Lesson plan - Class 9- Unit 7- poem - stick together family

  STICK-TOGETHER FAMILIES

Subject: English Literature
Class: 9th Grade
Duration: 45 minutes
Topic: Poetry - "The Stick-together Families" by Edgar Albert Guest (Unit 7, Term III)

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1. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, the teacher aims to help students:

• Understand the central theme of family unity and its importance for happiness
• Analyze the poem's structure, rhyme scheme (AABBCC pattern), and use of repetition
• Recognize Edgar Guest's message about the value of family over external pleasures
• Develop reading comprehension through lyrical and philosophical poetry
• Build vocabulary related to family, emotions, and social relationships
• Appreciate how poetry conveys moral and social values
• Compare and contrast "stick-together families" with those who drift apart
• Understand the metaphor of "fireside" as symbol of home and family warmth

2. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be able to:

• Spend quality time with family members regularly
• Value family bonds over constant pursuit of pleasure with strangers
• Participate actively in family gatherings and traditions
• Support siblings and relatives during good times and difficulties
• Appreciate home as the primary source of happiness and contentment
• Balance friendships with family commitments appropriately
• Build strong family relationships through shared experiences and communication
• Recognize that true joy comes from close relationships, not material or distant pleasures

3. INTRODUCTION (5 minutes)

Engaging Questions:

1. "What activities does your family do together? Do you eat meals together, play games, celebrate festivals?"
2. "Do you prefer spending all your time with friends outside or also enjoy time with family at home? Why?"
3. "What does the phrase 'stick together' mean to you? How do families stick together?"
4. "Can you share a time when your family supported you during a difficult situation?"
5. "What makes you happiest when you're at home with your family?"

4. READING AND UNDERSTANDING (8 minutes)

New Vocabulary with Meanings:

Word	Meaning	Example Usage
Stick-together	Staying united and loyal to each other	Stick-together families are happier by far
Separate highways	Different paths; going separate ways	Brothers and sisters who take separate highways
Gladdest	Happiest; most joyful	The gladdest people living
Wholesome	Healthy, good, and morally sound	The wholesome folks who make a circle
Fireside	Area around a fireplace; represents home	A circle at the fireside
Conventions	Large formal meetings of people	The finest conventions ever held
Shatter	To break suddenly into very small pieces	Quick to shatter all the little family ties
Harvest	To gather or receive as a result	It's bitterness they harvest
Fancy	To imagine or believe	Some who seem to fancy
Roam	To wander without a fixed purpose	For gladness they must roam
Astray	Away from the correct path	They travel far astray
Striving	Making great efforts to achieve something	Waste their lives in striving
Mirth	Laughter, humor, or happiness	That finds the finest mirth
Comrade	Friend or companion	Be comrade with your kin
Kin	Family members; relatives	Come back unto your kin
Contentment	State of peaceful happiness	If contentment you would win

5. MIND MAP

          Click the map to view

6. CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION (8 minutes)

Summary of the Lesson:

"The Stick-together Families" by Edgar Albert Guest is a deeply moving poem that celebrates family unity as the true source of happiness and fulfillment in life. Written by the "People's Poet," this work uses simple language and clear imagery to convey a powerful message about the importance of maintaining strong family bonds in a world that often pulls people apart.

Stanza 1 - The Happy Families:

The poem opens with a direct statement of its central thesis: "The stick-together families are happier by far / Than the brothers and the sisters who take separate highways are." Guest immediately establishes a contrast between families that remain united and those whose members drift apart, taking "separate highways" in life.

He describes the happiest people as "the wholesome folks who make / A circle at the fireside that no power but death can break." The image of a "circle at the fireside" is powerful and multi-layered:

• Circle represents unity, equality, and inclusion—everyone has a place
• Fireside symbolizes home warmth, comfort, and gathering place
• No power but death can break emphasizes the strength and permanence of these bonds

The stanza concludes with a beautiful paradox: "the finest of conventions ever held beneath the sun / Are the little family gatherings when the busy day is done." By calling simple daily family gatherings "the finest conventions," Guest elevates ordinary family time to something more valuable than any grand formal meeting.

Stanza 2 - The Broken Families:

The second stanza introduces those who make the mistake of valuing individual pleasure over family unity. Guest notes that both "rich folk" and "poor folk"—people of all economic backgrounds—can fall into this trap. They "imagine they are wise" in pursuing their own paths, but they're actually foolish.

These individuals are "very quick to shatter all the little family ties." The word "shatter" is particularly harsh—suggesting violent, irreparable breaking of something delicate and valuable. Each person "goes searching after pleasure in his own selected way," preferring to "wander" and "play" with "strangers" rather than family.

The consequence is clear and bitter: "it's bitterness they harvest, and it's empty joy they find." The metaphor of "harvesting bitterness" suggests that what we plant (isolation, self-centeredness) is what we ultimately reap. The "joy" they find with strangers is "empty"—superficial, unsatisfying, lacking the depth of familial love.

The stanza concludes with wisdom: "the children that are wisest are the stick-together kind."

Stanza 3 - The Wanderers:

The third stanza continues examining those who seek happiness away from home. Some people "fancy that for gladness they must roam, / That for smiles that are the brightest they must wander far from home." They believe happiness requires distance from family, that "the strange friend is the true friend."

Guest diagnoses this as traveling "far astray"—departing from the right path. These people "waste their lives in striving for a joy that's far away," pursuing an illusion. The happiness they seek is actually close at hand—at home—but they can't see it.

In contrast, "the gladdest sort of people, when the busy day is done, / Are the brothers and the sisters who together share their fun."

Stanza 4 - The Call Home:

The final stanza brings together all the poem's themes in a powerful conclusion. "It's the stick-together family that wins the joys of earth, / That hears the sweetest music and that finds the finest mirth." The sensory imagery—"sweetest music," "finest mirth"—suggests that family life engages all our senses and emotions in the most fulfilling way.

"It's the old home roof that shelters all the charm that life can give"—home is not just physical shelter but emotional and spiritual shelter. There you find "the gladdest play-ground" and "the happiest spot to live."

The poem ends with a direct appeal: "And, O weary, wandering brother, if contentment you would win, / Come you back unto the fireside and be comrade with your kin." Guest addresses those who have strayed, offering them a path back. The tone is compassionate, not judgmental.

Key Themes:

• Family unity as source of true happiness
• Home as emotional and spiritual shelter
• Shared experiences vs. individual pleasure-seeking
• The emptiness of pursuing distant joys
• The wisdom of maintaining family bonds

7. REINFORCEMENT (5 minutes)

Additional Information:

• Edgar Albert Guest (1881-1959): British-born American poet who became the "People's Poet" by writing about ordinary life, family values, and everyday experiences in accessible language. He wrote over 11,000 poems celebrating family and home life.

• Historical Context: Written in the early 20th century when industrialization and urbanization were pulling families apart as people moved to cities for work.

• "Fireside" Symbolism: Before modern entertainment, families literally gathered around the fireplace for warmth, light, conversation, and togetherness.

• Rhyme Scheme: AABBCC (couplets) creates a gentle, song-like quality that makes the poem memorable.

• Universal Appeal: Though rooted in Western family structure, the values resonate across cultures, including Indian joint family traditions.

• Modern Research: Contemporary psychology confirms Guest's intuition—studies show regular family meals, shared activities, and strong family bonds predict better mental health and life satisfaction.

• Balance, Not Isolation: The poem doesn't advocate never leaving home, but rather warns against valuing external relationships over family bonds.

• Indian Context: Aligns well with Indian cultural emphasis on joint families, respect for elders, family festivals, and maintaining strong extended family bonds.

8. EVALUATION

a) Lower Order Thinking Question (Knowledge/Comprehension)

Question: "According to the poem, what characteristics define 'stick-together families,' and what happens to families who 'shatter all the little family ties'? List at least three outcomes for each type of family."

Expected Answer:

Stick-together families:

1. Make "a circle at the fireside that no power but death can break"
2. Hold "little family gatherings when the busy day is done"
3. "Together share their fun" as brothers and sisters
4. Hear "the sweetest music" and find "the finest mirth"
5. Win "the joys of earth"
6. Find the "happiest spot to live" at home
7. Experience true contentment and gladness

Families who shatter ties:

1. Take "separate highways"—go their own ways
2. Search for pleasure "in his own selected way"
3. Wander and play "with strangers"
4. "Harvest bitterness" as a result
5. Find only "empty joy"
6. "Waste their lives in striving for a joy that's far away"
7. Travel "far astray" from the right path
8. Remain "weary" and "wandering" without contentment

b) Middle Order Thinking Question (Application/Analysis)

Question: "Analyze the line 'It's the old home roof that shelters all the charm that life can give.' What does Guest mean? How can students today apply this wisdom to balance time between family, friends, school activities, and technology?"

