Penguins prove persistence pays off

Your daughter's mind is set—as head of the fourth-grade Snowflake Club, she's determined to make the “Chilly Car Wash” fund-raiser a success. After all, how much competition can there be in the winter? She and her buddies diligently clean every car—despite the nippy temperatures that make their fingers numb and their teeth chatter. In the end, their mission is accomplished.

Staying focused on your goal—no matter what obstacles arise—is the focus of the frosty film March of the Penguins, now on home video. After watching the movie, use our conversation starters below to talk about keeping your eyes on the prize. Then make our snack, “March-Mallows,” to bring the big-screen lesson to life!

Set in Antarctica , the documentary follows the difficult journey of hundreds of Emperor penguins. They must travel single-file more than 70 miles to their frozen breeding ground, far from the ocean—their food source.

After breeding, their mission becomes single-minded: to protect the eggs, and later, the hatchlings, despite treacherous winds and temperatures as low as 128 degrees below zero. Some Emperor penguins experience heartbreak at the loss of their young. Yet, all experience sacrifice—no food, no shelter, and extreme conditions—in an effort to achieve their purpose.

Talk Together

How important was it that the Emperor penguins made it to the breeding ground? What would have happened if they walked too slowly or got distracted? Take turns sharing the parts of the journey you would find the toughest if you were a penguin.

Let each other in on some of your biggest goals. Perhaps your son wants to be an astronaut, or your daughter wants to be an Olympic speed skater. Share why it's important to you to achieve that goal.

Now talk about some of the obstacles the penguins had in their journey—their body shapes made it difficult to walk, it was freezing, and they were starving. Did any of the penguins turn back because it was too difficult? Why not?

Think about your life goals and discuss some of the bumps in the road you may encounter. Perhaps your son doesn't do well at math and gets discouraged. Or maybe your daughter has trouble with crossovers on the corners of the ice rink. How can the story of these Emperor penguins help you complete your mission?

Play Together: March-mallows

Pay tribute to the Emperor penguins with these delightful snacks!

You will need:
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate frosting
• Black and other colored sprinkles
• Toothpicks
• Peppermint patties
• Black licorice
• Pink jellybeans
• Milk chocolate Swoops candies
• Table knife

Use the table knife to frost a marshmallow, leaving a V-shape for the penguin's chest. Stick a toothpick through the top of the marshmallow.

Turn another marshmallow on its side and cut the end off, so it's sticky. Dip the sticky side in black sprinkles. This will be the penguin's face. Use the toothpick to attach the two marshmallows, so the face is on top of the V-shaped chest.

Cut a peppermint patty in half. Space the halves a little bit apart. These are the feet.

Place the marshmallows on top of the feet. Dab some frosting on colored sprinkles and stick them to the face for eyes. Cut a jellybean in half and place it under the eyes, to become the beak.

Cut a Swoops in half lengthwise. Balance the halves on the sides of the marshmallow for the wings. Repeat directions to make as many penguins as desired.

Before you eat the March-Mallows, place the petite penguins in a line. Take a moment to remember the march of the real penguins. Let them inspire you to reach your goal no matter how hard the journey.

copyright © 2005 Cinematters