The Fish or the Turtle

Wade's class gets some money for a class pet. The teacher says, "We can buy one pet. It can be a fish or a small turtle."

The class makes small groups. Each group makes a list. Wade wants the turtle. His group writes on the board.

"A turtle lives a long time," says Wade. "It is fun to watch." His friend adds, "A turtle can wait for food. A fish needs food every day."

"That helps on holidays," says Wade. "Nobody comes to school then."

Another group stands up. "A fish costs less money," a girl says. "We can buy a bigger tank. And it is easy to clean."

Wade looks at the list. The fish has good reasons too. But he still wants the turtle.

Now the class votes. Everyone puts up a hand. The teacher counts. "Twelve for the fish. Nine for the turtle," she says.

The fish wins. Wade is a little sad. He looks at his friends, and they look sad too.

Then Wade stands up. "The fish is a good pet," he says. "I can feed it on Monday. And I can take it home on holidays."

The teacher smiles. "Thank you, Wade. You are the first helper."