Expected Answer:

What Guest means: The "old home roof" represents home and family as more than just physical shelter. It "shelters" (protects, preserves, provides) "all the charm that life can give"—meaning the deepest pleasures and joys come from family relationships, not distant pursuits.

Application to modern student life:

Daily Family Time:

• Instead of eating meals separately while watching phones/TV
• Do this: Have at least one meal daily together without devices, sharing about the day

Quality Over Quantity:

• Instead of spending hours online chatting with strangers
• Do this: Limit social media, prioritize face-to-face family time

Share Activities:

• Instead of everyone doing separate activities in separate rooms
• Do this: Plan weekly family game night, movie night, or activity everyone enjoys

Balance Friends and Family:

• Instead of always choosing friends over family
• Do this: Some weekends with family, some with friends

Be Present:

• Instead of physically at home but mentally elsewhere (on phone)
• Do this: When home, actually engage—talk, listen, help, play

c) Higher Order Thinking Question (Synthesis/Evaluation)

Question: "Evaluate Guest's claim that 'stick-together families' are happier than those who pursue individual pleasures. Is this always true? Create a 'Family Unity Charter' for your own family that balances Guest's wisdom with modern realities."

Expected Answer:

Evaluation: Guest's claim has merit—research confirms family connection predicts wellbeing more than material pleasures. However, healthy families also allow individual growth. The key is balance.

9. REMEDIAL TEACHING

Strategy for Slow Learners:

1. Simple Core Message: "FAMILIES WHO STAY TOGETHER ARE HAPPIER"

   • Stick together = stay united, spend time together
   • Happier = more joy, less sadness

2. Two-Column Comparison:

   STICK-TOGETHER    | BROKEN-APART
   Happy ☺           | Sad ☹
   Together          | Separate
   Share fun         | Alone
   At home           | Wandering
   Sweet music       | Bitterness
   Real joy          | Empty joy
   Content           | Always searching
   

3. Picture Story:

   • Picture 1: Family eating dinner together, smiling
   • Picture 2: Family playing games together, laughing
   • Picture 3: Person alone with strangers, looks unhappy
   • Picture 4: Person coming back home to family, looks relieved

4. Fill-in-the-Blank:

   • "The stick-together families are _______ (happier)"
   • "They make a circle at the _______ (fireside)"
   • "Brothers and sisters who _______ share their fun (together)"
   • "Come back to your _______ (family/kin)"

5. Personal Connection:

   • "When did your family make you happy?"
   • "What do you like doing with your family?"

6. Memory Aid - "FAMILY":

   • Fun together
   • Always support each other
   • Meals shared
   • Important to stay close
   • Love each other
   • You are happiest at home

10. WRITING ACTIVITY (8 minutes)

Writing Task:

"Write either a poem OR a paragraph (150-180 words) titled 'My Stick-Together Family.' Include:

• What activities your family does together
• How your family supports each other during difficult times
• What makes you happy when you're with your family
• One family tradition you love or want to start
• Why you think Guest is right (or wrong) that families who stick together are happier
• How you plan to keep your family close as you grow older"

Guidelines:

If writing a POEM:

• Try to use rhyming words
• 3-4 stanzas of 4 lines each
• Describe your family's "fireside" moments
• Use at least 2 vocabulary words from the lesson

If writing a PARAGRAPH:

• Write in first person ("My family..." or "We...")
• Give specific examples
• Include at least 3 vocabulary words
• End with a commitment for the future

11. FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES

Homework Assignment:

1. Family Memory Interview: Interview a parent or grandparent about their favorite family memory. Write a paragraph (120-150 words) including what the memory is, who was involved, why it's special, and what you learned about family importance.

Additional Activities:

2. Family Tree Project: Create a detailed family tree with photos/drawings and brief descriptions of each person.

3. Gratitude Letters: Write a thank-you letter (100-120 words) to a family member expressing appreciation for their support.

4. Family Time Log: For one week, track time spent with family, activities done together, and feelings.

5. Recipe Collection: Collect 2-3 family recipes with stories behind them.

6. Photo Essay: Create "My Family's Happiest Moments" with photos/drawings and captions.

7. Plan a Gathering: Organize a special family activity—game night, cooking together, picnic.

8. Comparative Poetry: Compare this with Guest's "Courage" poem (if studied).

9. Modern Adaptation: Rewrite one stanza in modern language and context.

10. Family Unity Campaign: Create awareness materials for school about importance of family time.

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ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

• Comprehension of poem's message (25%)
• Understanding of family values (25%)
• Vocabulary comprehension and usage (20%)
• Personal application and reflection (20%)
• Poetic analysis skills (10%)

RESOURCES NEEDED:

• Printed copies of the poem
• Chart paper for comparison charts
• Pictures illustrating family gatherings
• Audio recording of the poem (if available)

CROSS-CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS:

• Social Studies: Family structures across cultures
• Values Education: Respect for elders, sibling relationships
• History: Evolution of family in modern society
• Art: Creating family trees, posters
• Life Skills: Communication, cooperation, time management

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Lesson Plan: Class 8 - Jack and the Beanstalk

 

Lesson Plan: Jack and the Beanstalk

Subject: English Literature
Class: 8th Grade
Duration: 45 minutes
Topic: Play - "Jack and the Beanstalk" by Steven Kellogg (Unit 8, Term III)

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1. Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the teacher aims to help students:

• Understand the classic fairy tale structure and plot development
• Analyze characters' motivations and decision-making processes
• Recognize themes of risk-taking, trust, resourcefulness, and consequences
• Develop reading comprehension through dramatic dialogue
• Build vocabulary related to adventure, danger, and emotions
• Appreciate the play format with narrator, characters, and scene divisions
• Understand cause-and-effect relationships in storytelling
• Identify moral lessons about trusting strangers and quick thinking in danger

2. Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Make thoughtful decisions by weighing risks and benefits before acting
• Think resourcefully when facing difficult or dangerous situations
• Trust their instincts while also being cautious about strangers' promises
• Act quickly and decisively in emergencies
• Take responsibility for their choices and their consequences
• Show courage when facing fears or challenges
• Problem-solve creatively using available resources
• Learn from mistakes and turn challenges into opportunities

3. Introduction (5 minutes)

Engaging Questions:

1. "Have you ever made a trade or exchange with someone? What did you trade and why?"
2. "If a stranger offered you something magical or too good to be true, would you trust them? Why or why not?"
3. "Have you ever taken a risk that turned out well? What happened?"
4. "What would you do if you discovered something amazing but also dangerous?"
5. "Do you believe in magic? If you had magic beans, what would you want them to grow into?"

4. Reading and Understanding (8 minutes)

New Vocabulary with Meanings:

Word/Phrase	Meaning	Example Usage
Cottage	A small, simple house, usually in the countryside	He lived in a small cottage with his mother
Market	A place where people buy and sell goods	I'm taking it to the market
Magic beans	Enchanted seeds with supernatural powers	I'll give you five magic beans
Foolish	Lacking good sense or judgment; silly	Oh, you foolish boy!
Useless	Not serving any purpose; worthless	These beans are useless!
Cross	Angry or annoyed	Jack's mother was very cross
Beanstalk	A tall stem of a bean plant	The magic beans grew into a huge beanstalk
Castle	A large building or group of buildings fortified against attack	He found a huge castle
Crept	Moved slowly and quietly to avoid being noticed	Jack crept inside
Giant	A creature of enormous size	It's a giant!
Fee, fi, fo, fum	Traditional rhyme chanted by giants in fairy tales	Fee, fi, fo, fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman
Grind	Crush into small particles or powder	I'll grind his bones to make my bread
Cupboard	A piece of furniture with shelves for storing things	Jack hid in a cupboard
Amazement	Great surprise or wonder	Jack watched in amazement
Golden egg	An egg made of gold	The hen laid a perfect golden egg
Squawk	Make a loud, harsh cry (as a bird does)	The hen began to squawk
Flap	Move up and down or back and forth with a beating motion	Flap its wings
Axe	A tool with a heavy blade for chopping wood	Give me an axe!
Chop down	Cut something down with an axe	I have to chop this beanstalk down
Thud	A dull, heavy sound, as of something falling	The giant fell to the ground with a thud

5. Mind Map

        JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
          by Steven Kellogg
                  |
        ┌─────────┼─────────┐
        |         |         |
    CHARACTERS SETTING   PLOT
        |         |         |
    ┌───┴───┐ ┌──┴──┐  ┌───┴───┐
    |       | |     |  |       |
  JACK   MOTHER HOME MARKET SCENE 1 SCENE 2 SCENE 3
    |       |    |     |       |       |       |
  Poor    Angry Small Castle  AT HOME  CASTLE  CASTLE
  boy     about cottage |       |       &       &
    |     beans  |    Sky    POVERTY DISCOVERY ESCAPE
  Brave     |    |      |       |       |       |
    |    Throws Throw  Giant's Jack & Jack   Jack
  Quick   beans beans  home   Mother climbs steals
  thinker away  out     |    are poor beanstalk hen
    |       |   window Huge    |       |       |
  Takes   Becomes  |    palace Jack   Finds  Giant
  risks   rich  Magic   |    sells  castle chases
    |       |   beans  Full  cow      |       |
    |     Happy grow   of      |    Giant's Giant
    |       |   over-  giant  Old man castle falls
    |       |   night  things offers   |       |
  OLD MAN   |     |      |    magic  Everything Jack
    |     GIANT Beanstalk Fee fi beans  is big  chops
  Stranger   |   reaches fo fum   |       |    down
  offers   Villain sky    |    Jack  Jack   beanstalk
  magic      |     |    Eats  trades hides    |
  beans    Greedy Jack  sheep  cow     |    Mother
    |     Scary climbs   |      |    Cupboard gets
  Trades     |     |   Has    Gets     |     axe
  for cow  Sleeps  |   magic magic  Watches  |
    |     heavily Climbs hen  beans  giant  Happy
  Promises   |     |     |      |       |    ending
  riches   Falls Castle Lays  Mother  Giant    |
    |     to    in  golden angry eats  Jack &
  Tricks death  sky eggs    |    sheep Mother
  Jack?     |     |     |   Throws    |    rich
           End  Top  Daily beans   Hen    |
              of   |   gold  out   lays  Never
           Giant Three  |      |   golden poor
              scenes Wealth Beanstalk egg  again
                      |   grows    |
                   Makes   |    Amazement
                   rich Magic  |
                      |      Jack
                   Moral wants
                   lessons hen
                      |
                ┌─────┴─────┐
                |           |
              THEMES    MORAL LESSONS
                |           |
         ┌──────┼──────┐    |
         |      |      |    |
      RISK-  RESOURCE- TRUST ┌──┴──┐
      TAKING FULNESS    VS    |     |
         |      |    CAUTION Don't Quick
      Sometimes Trust     |   trust thinking
      risks  instincts Think strangers saves
      pay off   |     before  |    lives
         |    Use what acting Think   |
      Magic  you have   |   about  Courage
      can be   |     Weigh consequences in
      real   Problem- risks    |   danger
         |   solve    |    Turn    |
      Fortune creatively Jack mistakes Be
      favors   |     trusts into  brave
      brave  Jack   stranger success   |
         |   thinks   |       |    Face
      But   quickly Mother  Learn  fears
      danger   |     doesn't from    |
      too   Cuts down trust  errors Protect
         |   beanstalk beans    |   family
      Worth   |       |    Mother   |
      it?  Escapes Mother  is right Stand
         |   giant  throws  at first up to
      Jack     |    away     |    bullies
      decides Saves beans  But Jack   |
      yes   himself   |    proves  Giant
         |      |   Seeds  wrong  represents
      Gets   Bravery grow     |   danger
      wealth pays off   |   Trust    |
         |      |   Magic your  Jack
      Happy  Takes is real instincts wins
      ending action   |       |
         |      |   Jack Validate
      Was it   |   was  your
      right? Doesn't right beliefs
         |   panic    |
      Debatable   |   Magic
         |   Stays exists
         |   calm
         |      |
         |   Uses
         |   axe
         |      |
         |   Defeats
         |   giant

6. Consolidation and Presentation (8 minutes)

Summary of the Lesson:

"Jack and the Beanstalk" by Steven Kellogg is a classic fairy tale adapted into a three-scene play that tells the story of a poor boy named Jack who trades his family's only cow for magic beans, climbs a beanstalk to a giant's castle in the sky, steals a golden-egg-laying hen, and escapes by chopping down the beanstalk, killing the giant and securing his family's fortune.

Scene 1 - The Trade at Home:

The play opens with the Narrator establishing the setting: "Once upon a time there was a boy called Jack. He lived in a small cottage with his mother. Jack and his mother were very poor. All they had was a cow."

This immediately sets up the story's central problem—poverty. Jack's mother makes a difficult decision: "Jack, we don't have any money. So, I think we have to sell the cow." Jack agrees to take the cow to market, and his mother warns him: "Be careful, Jack."

On the way to market, Jack encounters "a little old man" who asks where he's taking the cow. When Jack explains that he and his mother are poor and need money, the old man offers an unusual trade: "I would like to buy the cow from you... I don't have money. Instead, I'll give you five magic beans."

Jack is skeptical at first ("Magic beans? Mmm."), but the old man makes a tempting promise: "They will make you rich." The Narrator explains: "Jack had to think about it. He wanted to make his mother happy." This shows Jack's good intentions—he's not greedy, he wants to help his mother.

Jack makes his decision: "Okay! You can take the cow." He runs home excitedly, eager to share the good news: "Mom, Mom, Mom! Look what I have got!"

But his mother's reaction is the opposite of what Jack expected. When she asks, "Did you get a good price for the cow?" and Jack admits he got "these magic beans instead," she becomes furious: "What? Oh, you foolish boy!" Despite Jack's protests that "they will make us rich! Trust me," his mother dismisses them: "No way! These beans are useless!" In her anger, she throws the beans out the window.

This scene establishes several important character dynamics:

• Jack is well-intentioned but perhaps naive or overly trusting
• Mother is practical but quick to anger, perhaps too hasty in judging
• The old man is mysterious—is he a trickster or a genuine magical benefactor?
• The concept of "magic" creates tension between belief and skepticism

Scene 2 - Discovery on the Ground and in the Castle:

The Narrator reveals the beans' true nature: "During the night, the magic beans grew into a huge beanstalk. By morning, the beanstalk reached high into the sky." Jack's reaction shows wonder and vindication: "Wow! This beanstalk is huge!"

Jack's adventurous nature takes over. He climbs the beanstalk: "Jack climbed and climbed and when he reached the top, he found a huge castle." His amazement continues: "Oh my! There is a castle in the sky! I can't believe this." The repetition of his disbelief ("I can't believe this") makes the magical element feel more real—even Jack, who believed in the magic beans, is surprised by this outcome.

Jack enters the castle cautiously: "Jack crept inside." He whispers to himself, showing awareness of danger: "Everything is so big in here. Who lives in this big castle?"

Then comes the story's most famous and frightening moment. "Suddenly, the floor began to shake." The Giant appears with his terrifying chant:

"Fee, fi, fo, fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman... Be he alive or be he dead, I'll grind his bones to make my bread."

This rhyme is iconic in fairy tale literature. It establishes the Giant as a genuine threat—he eats people. Jack's fear is palpable: "Oh no! It's a giant! What can I do? Is there any place to hide? Oh, there is a place." His self-talk shows his thought process—he doesn't panic, he looks for solutions.

Jack hides in a cupboard and watches the Giant eat "five sheep for his meal"—emphasizing the Giant's enormous appetite and reinforcing the danger Jack is in. Then the Giant calls for "his hen" and commands: "Lay me a golden egg."

The Narrator describes Jack's reaction: "Jack watched in amazement as the hen laid a perfect golden egg." Jack immediately sees the opportunity: "It's amazing! I wish I had that hen. Then Mom and I would be rich."

This moment is crucial. Jack sees a way to solve his family's poverty problem permanently. The golden-egg-laying hen represents endless wealth—far better than any price they could have gotten for the cow at market. Jack's initial trust in the magic beans is being rewarded, but now he must take another risk to claim that reward.

Scene 3 - Escape in the Castle and Return Home:

The Narrator explains: "As soon as the giant was full, he fell fast asleep." Jack seizes his opportunity: "Now he is asleep. I will take the hen and climb back down the beanstalk." This shows planning and courage—he knows what he wants and acts on it.

But complications arise: "Jack quickly picked up the giant's hen. But the hen began to squawk and flap its wings." Jack tries to quiet it: "Shh! Be quiet! The giant might wake up!" Despite his efforts, "The giant woke up!"

The Giant's cry returns: "Fee, fi, fo, fum, I smell the blood of a human!" (Note the change from "Englishman" to "human"—he now knows someone is there.) Jack doesn't waste time: "Oh no! Time to go!" The Narrator describes the chase: "Jack ran back to the beanstalk and climbed down as fast as he could!" The Giant yells: "I'll get you!"

This is the climax—maximum tension. Will Jack escape? Will the Giant catch him?

Jack reaches safety: "Jack reached the bottom of the beanstalk." But there's no time to explain. His mother is confused: "Jack, where have you been? Why do you have a hen?" Jack's response is urgent: "Mom, hurry! Give me an axe!"

His mother complies, though bewildered: "Here you are. What are you going to do with an axe?" Jack's answer shows his quick thinking: "I have to chop this beanstalk down right now!"

The Narrator describes the decisive action: "With his axe, Jack chopped down the beanstalk." The Giant's cry—"Ahhhhh!"—and his fall—"The giant fell to the ground with a thud"—mark the story's resolution. "That was the end of him!"

