This lesson introduces students to families of the undersea world and gently reminds children that families come in all sizes and types. Also explored are manners, kindness, and following rules. By identifying with characters in the story, children are often able to more clearly see how others feel in different situations.

"Setting the Stage" - Do you have rules at home? Are rules important? Have you ever been lost?

"Zuma and His Family"
This story introduces the students to a dolphin named Zuma. Like many children, Zuma is curious about the world outside of his family's boundaries. During his exploration, he gets a 'funny feeling in his stomach', which refers to his intuition or rules remembered. This is an opportunity to guide the students in discussion about knowing what rules are, and how they are often disregarded or 'forgotten'. Encourage the students to verbalize their ideas of why rules are made in their school or homes.
Hands-on activity - As the story moves along, Zuma realizes an image he is curious about is a fishing net. Using paper folded multiple times, students can cut out notches and/or triangles which, when unfolded, will create a simple net. Fold the paper zigzag-fashion as if making a handheld fan. Cut triangle notches along each side. When unfolded, it will be a net, similar to the old-fashioned snowflake cutouts. The older students may want to help the younger ones with this project. If cutting is impractical, ask the students to draw nets on paper and explain why Zuma's family made a rule to stay away.

"Zuma and the Starfish Family" & "Zuma Finds His Family"
As Zuma continues to explore, he quickly becomes lost. He remembers a family rule about who to turn to in order to be safe. This is an opportunity to talk about what to do when becoming lost. This is a good lesson to review prior to class time and discuss with parents or other teachers about school and family policies. The starfish family represents a known safety. Zuma also remembers that he should stay in one place if he gets lost, instead of wandering farther away. (This will be discussed again when Bobby gets lost on the beach.)

"Zuma and the Maze"
Touch-screen game - Students guide Zuma home through a simple maze, encountering many of the story's obstacles. This simple maze exercises the students eye/hand coordination, as well as his decision-making skills. If Zuma touches the net, sharks, or seamonster, he will return to the beginning and player must start again. The goal is to get Zuma safely home. A reset button allows the game to be played again. To advance, use the fast-forward button on the toolbar.

"Families, Rules and Lessons"
Safely home, Zuma remembers the rules his family established for his safety. This is an opportunity to talk about family and/or school rules and why they are made.

"Bobby Gets Lost"
This is a simple scenario to review and reinforce lessons in the Zuma story. Bobby is a child at the beach. He becomes separated from his family.
Touch-screen activity- Students must decide, by choosing the images on the Learning Station, what Bobby should or should not do in each situation. Encourage the students to listen to the dialog and come to a decision after careful thought.
Hands-on activity - Because the subject is sometimes a little scary, especially for younger students, a fun creative activity is provided. Students can color Zuma and his friends. If shoeboxes and string are available, a diorama can be created. Glue or tape the cutout images to the back of the box. Tie a string to Zuma and suspend him from the top of the scene so he can 'swim'. Glue green tissue paper for seaweed and sand or shells for the ocean floor. If boxes are impractical or unavailable, students can create cut and paste pictures. The paper nets can also be added.
If time permits, encourage the students to tell the story of Zuma with their ocean scenes.

"Zuma and the Party"
This story discusses manners and bullies at a party Zuma and his friends are having. The story also presents different family structures. As there are many ways to define 'family', different combinations are presented by way of ocean creature party attendees. What does your family look like? Seasnake is the bully of the story. Encourage the students to listen to the dialog, as a compassionate solution towards a bully is presented. The bully in the story is not really a bad character; he just feels no one likes him. Talk about alternative ways he could behave.

"Seasnake's Bad Manners"
Touch-screen - Questions are presented to the students on the Learning Station as a review of the manners discussed in the story.
Videotaping activity - After this review, pictures are presented for students to role-play with a partner. First, how did Seasnake act as he arrived at the party? (opportunity to role-play a silly role). Then, how would he have acted with manners? (role-play the more desired behavior). Students always have fun role-playing negative behavior.
Hands-on activity - Using the pattern provided, students can make their own party hats to take home. This can be done to occupy students while others are being videotaped.

Before Students Go Home - Review
Why are rules made at school or at home?
What kinds of rules are made to help keep you safe?
How would you handle a bully?
Talk about 'please', 'thank you', 'excuse me'.

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
Paper and scissors to fold and cut to make nets OR markers to draw nets
Cutouts (on disk) of Zuma and friends
Boxes and string to make ocean diorama scene OR paper to create pictures
Green tissue paper to create seaweed, sand and shells for bottom of box (optional)
Paper to create party hats - pattern provided on disk
Videotape