McGuffey's Third Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition · Lesson LXVI · Part 7: Honest hearts

66. The Little Loaf

Goal: Your child reads a story and explains why Gretchen received a surprise in her loaf.

⏱ About 20 minutes · 7 steps

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You'll need

  • The book, open to this lesson
  • A notebook or lined paper and a pencil

What's in the book

In a time of famine, a rich baker gives poor children a loaf each day. They grab and quarrel, all but little Gretchen, who takes the smallest loaf. Definitions at the end.

The lesson, step by step

  1. Warm up

    SayWhen treats are handed out, do you grab for the biggest one? Be honest!

  2. Words and meanings

    This lesson's definitions are printed at the end, after the reading. Read a few of them together before you start:

    Famine, a general scarcity of food.

    Remained, staid.

    Ill-behaved, rude, having bad manners.

    Peaceable, quiet, gentle.

    Then find each word in the lesson.

    SayCan you use one of these words in a sentence of your own?

  3. Read it aloud

    Your child reads. Read the rich man's words at the end slowly; they are the lesson.

    Here is a line from it:

    But Gretchen, a poorly-dressed little girl, did not quarrel or struggle with the rest,

    Then let your child reread a favorite part, more smoothly.

  4. Talk about it

    SayHow did the other children behave when the basket came?

    SayWhat did Gretchen do?

    SayWhat fell out of her loaf, and what did her mother tell her to do?

    Then talk about the lesson of the reading:

    "Always be as contented, peaceable, and grateful as you now are."

    Let your child look back at the page to find answers.

  5. Tell it back or write it

    Close the book.

    SayTell me the story of Gretchen and the little loaf.

    An older child can write two or three sentences instead.

  6. Dictation

    Show your child this sentence. Let them study it for a minute: the capitals, the commas, any hard words.

    She took the smallest loaf, which alone was left in the basket, kissed the gentleman's hand, and went home.

    Then close the book and read it aloud slowly while your child writes it. Open the book and check together.

  7. Spelling

    Say each word, use it in a sentence, and have your child spell it aloud, then write it: famine, loaf, distance, message, accident.

    Check together and fix any mistakes right away. Keep missed words for tomorrow's warm-up.

Afterwards

Reread the lesson aloud tomorrow before starting the next one, and review any missed spelling words.

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