Now Jack's mother is even more shocked: "Oh my! It's a giant! Jack, what is going on?" Jack finally has time to explain the whole story: "The magic beans grew into this huge beanstalk. So, I climbed to the top and found the giant's castle. I watched this hen lay a perfect golden egg."

His mother remains skeptical: "Are you telling me the truth, Jack?" But Jack is confident now: "Yes, Mom. You'll see."

The Narrator provides the happy ending: "Jack was right. The hen laid a golden egg every day and Jack and his mother were never poor again."

Key Themes and Analysis:

1. Risk-Taking vs. Caution: Jack takes multiple risks—trading the cow for beans, climbing the unknown beanstalk, entering the giant's castle, stealing the hen. Each could have ended badly, but each pays off. His mother represents caution and skepticism, which seems wise until proven wrong.

2. Trust and Deception: Should Jack have trusted the old man? The story rewards his trust, but in real life, trusting strangers who make magical promises is dangerous. The story walks a fine line between encouraging belief in magic and teaching practical wisdom.

3. Resourcefulness: Jack doesn't just stumble into success. He observes, plans, acts quickly, and solves the problem of the pursuing Giant by chopping down the beanstalk. He uses what's available (the axe) creatively.

4. Consequences of Actions: Jack's "foolish" trade leads to wealth. His mother's hasty judgment (throwing away the beans) almost costs them the magic. The Giant's greed and cruelty lead to his death. Actions have consequences, both intended and unintended.

5. Poverty and Wealth: The story begins and ends with economic status. Poverty is presented as a problem to be solved, and wealth as the happy ending. The magic hen represents a fantasy of endless wealth without work—a common fairy tale theme.

6. Bravery and Quick Thinking: Jack faces genuine danger but doesn't freeze. He hides, observes, waits for opportunity, acts decisively, and escapes through clever thinking. These are valuable life skills beyond the magical context.

Moral Ambiguity: Unlike some fairy tales with clear morals, this story is morally complex. Jack steals from the Giant. True, the Giant is dangerous and threatens to eat him, but Jack enters the Giant's home uninvited and takes his property. Is theft justified by poverty? Is it okay to steal from someone evil? The story doesn't explicitly answer these questions, leaving room for discussion.

The Play Format: The use of Narrator, character dialogue, and scene divisions makes the story accessible for performance. The Narrator provides context and transitions, while dialogue reveals character and advances plot. This format is ideal for classroom reading and performance.

7. Reinforcement (5 minutes)

Additional Information:

• Origins: "Jack and the Beanstalk" is an English fairy tale that has been told orally for centuries. The earliest printed version appeared in 1734, but the story is likely much older. It belongs to the "Jack tales" tradition, featuring a clever, resourceful boy hero.

• Steven Kellogg: An acclaimed American author and illustrator known for adapting classic tales for children. His versions are known for vibrant illustrations and accessible language while preserving the story's essential elements.

• The Giant's Chant: "Fee, fi, fo, fum" is one of the most recognizable lines in English folklore. Different versions exist, but the rhyme structure and threatening tone are consistent. It serves to make the Giant both scary and somewhat comical—a common fairy tale technique.

• Symbolism: The beanstalk represents the connection between the ordinary world (earth) and the magical realm (sky/clouds). Climbing upward often symbolizes aspiration, ambition, or seeking better circumstances. Chopping it down represents severing connection with the magical world once its benefits have been obtained.

• Magic Beans in Culture: The concept of magic beans appears in various cultures' folklore. Beans are associated with growth, fertility, and transformation because of their rapid growth pattern. The idea that something small (a bean) can become something huge (a beanstalk reaching the sky) represents potential and possibility.

• The Golden Goose/Hen Motif: The magical creature that produces endless wealth appears in many fairy tales. The most famous is "The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs" from Aesop's Fables, where greed leads to killing the goose and losing everything. Jack's story ends better—he gets to keep the hen.

• Moral Complexity: Traditional versions often added a moral framework where Jack learns the Giant stole his fortune from Jack's father, making the theft a form of justice. Kellogg's simpler version leaves this ambiguous, allowing readers to grapple with questions of right and wrong.

• The Role of Mothers in Fairy Tales: Jack's mother represents practical wisdom initially, but her hasty rejection of the beans shows the limits of conventional thinking. The story suggests that sometimes belief in possibilities (Jack's perspective) is more valuable than cynical practicality (Mother's perspective).

• Performance Opportunities: As a play, this story offers excellent opportunities for student performance, including:

  • Character voices (the Giant's deep voice, Jack's youth and excitement)
  • Sound effects (thud, squawk, chopping)
  • Simple props (beans, axe, golden egg)
  • Creative staging (suggesting climbing, the castle's size)

• Real-Life Applications: While magic doesn't exist, the story teaches:

  • Sometimes taking calculated risks leads to opportunities
  • Quick thinking and courage help in difficult situations
  • Don't always judge by appearances (beans that look useless might be valuable)
  • Problem-solving requires creativity and action
  • Observation and patience (watching the Giant) before acting

8. Evaluation

a) Lower Order Thinking Question (Knowledge/Comprehension)

Question: "Describe the sequence of events in the story. What did Jack trade the cow for, what grew overnight, what did Jack find at the top, what did he steal, and how did he defeat the Giant?"

b) Middle Order Thinking Question (Application/Analysis)

Question: "Analyze Jack's character and decision-making throughout the story. Was Jack brave or foolish? Give evidence from the play to support your answer. How can students apply Jack's problem-solving skills (both good and bad) to situations they might face in real life?"

c) Higher Order Thinking Question (Synthesis/Evaluation)

Question: "Evaluate the morality of Jack's actions in the story. Was Jack a hero or a thief? Consider different perspectives: Jack's family (who benefited), the Giant (who lost his hen and died), and society (what example does this set?). Create a 'Courtroom Debate' where you argue BOTH sides: 'Jack is Guilty of Theft and Murder' AND 'Jack is Innocent and Acted in Self-Defense.' Then give your own verdict with reasoning."

9. Remedial Teaching

Strategy for Slow Learners:

1. Simple Story Summary (Three Sentences):

   • Jack traded his cow for magic beans that grew into a huge beanstalk
   • He climbed up, found a giant's castle, and stole a hen that lays golden eggs
   • The giant chased him, but Jack chopped down the beanstalk and the giant fell and died

2. Beginning-Middle-End Chart:

   BEGINNING          | MIDDLE              | END
   Jack and Mother    | Jack climbs         | Jack chops down
   are poor           | beanstalk           | beanstalk
   ↓                  | ↓                   | ↓
   Need to sell cow   | Finds giant's       | Giant falls and
   ↓                  | castle              | dies
   Jack trades cow    | ↓                   | ↓
   for magic beans    | Steals magic hen    | Jack and Mother
   ↓                  | ↓                   | become rich
   Mother throws      | Giant chases Jack   | Happy ending
   beans away         | down beanstalk      |
   ↓                  |                     |
   Beans grow into    |                     |
   huge beanstalk     |                     |
   

3. Character Feelings:

   • Jack: Excited → Scared → Brave → Happy
   • Mother: Worried → Angry → Confused → Happy
   • Giant: Hungry → Sleeping → Angry → Dead
   • Old Man: Mysterious (we don't know his feelings)

4. Picture Sequence: Draw or show 6 pictures:

   1. Jack trading cow for beans
   2. Beanstalk growing tall
   3. Jack finding castle in clouds
   4. Giant sleeping, hen laying golden egg
   5. Jack running from giant
   6. Jack chopping beanstalk with axe

5. Simple Questions and Answers:

   • Q: Why did Jack sell the cow? A: Because he and his mother had no money
   • Q: What did he get for the cow? A: Five magic beans
   • Q: What grew from the beans? A: A huge beanstalk
   • Q: What did Jack find at the top? A: A giant's castle
   • Q: What did Jack steal? A: A hen that lays golden eggs
   • Q: How did Jack stop the giant? A: He chopped down the beanstalk

6. Key Vocabulary (Simplified):

   • Magic beans = Special beans that grow into something amazing
   • Beanstalk = A very tall plant stem
   • Giant = A very big, scary person
   • Golden egg = An egg made of gold (very valuable)
   • Fee, fi, fo, fum = The scary song the giant sings

7. Acting It Out: Assign simple roles and act out the key scenes:

   • Scene 1: Jack trades cow for beans
   • Scene 2: Mother throws beans away
   • Scene 3: Jack climbs beanstalk (pretend climbing)
   • Scene 4: Giant chases Jack (running in place)
   • Scene 5: Jack chops beanstalk (chopping motion)

8. True or False:

   • Jack traded the cow for money (FALSE—for magic beans)
   • The beans grew into a beanstalk (TRUE)
   • Jack found a castle in the sky (TRUE)
   • The giant was friendly (FALSE—he wanted to eat Jack)
   • Jack stole a hen that lays golden eggs (TRUE)
   • The giant caught Jack (FALSE—Jack escaped)

9. Good Choices vs. Bad Choices:

   GOOD CHOICES JACK MADE | BAD CHOICES JACK MADE
   Climbed to explore     | Trusted a stranger
   Hid from the giant     | Traded cow for beans
   Waited for giant       | Stole the hen
   to sleep               | Entered castle
   Thought quickly        | without permission
   Used axe to escape     |
   

10. Simple Moral (Easy to Remember): "Be brave when you're in danger, but be careful about taking things that don't belong to you."

