Dragoon!

Synopsis: The story begins with Explorer Ned on the island of Flagoon looking for dinosaur eggs. He finds a large egg being protected by a pesky monkey. The monkey leaves and the egg hatches revealing a baby dragon. Explorer Ned realizing that the baby dragon is abandoned, decides to adopt him. Upon learning of Dragoon's ability to breathe fire, Uncle Ned states that he'll have to train Dragoon to be "a civilized dragon" He names him Dragoon and takes him back to America.

The next scene takes place when Dragoon is a school age child. We see several domestic scenes: Dragoon exercising with his adoptive father, mealtime, doing chores, bedtime, and storytime.

The next day is Dragoon's first day of school. Dragoon leaves his house with an admonition from his father,"Don't breathe fire to impress the other kids!". Dragoon meets the school troublemaker, Jeremy Price. Jeremy taunts Dragoon and provokes him to set his books on fire to prove that he's a dragon. They both get sent to the principal's office. Ms. Periwinkle, the principal, hears both of their stories. Jeremy lies and blames it all on Dragoon. Dragoon takes all the blame himself. Ms. Periwinkle helps Dragoon to deal with making mistakes. She talks to Jeremy, telling him that Dragoon bravely took the blame while he, Jeremy, lied. Jeremy apologizes to Dragoon. Dragoon forgives him and they both leave to clean up the mess, resolving to be friends and help each other.

Lessons
Self-control and Personal Responsibility
Much emphasis has been made in recent years on self-esteem. Positive self-affirmations have their place, but sadly self control and personal responsibility have not been stressed. This story deals with self control and personal responsibility. To live in society Dragoon, the protagonist, must learn to curb his dragonish ability to breathe fire. Jeremy Price, the antagonist, embodies "dragonish" tendencies but without the fire breathing ability. In this story we see:

Training- Dragoon learns self discipline through proper parental training.
Self-control- Dragoon tries his best to resist Jeremies taunts, but fails.
Personal responsibility- Dragoon takes responsibility for his actions, even though Jeremy shares the blame.

Conflict Resolution
The story of Dragoon gives students tools to help them with conflict resolution. Problems between students are rarely black and white, there are usually complications. This story demonstrates how not to act (Jeremy) and how to act (Dragoon). Everyone is the target of ridicule and injustice at times. How we respond is what makes the difference.

Discussions
Teachers can use the object lessons provided in the story to promote class discussion of different topics.

1/When the baby Dragoon breathes fire, Explorer Ned says that if he adopts Dragoon he'll have to teach him to be a civilized dragon. What does he mean? How do we need to control ourselves?

2/Dragoon is taught to exercise and eat good food. Explorer Ned says "A strong mind lives in a strong body". What does he mean?

3/Jeremy Price provokes Dragoon to set his books on fire. What should Dragoon have done? What should you do when someone provokes you?

4/Jeremy Price lied to the principal to try to get out of trouble. Is this the right thing to do? What should he have done?

5/Dragoon didn't tattle on Jeremy. Why not?

6/ Ms. Periwinkle told Dragoon that as a girl she learned: it's not how you look or what you say, but what you do that matters. What did she mean?

Type of puppets: Hand and rod puppets, 18"-24" tall.
Set up: 6’x4.5'x6'h. One outlet- 15 amp (I carry portable power for outdoor shows). Complete with lights and sound system. One performer. (Natural light or darkened auditorium. Outside performance ok if protected from strong wind).
Audience: Up to 400, Suitable for family entertainment, schools, preschools, libraries. English with the classical music of Alexander Glazonov.

Learning value for students: