McGuffey's Sixth Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition · Lesson VIII · Part 2: Lessons I-XII: Storms, dawns and old tales
14. The Brave Old Oak (Henry Fothergill Chorley)
Goal: Your student reads a song-like poem with spirit and explains how the oak is made into a hero.
You'll need
- The book, or the scan beside this guide
- A notebook and pen
- A dictionary
What's in the book
A short poem in praise of an old oak, ruler of the greenwood, strong in storms. An author note comes first.
The lesson, step by step
Words and meanings
Before reading, find these words in the selection and look up any your student does not know: greenwood, renown. Talk about what it means to personify something (speak of it as a person).
About the author
The book says Henry Fothergill Chorley (1808-1872) was known mainly as a music critic and author, worked thirty-eight years for the London Athenaeum, and wrote mostly novels.
Read it aloud
The poem opens:
A song to the oak, the brave old oak,
Who hath ruled in the greenwood long;
Your student reads the whole poem aloud with a strong, steady beat, as if it were sung.
Talk about it
SayThe oak is spoken of as a king. Find the words that make it seem like a person or a ruler.
SayHow does the oak behave in the storm?
SayWhy might people admire an old tree so much?
Tell it back
Your student tells in a few sentences what the poem says about the oak.
Copywork and memory
Copy the first two lines of the poem.
Write (optional)
Write four lines praising something old and strong (a tree, a building, a grandparent).