10. Writing Activity (8 minutes)

Writing Task:

"Write a diary entry from Jack's Mother's perspective (150-180 words) for the day these events happened. Include:

• How she felt when Jack came home with beans instead of money
• What she thought when she saw the beanstalk the next morning
• Her emotions when Jack came down with the hen and told her about the giant
• How she feels at the end when the hen lays golden eggs
• What advice she would give Jack for the future"

Guidelines:

• Write in first person as Jack's Mother ("I felt..." "I was...")
• Diary format: "Dear Diary, Today was the strangest day of my life..."
• Show the progression of emotions: anger → surprise → fear → relief → happiness
• Include at least 3 vocabulary words from the lesson
• Be honest about feelings—both negative and positive
• End with reflection on what this experience taught her

Example Opening: "Dear Diary, Today was the most incredible and terrifying day of my life. This morning, I was so angry with Jack. He came home saying he traded our cow—our ONLY source of income—for five magic beans! I called him a foolish boy. I was so cross that I threw the beans out the window. But then..."

Alternative Writing Tasks (Choose Based on Student Interest):

Option 2: "The Old Man's Story" Write what happened from the old man's perspective. Why did he have magic beans? Why did he give them to Jack? What did he do with the cow? (150 words)

Option 3: "A Different Ending" Rewrite the ending where Jack does NOT steal the hen. Instead, he talks to the Giant or finds another way to help his family. What happens? (150-180 words)

Option 4: "Letter to a Friend" Jack writes a letter to a friend explaining his adventure and asking for advice: "Did I do the right thing by taking the hen? What would you have done?" (150 words)

11. Follow-up Activities

Homework Assignment:

1. Moral Reflection Essay: Write a paragraph (120-150 words) answering: "Was Jack right to take the giant's hen? Why or why not?" Consider:
   • Jack's need (poverty)
   • The Giant's nature (dangerous, eats people)
   • The method (stealing)
   • The result (ending poverty)
   • What you would have done differently

Tamil Translation of the play -class 8:-Jack and the beanstalk

 The text of the play for Unit 8, titled "Jack and the Beanstalk" by Steven Kellogg, is as follows:

Jack and the Beanstalk

Characters: Narrator, Jack, Mother, Old man, Giant

Scene 1 (at home)

Narrator: Once upon a time there was a boy called Jack. He lived in a small cottage with his mother. Jack and his mother were very poor. All they had was a cow. 

Mother: Jack, we don’t have any money. So, I think we have to sell the cow. 

Jack: Okay, Mom. I will take the cow to the market. 

Mother: Be careful, Jack. 

Narrator: On the way to the market, Jack met a little old man.

  Old man: Good morning, young boy. Where are you taking that cow? 

Jack: I’m taking it to the market, sir. My mother and I are poor, so we need some money. 

Old man: I would like to buy the cow from you.

  Jack: Really?

  Old man: I don’t have money. Instead, I’ll give you five magic beans.

  Jack: Magic beans? Mmm. 

Old man: They will make you rich. 

Narrator: Jack had to think about it. He wanted to make his mother happy. 

Jack: Okay! You can take the cow. 

Narrator: Jack ran all the way home. He was so excited to tell his mother about the old man and the magic beans.

  Jack: (running home) Mom, Mom, Mom! Look what I have got! 

Mother: Did you get a good price for the cow? 

Jack: No, Mom. But I got these magic beans instead! 

Mother: (angrily) What? Oh, you foolish boy! 

Jack: Mom, they will make us rich! Trust me. 

Mother: No way! These beans are useless! 

Narrator: Jack’s mother was very cross and threw the beans out of the window.

Scene 2 (on the ground & in the castle)

Narrator: During the night, the magic beans grew into a huge beanstalk. By morning, the beanstalk reached high into the sky. Jack was so surprised.

  Jack: Wow! This beanstalk is huge! 

Narrator: Jack climbed and climbed and when he reached the top, he found a huge castle. 

Jack: Oh my! There is a castle in the sky! I can’t believe this. 

Narrator: Jack crept inside. 

Jack: (whispering to himself) Everything is so big in here. Who lives in this big castle? 

Narrator: Suddenly, the floor began to shake. 

Jack: (scared) What is that noise? 

Giant: (shouting) Fee, fi, fo, fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman ... Be he alive or be he dead, I’ll grind his bones to make my bread. 

Jack: (whispering) Oh no! It’s a giant! What can I do? Is there any place to hide? Oh, there is a place. 

Narrator: Jack hid in a cupboard and watched as the giant ate five sheep for his meal. Then he called for his hen.

  Giant: Lay me a golden egg. 

Narrator: Jack watched in amazement as the hen laid a perfect golden egg. 

Jack: It’s amazing! I wish I had that hen. Then Mom and I would be rich.

Scene 3 (in the castle & at home)

Narrator: As soon as the giant was full, he fell fast asleep. 

Jack: Now he is asleep. I will take the hen and climb back down the beanstalk. 

Narrator: Jack quickly picked up the giant’s hen. But the hen began to squawk and flap its wings. 

Jack: Shh! Be quiet! The giant might wake up! 

Narrator: The giant woke up! 

Giant: (shouting) Fee, fi, fo, fum, I smell the blood of a human! 

Jack: (running) Oh no! Time to go! 

Narrator: Jack ran back to the beanstalk and climbed down as fast as he could! 

Giant: (yelling) I’ll get you! 

Narrator: Jack reached the bottom of the beanstalk. 

Mother: Jack, where have you been? Why do you have a hen? 

Jack: Mom, hurry! Give me an axe! 

Mother: Here you are. What are you going to do with an axe? 

Jack: I have to chop this beanstalk down right now! 

Narrator: With his axe, Jack chopped down the beanstalk. 

Giant: Ahhhhh! 

Narrator: The giant fell to the ground with a thud. That was the end of him! 

Mother: Oh my! It’s a giant! Jack, what is going on? 

Jack: The magic beans grew into this huge beanstalk. So, I climbed to the top and found the giant’s castle. I watched this hen lay a perfect golden egg. 

Mother: Are you telling me the truth, Jack? 

Jack: (smiling) Yes, Mom. You’ll see. 

Narrator: Jack was right. The hen laid a golden egg every day and Jack and his mother were never poor again.

ஸ்டீவன் கெல்லாக் எழுதிய **"ஜாக் அண்ட் தி பீன்ஸ்டாக்"** என்ற தலைப்பில் யூனிட் 8 க்கான நாடகத்தின் உரை பின்வருமாறு:

### **ஜாக் மற்றும் பீன்ஸ்டாக்**

** பாத்திரங்கள்:** கதை சொல்பவர், ஜாக், அம்மா, முதியவர், ராட்சதர்

#### **காட்சி 1 (வீட்டில்)**

**கதையாளர்:** ஒரு காலத்தில் ஜாக் என்று ஒரு பையன் இருந்தான். அவர் தனது தாயுடன் ஒரு சிறிய குடிசையில் வசித்து வந்தார். ஜாக் மற்றும் அவரது தாயார் மிகவும் ஏழ்மையானவர்கள். அவர்களிடம் இருந்ததெல்லாம் ஒரு மாடு மட்டும்தான்.

**அம்மா:** ஜாக், எங்களிடம் பணம் இல்லை. அதனால், மாட்டை விற்க வேண்டும் என்று நினைக்கிறேன்.

**ஜாக்:** சரி, அம்மா. நான் மாட்டை சந்தைக்கு கொண்டு செல்வேன்.

**அம்மா:** ஜாக் ஜாக் ஜாக்கிரதை.

**கதையாளர்:** சந்தைக்குச் செல்லும் வழியில், ஜாக் ஒரு சிறிய முதியவரைச் சந்தித்தார்.

**முதியவர்:** காலை வணக்கம், சிறுவன். அந்த மாட்டை எங்கே கொண்டு செல்கிறாய்?

**ஜாக்:** நான் அதை சந்தைக்கு கொண்டு செல்கிறேன், சார். நானும் என் அம்மாவும் ஏழைகள், எங்களுக்கு கொஞ்சம் பணம் தேவை.

**முதியவர்:** நான் உங்களிடமிருந்து பசுவை வாங்க விரும்புகிறேன்.

**ஜாக்:** உண்மையா?

**முதியவர்:** என்னிடம் பணம் இல்லை. அதற்கு பதிலாக, நான் உங்களுக்கு ஐந்து மேஜிக் பீன்ஸ் தருகிறேன்.

**ஜாக்:** மேஜிக் பீன்ஸ்? ம்ம்ம்.

**முதியவர்:** அவர்கள் உங்களை பணக்காரர் ஆக்குவார்கள்.

** விவரிப்பவர்:** ஜாக் அதைப் பற்றி சிந்திக்க வேண்டியிருந்தது. அவன் தன் தாயை சந்தோஷப்படுத்த விரும்பினான்.

**ஜாக்:** சரி! பசுவை எடுத்துக் கொள்ளலாம்.

** விவரிப்பவர்:** ஜாக் வீடு வரை ஓடினார். அந்த கிழவனைப் பற்றியும், மாயக் கொட்டைகளைப் பற்றியும் அம்மாவிடம் சொல்ல அவன் மிகவும் ஆவலாக இருந்தான்.

