McGuffey's Third Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition · Lesson LI · Part 6: Courage, waves and patience
51. Spring
Goal: Your child reads a cheerful spring poem and names the signs of spring in it.
You'll need
- The book, open to this lesson
- A notebook or lined paper and a pencil
What's in the book
A poem about spring coming back: the alder and the willow, the birds, the frogs and the flowers, all made for happy children. Definitions follow on the next page.
The lesson, step by step
Warm up
SayWhat are the first signs of spring where we live?
Words and meanings
This lesson's definitions are printed after the poem, on the next page. Read a few of them together first, then find each word in the poem.
Read it aloud
Your child reads. Let the last stanza be bright and happy.
Here are two of its lines:
The alder by the river
Shakes out her powdery curls;
Then let your child reread a favorite part, more smoothly.
Talk about it
SayWhich trees and creatures does the poem name?
SayWhat do the last lines say all these things were made for?
Let your child look back at the page to find answers.
Tell it back or write it
SayTell me all the signs of spring you can remember from the poem.
An older child can write two or three sentences instead.
Copywork
Your child copies this from the book in their best handwriting:
The alder by the river
Shakes out her powdery curls;
Check capitals and marks together.
Spelling
Say each word, use it in a sentence, and have your child spell it aloud, then write it: river, willow, silver, curls.
Check together and fix any mistakes right away. Keep missed words for tomorrow's warm-up.
Afterwards
Reread the poem on the next day or two; try to say one stanza by heart.
Tip
Take this poem outside on a spring walk and look for the things it names.