McGuffey 2nd Reader Unit 8: Humble and Steadfast
The Oak Tree
by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr
by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr
A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree's leaves away Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark Until the oak was tired and stark. But still the oak tree held its ground While other trees fell all around The weary wind gave up and spoke. How can you still be standing Oak? The oak tree said, I know that you Can break each branch of mine in two Carry every leaf away Shake my limbs, and make me sway . |
But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since my birth You'll never touch them, for you see They are the deepest part of me. Until today, I wasn't sure Of just how much I could endure But now I've found, with thanks to you I'm stronger than I ever knew. |
These lessons provide an opportunity for silent reading and pondering before students participate in an oral reading and group discussion. Students should be encouraged to ponder on the metaphors used in these selections as they prepare to discuss these ideas with the group.
After completing the activities for Lessons 25-27, complete a Create and Share project: The following ideas may be considered:
- Find a poem or thought that uses a metaphor. Write this poem in your best cursive hand writing. Frame it and give it to a friend or family member.
- Write your own poem with a metaphor.
Lesson XXV: · Ask students to read the lesson silently and ponder the questions on their own in preparation for a discussion. Read the lesson out loud as a group and discuss the questions at the end.
|
Music:
|
Lesson XXVI: Ask students to read the lesson silently and ponder the questions on their own in preparation for a discussion. Read the lesson out loud as a group and discuss the questions at the end.
|
Music:
Worksheets:
|
Lesson XXVII: Reading: Before reading Lesson XXVII, discuss the meaning of the following words: haughty—arrogantly superior and disdainful; perches—a thing on which a bird alights or roosts; plumage—the layer of feathers covering the body of a bird. Read Lesson XXVII and discuss questions at the end of the lesson.
|
Music:
Worksheets:
|