LITERATURE IN PRIMARY GRADES 1 5 



given in oral reproductions. To the writers, however, it 

 probably seems like a totally new presentation of the story ; 

 and so it should, for to many of them it will be the first com- 

 plete reproduction. Care must be taken not to tire the little 

 writers. If at the end of a half hour the papers are not 

 finished, they should be taken up, and the completion of the 

 story left for the next day or for several successive days. 

 The writing must not become burdensome; it should be a 

 pleasure. 



To find material for the stories is not so difficult as is 

 often imagined. Children like life and action, and delight 

 in many a story that has been considered adapted only to 

 older pupils. Good, interesting writers in both history and 

 literature furnish abundant material ; still more can be found 

 in periodicals. Children often need more solid intellectual 

 food than is given in many school courses, and they thrive 

 wonderfully upon it. 



The following is an original reproduction by a second 

 grade child, written independently after the oral class repro- 

 ductions. The periods and capitals are well placed. Note 

 how the story interest carries the continuity of thought. 



HORATIUS. 



Rome was built on seven hills. 

 Rome had a large wall around it. 

 Rome had four gates in the wall. 



And Rome had a large river and the name of the river was 

 the Tiber river. 



And the Romans called it the Father Tiber river. 



Horatius was the gate keeper. 



A man came to Rome and wanted to be a council men and 