**ஜாக்:** (வீட்டிற்கு ஓடுதல்) அம்மா, அம்மா, அம்மா! என்னிடம் என்ன இருக்கிறது என்று பார்!

**அம்மா:** மாட்டுக்கு நல்ல விலை கிடைத்ததா?

**ஜாக்:** இல்லை, அம்மா. ஆனால் அதற்கு பதிலாக இந்த மேஜிக் பீன்ஸ் கிடைத்தது!

**அம்மா:** (கோபமாக) என்ன? ஓ, முட்டாள் பையன்!

**ஜாக்:** அம்மா, அவர்கள் எங்களை பணக்காரர்களாக ஆக்குவார்கள்! என்னை நம்புங்கள்.

**அம்மா:** வழி இல்லை! இந்த பீன்ஸ் பயனற்றது!

** கதை சொல்பவர்:** ஜாக்கின் அம்மா மிகவும் குறுக்காக இருந்தார் மற்றும் ஜன்னலுக்கு வெளியே பீன்ஸ் எறிந்தார்.

#### **காட்சி 2 (தரையில் & கோட்டையில்)**

**கதையாளர்:** இரவில், மந்திர பீன்ஸ் ஒரு பெரிய பீன்ஸ்டாலாக வளர்ந்தது. காலையில், பீன்ஸ்டாக் வானத்தை எட்டியது. ஜாக் மிகவும் ஆச்சரியப்பட்டார்.

**ஜாக்:** ஆஹா! இந்த பீன்ஸ்டாக் பெரியது!

**கதையாளர்:** ஜாக் ஏறி ஏறி, உச்சியை அடைந்தபோது, ​​ஒரு பெரிய கோட்டையைக் கண்டார்.

**ஜாக்:** ஐயோ! வானத்தில் ஒரு கோட்டை இருக்கிறது! என்னால் இதை நம்ப முடியவில்லை.

**கதையாளர்:** ஜாக் உள்ளே நுழைந்தார்.

**ஜாக்:** (தனக்கே கிசுகிசுத்துக் கொண்டு) இங்கே எல்லாமே பெரியது. இந்த பெரிய கோட்டையில் யார் வாழ்கிறார்கள்?

**கதையாளர்:** திடீரென்று தரை குலுங்கத் தொடங்கியது.

**ஜாக்:** (பயத்துடன்) அது என்ன சத்தம்?

**ராட்சதர்:** (கத்தியபடி) ஃபீ, ஃபை, ஃபோ, ஃபம், நான் ஒரு ஆங்கிலேயரின் இரத்தத்தை மணக்கிறேன்... அவர் உயிருடன் இருந்தாலும் அல்லது இறந்துவிட்டாலும், எனது ரொட்டியை உருவாக்க அவரது எலும்புகளை அரைப்பேன்.

**ஜாக்:** (கிசுகிசுத்து) ஐயோ! இது ஒரு மாபெரும்! நான் என்ன செய்ய முடியும்? ஒளிந்து கொள்ள இடம் உண்டா? ஓ, ஒரு இடம் இருக்கிறது.

**கதையாளர்:** ஜாக் ஒரு அலமாரியில் ஒளிந்துகொண்டு, ராட்சதர் தனது உணவுக்காக ஐந்து ஆடுகளை சாப்பிடுவதைப் பார்த்தார். பின்னர் அவர் தனது கோழியை அழைத்தார்.

**ராட்சதர்:** எனக்கு ஒரு தங்க முட்டை இடுங்கள்.

**கதையாளர்:** கோழி சரியான தங்க முட்டையை இடுவதை ஜாக் ஆச்சரியத்துடன் பார்த்தார்.

**ஜாக்:** ஆச்சரியமாக இருக்கிறது! அந்தக் கோழி என்னிடம் இருந்திருந்தால் நான் விரும்புகிறேன். அப்போது நானும் அம்மாவும் பணக்காரர்களாக இருப்போம்.

#### **காட்சி 3 (கோட்டையிலும் வீட்டிலும்)**

**கதையாளர்:** பூதமும் நிறைந்தவுடன், அவர் அயர்ந்து தூங்கிவிட்டார்.

**ஜாக்:** இப்போது அவர் தூங்குகிறார். நான் கோழியை எடுத்துக்கொண்டு மீண்டும் பீன்ஸ்டாக்கில் ஏறுவேன்.

**கதையாளர்:** ஜாக் ராட்சத கோழியை விரைவாக எடுத்தார். ஆனால் கோழி குரைத்து இறக்கைகளை அசைக்க ஆரம்பித்தது.

**ஜாக்:** ஷ்ஷ்! அமைதியாக இரு! ராட்சசன் எழுந்திருக்கலாம்!

**வித்தியாசகர்:** ராட்சதர் எழுந்தார்!

**ராட்சதர்:** (கத்தியபடி) ஃபீ, ஃபை, ஃபோ, ஃபம், நான் ஒரு மனிதனின் இரத்தத்தை மணக்கிறேன்!

**ஜாக்:** (ஓடும்) ஐயோ! செல்ல நேரம்!

**கதையாளர்:** ஜாக் மீண்டும் பீன்ஸ்டோக்கிற்கு ஓடி, முடிந்தவரை வேகமாக கீழே ஏறினார்!

**ராட்சதர்:** (கத்துகிறார்) நான் உன்னைப் பெறுகிறேன்!

**கதையாளர்:** ஜாக் பீன்ஸ்டாக்கின் அடிப்பகுதியை அடைந்தார்.

**அம்மா:** ஜாக், நீ எங்கே இருந்தாய்? உங்களிடம் ஏன் கோழி இருக்கிறது?

**ஜாக்:** அம்மா, சீக்கிரம்! எனக்கு ஒரு கோடாரியை கொடு!

**அம்மா:** இதோ. கோடாரியால் என்ன செய்யப் போகிறாய்?

**ஜாக்:** நான் இந்த பீன்ஸ்டாக்கை இப்போதே நறுக்க வேண்டும்!

**கதையாளர்:** தனது கோடரியால், ஜாக் பீன்ஸ்டாக்கை வெட்டினார்.

**ராட்சதர்:** ஆஹா!

**கதையாளர்:** ராட்சதர் சத்தத்துடன் தரையில் விழுந்தார். அதுவே அவனுடைய முடிவு!

**அம்மா:** ஐயோ! இது ஒரு மாபெரும்! ஜாக், என்ன நடக்கிறது?

**ஜாக்:** மேஜிக் பீன்ஸ் இந்த பெரிய பீன்ஸ்டாக்கில் வளர்ந்தது. எனவே, நான் மேலே ஏறி ராட்சத கோட்டையைக் கண்டேன். இந்த கோழி சரியான தங்க முட்டை இடுவதை நான் பார்த்தேன்.

**அம்மா:** நீ என்னிடம் உண்மையைச் சொல்கிறாயா, ஜாக்?

**ஜாக்:** (சிரிக்கிறார்) ஆம், அம்மா. நீங்கள் பார்ப்பீர்கள்.

**கதையாளர்:** ஜாக் சொன்னது சரிதான். கோழி ஒவ்வொரு நாளும் ஒரு தங்க முட்டையை இடும், ஜாக்கும் அவரது தாயும் மீண்டும் ஒருபோதும் ஏழைகளாக இருக்கவில்லை.

Class 9: Tamil Translation of the lesson for Unit 7 is titled "The Christmas Truce" by Aaron Shepard

 The supplementary lesson for Unit 7 is titled "The Christmas Truce" by Aaron Shepard. This story is presented as a letter from a British soldier named Tom to his sister Janet, describing an actual historical event during World War I where British and German soldiers ceased fire to celebrate Christmas together.

Unit 7 Supplementary: The Christmas Truce

By Aaron Shepard

Warm Up

• Name one festival which you like the most.
• How do you celebrate that festival?
• Narrate a memorable incident which happened during that celebration.

