I.
Preparation.
This story tells of the death of the cock on the nut mountain, of the sorrow of the hen, and of all the animals; about the funeral, and at last about the death of the hen.
How do you suppose the cock met his death on the nut mountain?
Narration.
Another time the cock and the hen went to the nut mountain. It was a fine day and they were in the best of spirits. “Let us make a promise,” said the cock, “that the first one that finds a nut will share it with the other.” “I agree to that,” said the hen.
The cock was the first to find a nut. It was a fine, large one. He did not say anything about it, for he wanted it all himself. The kernel, however, was so large that it stuck inhis throat. He tried every way to get it out, but there it stuck. He at last cried to the hen, “Dear hen, run quick and fetch me some water or I shall choke to death.” The hen ran as fast as she could to the brook. But before she could get back the cock had choked to death.
Suggestions.
Tell about the conduct of the cock. Who acted like the cock in the stories we have had? Who shared food with others? The cock’s punishment.
Tell about the conduct of the cock. Who acted like the cock in the stories we have had? Who shared food with others? The cock’s punishment.
II.
Preparation.
The animals were all sorry for the hen and came to help her at the funeral.
Narration.
When the hen returned and found her mate dead, she was very sorry, and she began to cry in a loud voice. While she was crying there came six little mice, running up to see what was the matter. They felt sorry for the poor hen and said, “Poor hen, we will help you.” Then they made a little wagonand placed the dead cock in it. When this was done, they harnessed themselves to the wagon. Then they said, “We will draw the cock to his grave.” The hen walked behind, weeping, and they all set out to bury the cock.
On the way they met a fox. The fox said, “What is the matter, hen?” “Oh!” said the hen, “the cock is dead and we are going to bury him.” “I am sorry,” said the fox. “May I go to the funeral?” As they went along they met a wolf, a bear, a hare, a lion, and many other animals. They were all sorry and asked to be allowed to go to the funeral.
Suggestions.
The animals mentioned; the largest; the smallest; the strongest; their homes; their food, etc. Different kinds of wagons.The conduct of the animals. Who was helpful in “Stardollars”? In “Seven Little Goats”? In “Red Riding Hood”? Do you think of any others that were helpful?
The animals mentioned; the largest; the smallest; the strongest; their homes; their food, etc. Different kinds of wagons.
The conduct of the animals. Who was helpful in “Stardollars”? In “Seven Little Goats”? In “Red Riding Hood”? Do you think of any others that were helpful?
III.
Preparation.
The story tells us of the trouble the hen and the other animals had in crossing a river. Have children suggest ways of crossing the river.
Narration.
The six little mice went on with the wagon. The hen and her friends walked behind. They passed through a forest andacross a meadow, and finally came to a river. There was no bridge over this river; but as the procession came to the river bank a straw, which lay there, wanted to be helpful and said, “I will be your bridge.” Then he laid himself across the water.
The little mice tried first to cross. They stepped upon the straw bridge and snap! it broke. All the mice fell into the water and were drowned. A coal then happened to come along. He said, “I am big enough; I will lay myself over the water.” He had hardly touched the water when he sank to the bottom.
The poor hen was very much frightened and did not know what to do. Just then a long stone, that lay near and had seen all that had happened, laid himself over the river. The hen took the wagon herself and drew it over safe to the other side.
All the animals tried to go over, but there were so many of them that the stone broke and they fell into the river and were drowned. Then the hen was alone again. She dug a grave, laid the cock in it, and made a little mound over it. When she had done this, the hen sat upon the grave and grieved over the death of the cock till she, too, died.
Suggestions.
In which stories have you heard of a forest? Of meadows? Of brooks? Of rivers?Explainbridges,materials of, etc.
In which stories have you heard of a forest? Of meadows? Of brooks? Of rivers?
Explainbridges,materials of, etc.