The Respectful Eagle

In the high mountains, where the air was fresh, and the sky stretched wide and blue, a young eagle named Ekon was learning to fly. Ekon was strong, swift, and brave, but he was also a little proud. He had just learned to soar high above the clouds, and he thought that being an eagle meant being the fastest and the strongest—he believed this made him a leader.

One bright morning, the wise old eagle, Akila, called all the young eagles together for a meeting. “Today, we will practice flying as a team,” Akila announced. “We must learn how to work together, for a leader is not only someone who flies alone, but someone who respects and helps others.”

Ekon puffed out his chest proudly, thinking to himself, I don’t need anyone to help me. I’m strong enough to lead on my own.

As the eagles took off, Ekon immediately soared ahead, racing through the air with powerful strokes of his wings. He flew higher and faster than anyone, leaving the others far behind. But soon, he realized something. The others were not keeping up. Some of them were struggling to stay in the air, and a few had even slowed down. Ekon glanced behind and saw them struggling. He thought, Why are they so slow?

Akila, flying nearby, noticed Ekon’s actions and gently called out, “Ekon, slow down. We must work together.”

“But I’m the fastest,” Ekon replied. “I don’t need anyone to keep up with me. I can lead on my own.”

Akila smiled kindly but firmly. “A leader’s strength is not only in how fast they can fly, but in how they help others soar with them. True leadership comes from respect and care for those around you.”

Ekon was puzzled but decided to listen. He slowed his flight and waited for the others to catch up. As the group flew together, Akila showed them how to glide in perfect harmony, creating an unbreakable bond with each flap of their wings. Ekon could see how much easier it was when they worked together. Everyone was flying smoothly, with no one left behind. He even noticed that those who had been struggling were now soaring with ease, supported by the group.

When they landed on a high rock to rest, Akila turned to Ekon and said, “Now, do you understand? You may be strong on your own, but a true leader uses their strength to help others. By showing respect and supporting those around you, you bring out the best in everyone.”

Ekon looked down at his feet, feeling a little embarrassed but also proud. He had learned something valuable. It’s not enough to be fast or strong. A true leader respects others and helps them rise to their full potential.

From that day on, Ekon made it his mission to be a leader who flew alongside others, encouraging and supporting them, just as Akila had taught him. He soon became known not just for his strength, but for his wisdom and respect for the other eagles.

Moral:

A true leader shows respect to others, helping them soar just as high.

Parenting Tip: Teach your child the value of teamwork and respect by emphasizing how supporting others strengthens the group. Use Ekon’s story to explain that being a good leader means helping others grow, not just being the best on their own. Encourage discussions about situations where they can practice teamwork and respect in their daily lives.

Additional Lessons:

Leadership: The story highlights how true leadership is about helping and uplifting others rather than focusing solely on personal achievements.

Fun Questions For Curious Kids:

Why did Ekon think he could lead alone at first?
How did Akila teach Ekon the importance of working together?
What does it mean to respect others in a team?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or sibling with something? How did it feel?
Why is it important to wait for and help those who are struggling?
If you were Ekon, what would you say to encourage the other eagles?
How can we show respect to friends or classmates who might need help?
Why do you think Akila wanted the young eagles to fly as a team?
What do you think makes someone a good leader?
How would you feel if someone helped you when you were struggling with something?

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Eagles

Eagles can fly at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (161 km/h) during a dive! However, they often soar slower in groups to stay connected.
Bald eagles mate for life and often share the responsibility of building their nests and raising their young, showing great teamwork.
Eagles have incredible vision, allowing them to spot prey from up to two miles away! This makes them excellent hunters and leaders of their territory.
The term “eagle eye” comes from their ability to focus on tiny details from far distances.
Some species of eagles work together to hunt, especially when prey is large or challenging to catch.
Eagles can live up to 30 years in the wild, and older eagles often teach younger ones important survival skills.
Eagles symbolize leadership, strength, and freedom in many cultures worldwide.
Golden eagles are known for their teamwork in hunting and their ability to communicate during group flights.
Eagles’ wings are designed for soaring, allowing them to conserve energy by riding air currents instead of constantly flapping.
A group of eagles is called a “convocation,” highlighting the idea of them coming together.

Download Free Coloring Pages Related To This Story

Bring the story to life with coloring pages designed to spark creativity and make story time even more fun. Coloring helps kids express their creativity, improve focus, and reinforce the story’s themes in a fun, engaging way. After reading together, let them bring the story to life with colors!

Click on any of the free coloring pages below to download or print it!