LITERATURE IN GRAMMAR GRADES 33 



The following methods and experiences are taken from 

 the work of a sixth grade teacher : * 



Some of the aims in literature for this grade are, to give 



the children a genuine appreciation of a few of Whittier's 



beautiful and uplifting thoughts ; to cultivate 



the ability to read intelligently aloud and 



silently; to train a readiness in expression, both oral and 



written. 



In " Snow-Bound " and " Among the Hills " the pupils 

 are prepared by a discussion of the geographical setting of 



the poem for the climatic conditions and the 

 Treatment 



occupations that will be referred to in the 

 reading. The pupils then listen appreciatively to the reading 

 of " Snow-Bound " by the teacher. These discussions and 

 readings may take three days, but after them the children 

 are ready and eager to begin their own work with the poem. 



After a general but complete thought of the poem has 

 been grasped by means of the reading by the teacher, the 

 poem is divided into three parts for ease in studying it : the 

 storm, the evening at the fireside, and the day following the 

 storm. The pupils now read, giving their own interpreta- 

 tion of difficult thoughts and phrasings. Aided by a few 

 suggestions from the teacher, they picture the Whittier home 

 on the dreary December day, the low-hanging clouds, the 

 great circle around the sun, the east wind bringing from the 

 distant shore the roar of the angry ocean, all forerunners of 

 the coming storm. We imagine the day's work, digging a 

 path to the barn and preparing for the coming night, when 

 all gather around the blazing fire to listen to songs and 

 stories. The kitchen, too, is new and strange to all the class. 



1 Miss Charlotte Treanor. 

 4 



