Analyzing a Fable about Ants and Seasons

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Questions and Answers

Who initiated the Christmas truce in the story?

A solo British soldier

A neutral third party

The German soldiers (correct)

The British soldiers

What was unusual about the morning described in the story?

It was cold and frosty (correct)

It was dark and gloomy

It was hot and sunny

It was rainy and stormy

What is the tone of the poem at the beginning?

Vibrant

Energetic

Melancholic

Calming (correct)

What was the score of the football game between Jim Macpherson's team and Hans Wolf's team?

Two goals to one in favor of Hans Wolf's team Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Glimpses of the Past' activity in the classroom?

To help children understand historical events through pictures and text Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial response of the British soldiers to the German soldiers' calls?

They shouted back with similar greetings Signup and view all the answers

How do children initially summarize what they have read in the 'Glimpses of the Past' activity?

In small groups, they write a joint summary Signup and view all the answers

What was waved above the German soldier's head?

A bottle Signup and view all the answers

What did Hans Wolf say every soldier wants on both sides of the war?

To go home Signup and view all the answers

What was the carol sung by the German soldiers?

Silent Night Signup and view all the answers

What can be done if children are not fluent in English?

They can write their texts in their native language and the teacher can help them reformulate in English Signup and view all the answers

What did the German soldier offer to share with the British soldiers?

Food and drink Signup and view all the answers

Who can be invited to facilitate the 'Glimpses of the Past' activity?

The history teacher Signup and view all the answers

Who is referred to as 'Tommy' in the story?

A British soldier Signup and view all the answers

What did Jim Macpherson wish for Hans Wolf?

To see his family again soon Signup and view all the answers

How did Hans Wolf part ways with Jim Macpherson?

He saluted him Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of enlisting the help of the art teacher?

To support children in creating matchstick figures for their comics Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's initial reaction to the German soldiers' approach?

He was suspicious and cautious Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall atmosphere of the scene described in the story?

Peaceful and joyful Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the 'Glimpses of the Past' activity?

Children create a coherent story from their texts Signup and view all the answers

What did Jim Macpherson hope to do by the next Christmas?

To be with Connie Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of the 'Glimpses of the Past' activity?

To understand historical events through pictures and text Signup and view all the answers

What was the occasion on which Jim Macpherson and Hans Wolf met?

Christmas Day Signup and view all the answers

What had run out by the time the game was finished?

Schnapps and rum and sausage Signup and view all the answers

What did the ants do to prepare for winter?

They carefully stored food in the underground chambers of their home Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'People who play and sing all summer should only dance in winter' suggest?

That one should prepare for winter Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of the story of Meghna and Almas?

The importance of courage and compassion in the face of disaster Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the activity 'Working with Language'?

Improving children's writing skills, including punctuation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the text about the tsunami?

The devastating effects of natural disasters and the importance of courage and resilience Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the activity 'Rhyming Words'?

To help children develop their language skills through rhyming Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the story of Meghna and Almas?

One of deep sorrow and resilience Signup and view all the answers

What is the value emphasized in the story of the tsunami?

The value of courage and compassion in the face of disaster Signup and view all the answers

What was the decoration in the hallway?

Paper chains Signup and view all the answers

What did the matron offer the visitor?

A mince pie Signup and view all the answers

Why did the matron say Mrs. Macpherson was not with the others?

Because she was rather confused Signup and view all the answers

What was Mrs. Macpherson doing when the visitor first saw her?

Gazing out at the garden Signup and view all the answers

What did the visitor give to Mrs. Macpherson?

A tin box with a letter Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Mrs. Macpherson's face when she saw the letter?

It became suffused with a sudden glow of happiness Signup and view all the answers

What did Mrs. Macpherson do with the letter after receiving it?

She stroked it tenderly with her fingertips Signup and view all the answers

What did the visitor think Mrs. Macpherson was not doing when they were talking?

Listening to the visitor Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Poem Analysis

The poem is about ants preparing for winter by storing food and other creatures who are not prepared.
The ant has plenty to eat during winter, implying preparation is key to survival.
The poem also mentions people who play and sing all summer should only dance in winter, suggesting that one should enjoy the fruits of their labor during the harsh winter.

Language Activity

The activity involves asking children to write a word and two new words that rhyme with it.
Examples include "sing" with rhyming words, "crumb" with rhyming words, "through" with rhyming words, and "wished" with rhyming words.

The Tsunami

A tsunami is a natural calamity that causes huge destruction and loss of life and property.
The story of the tsunami includes reassuring details of courage, survival, and resilience.
The focus is on situations where children realize the importance of doing whatever possible to save human and animal life, participate in relief work, and understand disaster management.

Poetry

The poem evokes images of a city hushed with snow, creating a feeling of calmness and quietness.
The poem reminds one of cities in India with snowfall.
The words "the silence of the city" evoke images, but other words/phrases in the poem evoke different images.

Glimpses of the Past

The activity involves children understanding glimpses of history through pictures with strips of text for support.
Children read the comic strip aloud, then break into small groups to discuss what they've read and write a summary.
The whole class then enters into a general discussion, and a consolidated draft of the composition is prepared with the active support of the teacher.

The Story of Christmas Truce

The story is about a Christmas truce during World War I between British and German soldiers.
The soldiers started by waving a white flag and calling out to each other, eventually meeting in no man's land.
They exchanged gifts, sang carols, and played a game of soccer together.
The story highlights the human desire for peace and goodwill, even in the midst of war.

Letter Writing

The story is about a boy who visits an old lady, Mrs. Macpherson, in a nursing home on Christmas.
The boy brings her a Christmas present, a letter written by her husband, Jim Macpherson, during World War I.
The letter is a precious treasure to Mrs. Macpherson, and it brings her joy and happiness.

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Description

Identify adjectives and phrases related to seasons in a short narrative about ants preparing for winter.