---

Christmas Day, 1914 My dear sister Janet,

It is 2:00 in the morning and most of our men are asleep in their dugouts – yet I could not sleep before writing to you about what happened here on Christmas Eve. In truth, what happened seems almost like a fairy tale, and if I had not been through it myself, I would scarce believe it. While you and the family sang carols before the fire there in London, I did the same with enemy soldiers here on the battlefields of France!

As I wrote before, there has been little serious fighting of late. The first battles of the war left so many dead that both sides have held back until replacements could come from home. So, we have mostly stayed in our trenches and waited.

But what a terrible waiting it has been! Knowing that any moment an artillery shell might land and explode beside us in the trench, killing or maiming several men. And in daylight not daring to lift our heads above ground, for fear of a sniper’s bullet.

And the rain – it has fallen almost daily. Of course, it collects right in our trenches, where we must bail it out with pots and pans. And with the rain has come mud – a good foot or deeper. It splatters and cakes everything, and constantly sucks at our boots. One new recruit got his feet stuck in it, and then his hands too when he tried to get out.

Through all this, we could not help feeling curious about the German soldiers across the way. After all, they faced the same dangers we did and slogged about in the same muck. What’s more, their first trench was only fifty yards from ours. Between us lay No Man’s Land, bordered on both sides by barbed wire - yet they were close enough we sometimes heard their voices.

Of course, we hated them when they killed our friends. But other times, we joked about them and almost felt we had something in common. And now it seems they felt the same.

Just yesterday morning - Christmas Eve Day - we had our first good freeze. Cold as we were, we welcomed it, because at least the mud froze solid. Everything was tinged white with frost while a bright sun shone over everything. Perfect Christmas weather!

During the day, there was little shelling or rifle fire from either side. And as darkness fell on our Christmas Eve, the shooting stopped entirely. Our first complete silence in months! We hoped it might promise a peaceful holiday, but didn’t count on it. We’d been told the Germans might attack and try to catch us off guard.

I went to the dugout to rest, and lying on my cot, I must have drifted asleep. All at once my friend John was shaking me awake, saying, “Come and see! See what the Germans are doing!” I grabbed my rifle, stumbled out into the trench, and stuck my head cautiously above the sandbags.

I never hope to see a stranger and more lovely sight. Clusters of tiny lights were shining all along the German line, left and right as far as the eye could see.

“What is it?” I asked in bewilderment, and John answered, “Christmas trees!”

And so it was. The Germans had placed Christmas trees in front of their trenches, lit by candle or lantern, like beacons of goodwill.

And then we heard them singing. Stille nacht, heilige nacht…

This carol may not yet be familiar to us in Britain, but John knew it and translated: “Silent Night, Holy Night.” I’ve never heard one lovelier – or more meaningful, in that quiet, clear night, its darkness softened by a first – quarter moon. When the song finished, the men in our trenches applauded. Yes, British soldiers applauded Germans! Then one of our own men started singing, and we all joined in.

The first Nowell, the angel did say …

In truth, we sounded not nearly as good as the Germans, with their fine harmonies. But they responded with enthusiastic applause of their own and then began another.

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum…

Then we replied. O come all ye faithful…

But this time they joined in, singing the words in Latin. Adeste fideles…

Britain and Germany harmonizing across No Man’s Land! I would have thought nothing could be more amazing – but what came next was even more so.

“English, come over!” we heard one of them shout. “You no shoot, we no shoot.”

There in the trenches, we looked at each other in bewilderment. Then one of us shouted jokingly, “You come over here.”

To our astonishment, we saw two figures rise from a trench, climb over their barbed wire, and advance unprotected across No Man’s Land. One of them called, “Send officer to talk.”

I saw one of our men lift his rifle to the ready, and no doubt others did the same - but our captain called out, “Hold your fire.” Then he climbed out and went to meet the Germans halfway.

We heard them talking, and a few minutes later, the captain came back and announced, “We’ve agreed that there will be no shooting before midnight tomorrow. But sentries are to remain on duty, and the rest of you, stay alert.”

Across the way, we could make out groups of two or three men starting out of trenches and coming towards us. Then some of us climbed out too, and in minutes, there we were in No Man’s Land – over a hundred soldiers and officers of each side, shaking hands with men we’d been trying to kill just hours earlier!

Before long, a bonfire was built and around it we mingled – British khaki and German grey. I must say, the Germans were the better dressed, with fresh uniforms for the holiday.

Only a couple of our men knew German, but more of the Germans knew English. I asked one of them why that was so.

“Because many have worked in England!” he said. “Before all this, I was a waiter at the Hotel Cecil. Perhaps I waited on your table!”

“Perhaps you did!” I said, laughing.

Another German had been a porter at Victoria Station. He showed me a picture of his family back in Munich. It was so lovely, I told him I would like to meet his family members someday. He happily gave me his family’s address.

Even those who could not converse could still exchange gifts – our tea for their coffee, our corned meat for their sausage. Badges and buttons from uniforms changed owners, and one of our boys walked off with a spiked helmet! I myself traded a jack knife for a leather equipment belt – a fine souvenir to show when I get home.

As it grew late, a few more songs were traded around the fire, and then all joined in for – I am not lying to you – “Auld Lang Syne.” Then we parted with promises to meet again tomorrow, and there was even some talk of a football match.

I was just starting back to the trenches when an older German soldier clutched my arm. “My God,” he said, “why cannot we have peace and all go home?”

I told him gently, “That you must ask your emperor.”

He looked at me searchingly and said, “Perhaps, my friend. But we must also ask our hearts.” And so, dear sister, tell me, has there ever been such a Christmas Eve in all history? What does it all mean, this impossible befriending of enemies?

For the fighting here, of course, it means regrettably little. Decent fellows those soldiers may be, but they follow orders and we do the same. Besides, we are here to stop their army and send it home, and never could we shirk that duty.

Still, one cannot help but imagine what would happen if the spirit shown here were caught by the nations of the world. Disputes may arise but what if our leaders were to offer good wishes in place of warnings; songs in place of insults; gifts in place of reprisals? Would not all wars end at once?

All nations say they want peace. Yet on this Christmas morning, I wonder if we want it quite enough.

Your loving brother, Tom

---

Glossary

• truce (n) - an agreement to stop fighting or arguing for a period of time.
• dugout (n) - a trench that is dug and roofed over as a shelter for troops.
• carols (n) - a religious folk song or popular hymn, particularly one associated with Christmas.
• trenches (n) - a long, narrow ditch.
• maim (v) - injure or wound seriously and leave permanent damage to body or parts.
• splatter (n) - a small quantity of something moist or liquid.
• slog (v) - work hard over a period of time.
• muck (n) - dirt, rubbish, or waste matter.
• stumble (v) - trip or momentarily lose one's balance; almost fall.
• bewilderment (n) - a feeling of being perplexed and confused.

About the Author

Aaron Shepard (born October 7, 1950) is an award-winning author known for retelling folktales and traditional literature. His works have been honored by organizations such as the American Library Association and the New York Public Library.

**அலகு 7**-க்கான துணைப் பாடத்தின் தலைப்பு, ஆரோன் ஷெப்பர்ட் எழுதிய **"கிறிஸ்துமஸ் போர் நிறுத்தம்"** என்பதாகும். இந்த கதை, டாம் என்ற பிரிட்டிஷ் சிப்பாய் தனது சகோதரி ஜேனட்டிற்கு எழுதிய கடித வடிவில் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இது, **முதலாம் உலகப் போரின்** போது பிரிட்டிஷ் மற்றும் ஜெர்மானிய வீரர்கள் ஒன்றாக கிறிஸ்துமஸைக் கொண்டாட சண்டையை நிறுத்திய ஒரு உண்மையான வரலாற்று நிகழ்வை விவரிக்கிறது.

### **அலகு 7 துணைப் பாடம்: கிறிஸ்துமஸ் போர் நிறுத்தம்**

**ஆரோன் ஷெப்பர்ட் எழுதியது**

**ஆயத்தப் பகுதி**

*   உங்களுக்கு மிகவும் பிடித்தமான ஒரு பண்டிகையின் பெயரைக் கூறுங்கள்.

*   அந்தப் பண்டிகையை நீங்கள் எவ்வாறு கொண்டாடுகிறீர்கள்?

*   அந்தக் கொண்டாட்டத்தின் போது நடந்த ஒரு மறக்க முடியாத சம்பவத்தைக் கூறுங்கள்.

