pals to play with on the go. Nanimals are mini animal figures with heart meters that fill up the more you pet, feed, and move them. They interact with you by making over 70 sounds and silly reactions. And if you have more than one, nanimals will interact with each other, too. You can connect them and swap their textured outfits to create different styles. Nanimals are tactile and tiny, making them a great toy to fidget with on the go. And since they come with a handy backpack clip, it's easy to take them anywhere. Nanimals collect and connect.
- [13:15]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Of course. Up next is the climbing class, owl said.
- [13:21]
Amanda Weldon
He fluttered up to another tree. This one had no low branches to grab on, just the rough bark.
- [13:28]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Climb up to this branch, owl said.
- [13:32]
Amanda Weldon
But then he held up a wing.
- [13:33]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
But no flying Eagle and Duck. This is a climbing test.
- [13:39]
Amanda Weldon
Squirrel smiled and shot up the tree in a flash, barely having to think.
- [13:45]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
An A in climbing for Squirrel, said Owl. Now who is next?
- [13:51]
Amanda Weldon
The rabbit gritted her teeth and ran full speed at the tree. She leaped up and planted her little paws and clung on with all her might. She started to slide back down, but hopped up again and another desperate hop and cling, and then she scrambled on the branch, nearly falling off in the process.
- [14:12]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Good effort, Rabbit, said Owl. For that, I'll give you a bee. Now what about you two Duck and Eagle?
- [14:20]
Amanda Weldon
Duck and Eagle looked at each other and hung their heads. We. We can't climb, said Eagle. We can fly, though.
- [14:31]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
This is climbing, not flying, said Owl.
- [14:34]
Amanda Weldon
With a mean little tone he thought was teacherly.
- [14:37]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
You both get an F. But that's.
- [14:40]
Amanda Weldon
Not fair, said Duck, overwhelmed. At this point I don't have hands and my feet are webbed. How am I supposed to climb? Study and practice, said Owl, dismissing Duck with a wave of his wing.
- [14:57]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
All right. Now for the final class of the day, we have swimming. Follow me to the pond. Now, hop.
- [15:03]
Amanda Weldon
Hop. Owl flew over to the far side of the pond, watching his students from across the water.
- [15:10]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
For this final test, it couldn't be any simpler. You just have to swim across to me.
- [15:16]
Amanda Weldon
Finally, an easy one, said said Duck. With a happy quack, he splashed into the water. Quack, quack, quack. The duck paddled his little feet and was soon sitting next to the Owl on the far shore, preening his feathers with his beak.
- [15:33]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Next, called Owl.
- [15:36]
Amanda Weldon
Squirrel took up the challenge and dove into the water. She was small, but she had a good doggy paddle and made it out to the far side of the pond, a little waterlogged, but no worse for wear. The Rabbit came after her and managed to get across even though her little head went under a few times.
- [15:56]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Eagle.
- [15:57]
Amanda Weldon
Called Owl.
- [15:58]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
It's your turn.
- [16:00]
Amanda Weldon
I can't swim, called back Eagle. I can only kind of float with my wings.
- [16:08]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
You'll swim or you'll get an F, called Owl. Come on now. Everyone has to be good at everything.
- [16:16]
Amanda Weldon
All right, the Eagle said, but not with much confidence. Here it goes. Eagle waded into the pond with his wings spread to help him float. He bobbed into the water and seemed okay for a second, but as his feathers got wetter and wetter, he began to sink.
- [16:36]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Come on now.
- [16:37]
Amanda Weldon
Called Owl from the shore.
- [16:39]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
That's F grade swimming if I've ever seen it. Really.
- [16:43]
Amanda Weldon
Put in some effort, Eagle thrashed and splashed even harder, but then, all at once, he sank below the surface and bubbles came up from beneath. Eagle was gone under the water. Eagle. Called out his friends. Definitely an F, said Owl, shaking his head. Forget the grade, said Duck. Your Eagle's going to drown. And you're the teacher. Go save him.
- [17:12]
Nanimals Advertiser
But.
- [17:13]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
But I can't swim, said Owl.
- [17:17]
Amanda Weldon
What? Snapped Duck. You've been failing us all day, seeing we need to know all these different skills and you can't even swim. Can you even climb? Asked Squirrel. All you can do is fly and boss us around.
- [17:32]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Uh, well.
- [17:35]
Amanda Weldon
Stammered the Owl, suddenly not feeling quite so wise. Forget him, said Rabbit. We gotta go save Eagle quick. Right, Said Duck. Being the strongest swimmer, he dove into the water and then went under another trail of bubbles coming up behind him. For a moment the pond was still and Squirrel and Rabbit watched, waiting, said Eagle, Duck hauling him out of the depths. Squirrel and Rabbit instantly dove into the water and helped Duck drag Eagle back to the shore. Eagle coughed up what seemed like a gallon of water and then smiled weakly. I'll be okay. Thanks, gang, he said, and then he tottered over to a sunny patch to help and dry his feathers.
- [18:26]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Well, that's an F for swimming, but I think you all deserve an A.
- [18:30]
Amanda Weldon
In rescue, said Owl, but the others just glared at him. Your school makes no sense, Snapped Squirrel. We're all good at different things, and that's okay. We don't need you bullying us into something we're not. And we don't need you getting us hurt. The disrespect, said Owl. I almost drowned, said Eagle with a little cough. We're done with Owl school, said Duck. Go and find someone else to bother.
- [19:03]
Owl (Narrator/Character)
Well, I will, said Owl. Someone more grateful.
- [19:09]
Amanda Weldon
Owl flew off, and they never saw him in those parts again. He still considered himself very, very wise. And maybe he was, because he never tried a silly idea like Animal School ever again. And the friends Eagle, Duck, Squirrel, and Rabbit. They stayed friends, helping each other out wherever needed. If Eagle dropped food in the pond, Duck would fish it out. If there was a choice acorn way up on a cliff, Eagle would toss it down to Squirrel. And if the rabbit needed a lift, the birds were happy to help. Animal School hadn't worked out, but the friends, those worked out just fine. The End Today's story Animal School, was an adaptation of a short fable by George Rivas written for you by Daniel Hines. It was edited and produced for you by Ellie Hines and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon. If you would like to support Stories Podcast, you can leave us a five star review on iTunes. Check out all of our merch available at storiespodcast. Com, Shop commission a special video on Cameo. Follow us on Instagram at Stories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us. Thanks for listening.