***

**கிறிஸ்துமஸ் தினம், 1914**

**என் அன்புள்ள சகோதரி ஜேனட்,**

இப்போது அதிகாலை 2 மணி ஆகிறது, எங்கள் வீரர்களில் பெரும்பாலானோர் தங்கள் பதுங்கு குழிகளில் உறங்கிக் கொண்டிருக்கிறார்கள் – ஆனாலும், கிறிஸ்துமஸ் ஈவ் அன்று இங்கு நடந்ததைப் பற்றி உனக்கு எழுதுவதற்கு முன் என்னால் தூங்க முடியவில்லை. உண்மையைச் சொல்லப்போனால், நடந்தது கிட்டத்தட்ட ஒரு **தேவதைக் கதை** போலத் தெரிகிறது, அது எனக்கு நேர்ந்திருக்கவில்லை என்றால், நான் அதை நம்பவே மாட்டேன். நீயும் குடும்பத்தினரும் லண்டனில் நெருப்பின் முன் கிறிஸ்துமஸ் பாடல்களைப் பாடிக்கொண்டிருந்தபோது, ​​நானும் பிரான்சின் இந்தப் போர்க்களங்களில் எதிரி வீரர்களுடன் அதே போலச் செய்தேன்!

நான் முன்பே எழுதியது போல, சமீபகாலமாக பெரிய சண்டைகள் எதுவும் நடக்கவில்லை. போரின் முதல் சண்டைகளில் இவ்வளவு பேர் இறந்ததால், இரு தரப்பினரும் சொந்த நாட்டிலிருந்து மாற்று வீரர்கள் வரும் வரை காத்திருந்தனர். அதனால், நாங்கள் பெரும்பாலும் எங்கள் **பதுங்கு குழிகளிலேயே** தங்கி காத்திருந்தோம்.

ஆனால் அது எவ்வளவு பயங்கரமான காத்திருப்பு! எந்த நேரத்திலும் ஒரு பீரங்கி குண்டு வந்து பதுங்கு குழியில் எங்கள் அருகில் விழுந்து வெடித்து, பல வீரர்களைக் கொல்லலாம் அல்லது காயப்படுத்தலாம் என்ற பயம். மேலும், பகல் நேரத்தில் ஒரு சுடுநரின் குண்டுக்கு பயந்து, எங்கள் தலையைத் தரையிலிருந்து மேலே தூக்கக்கூடத் துணியவில்லை.

மேலும் மழை – அது கிட்டத்தட்ட தினமும் பெய்தது. நிச்சயமாக, அது எங்கள் பதுங்கு குழிகளில் தேங்கிவிடுகிறது, அதை நாங்கள் பாத்திரங்களைக் கொண்டு வெளியேற்ற வேண்டும். மழையுடன் சேறும் வந்தது – ஒரு அடி அல்லது அதற்கும் ஆழமாக. அது எல்லாவற்றிலும் தெறித்து ஒட்டிக்கொள்கிறது, மேலும் எங்கள் காலணிகளைத் தொடர்ந்து உள்ளே இழுக்கிறது. ஒரு புதிய வீரனின் கால்கள் அதில் சிக்கிக்கொண்டன, பின்னர் அவன் வெளியே வர முயன்றபோது அவனது கைகளும் சிக்கிக்கொண்டன.

இவை அனைத்தின் மத்தியிலும், எதிர்ப்புறம் இருந்த ஜெர்மானிய வீரர்களைப் பற்றி அறியாமல் எங்களால் இருக்க முடியவில்லை. எப்படியிருந்தாலும், நாங்கள் எதிர்கொண்ட அதே ஆபத்துக்களை அவர்களும் எதிர்கொண்டனர், அதே சேற்றில் அவர்களும் தத்தளித்தனர். மேலும், அவர்களின் முதல் பதுங்கு குழி எங்களுடையதிலிருந்து ஐம்பது கெஜம் தொலைவில் மட்டுமே இருந்தது. எங்களுக்கும் அவர்களுக்கும் இடையில் முள்வேலியால் இருபுறமும் சூழப்பட்ட **யாரும் உரிமை கோராத நிலம்** இருந்தது - ஆனாலும் அவர்கள் எங்களுக்கு மிக அருகில் இருந்ததால், சில சமயங்களில் அவர்களின் குரல்களை எங்களால் கேட்க முடிந்தது.

நிச்சயமாக, அவர்கள் எங்கள் நண்பர்களைக் கொன்றபோது நாங்கள் அவர்களை வெறுத்தோம். ஆனால் மற்ற நேரங்களில், நாங்கள் அவர்களைப் பற்றி கேலி செய்தோம், எங்களுக்கும் அவர்களுக்கும் இடையில் ஏதோ ஒரு பொதுவான அம்சம் இருப்பதாகவே உணர்ந்தோம். இப்போது அவர்களும் அப்படித்தான் உணர்ந்தார்கள் என்று தெரிகிறது.

நேற்று காலைதான் - கிறிஸ்துமஸ் ஈவ் அன்று - எங்களுக்கு முதல் முறையாக நல்ல உறைபனி ஏற்பட்டது. குளிராக இருந்தாலும், நாங்கள் அதை வரவேற்றோம், ஏனென்றால் குறைந்தபட்சம் சேறு கெட்டியாக உறைந்துவிட்டது. பிரகாசமான சூரியன் எல்லாவற்றின் மீதும் பிரகாசிக்க, அனைத்தும் பனியால் வெண்மையாகப் படர்ந்திருந்தன. சரியான கிறிஸ்துமஸ் வானிலை!

பகல் நேரத்தில், இரு தரப்பிலிருந்தும் பீரங்கித் தாக்குதலோ அல்லது துப்பாக்கிச் சூடோ அதிகம் இல்லை. எங்கள் கிறிஸ்துமஸ் ஈவ் அன்று இருள் சூழ்ந்தபோது, ​​துப்பாக்கிச் சூடு முற்றிலும் நின்றது. பல மாதங்களுக்குப் பிறகு நாங்கள் கேட்ட முதல் முழுமையான அமைதி! இது ஒரு அமைதியான விடுமுறைக்கு வழிவகுக்கும் என்று நாங்கள் நம்பினோம், ஆனால் அதை உறுதியாக நம்பவில்லை. ஜெர்மானியர்கள் தாக்கக்கூடும் என்றும், எங்களை எதிர்பாராத நேரத்தில் பிடிக்க முயற்சிப்பார்கள் என்றும் எங்களிடம் கூறப்பட்டிருந்தது.

நான் ஓய்வெடுப்பதற்காக பதுங்குக்குழிக்குச் சென்றேன், என் படுக்கையில் படுத்திருந்தபோது, ​​நான் தூங்கிவிட்டேன் போலிருக்கிறது. திடீரென்று என் நண்பன் ஜான் என்னை உலுக்கி எழுப்பி, “வந்து பார்! ஜெர்மானியர்கள் என்ன செய்கிறார்கள் என்று பார்!” என்றான். நான் என் துப்பாக்கியை எடுத்துக்கொண்டு, தடுமாறிக்கொண்டு அகழிக்குள் வெளியே வந்து, மணல் மூட்டைகளுக்கு மேலே என் தலையை எச்சரிக்கையுடன் நீட்டினேன்.

இதைவிட விசித்திரமான மற்றும் அழகான ஒரு காட்சியை நான் இனி பார்க்க விரும்ப மாட்டேன். கண்ணுக்கு எட்டிய தூரம் வரை இடது மற்றும் வலதுபுறம் ஜெர்மானியர்களின் வரிசை முழுவதும் சிறிய விளக்குகளின் கொத்துக்கள் பிரகாசித்துக் கொண்டிருந்தன.

“அது என்ன?” என்று நான் திகைப்புடன் கேட்டேன், ஜான் பதிலளித்தான், **“கிறிஸ்துமஸ் மரங்கள்!”**

ஆம், அது அப்படித்தான் இருந்தது. ஜெர்மானியர்கள் தங்கள் அகழிகளுக்கு முன்னால் கிறிஸ்துமஸ் மரங்களை வைத்திருந்தனர், அவை மெழுகுவர்த்தி அல்லது கைவிளக்குகளால் ஒளிரூட்டப்பட்டு, நல்லெண்ணத்தின் கலங்கரை விளக்கங்கள் போல இருந்தன.

பிறகு அவர்கள் பாடுவதை நாங்கள் கேட்டோம்.

*ஸ்டில்லே நாச்ட், ஹெலிகே நாச்ட்…*

இந்த கிறிஸ்துமஸ் பாடல் பிரிட்டனில் எங்களுக்கு இன்னும் பரிச்சயமானதாக இல்லாமல் இருக்கலாம், ஆனால் ஜானுக்கு அது தெரிந்திருந்தது, அவன் அதை மொழிபெயர்த்தான்: **“அமைதியான இரவு, புனிதமான இரவு.”** அந்த அமைதியான, தெளிவான இரவில், முதல் காலாண்டு நிலவால் அதன் இருள் மென்மையாக்கப்பட்டிருந்த அந்த இரவில், இதைவிட அழகான அல்லது அதிக அர்த்தமுள்ள ஒரு பாடலை நான் கேட்டதில்லை. பாடல் முடிந்ததும், எங்கள் அகழிகளில் இருந்த வீரர்கள் கைதட்டினார்கள். ஆம், பிரிட்டிஷ் வீரர்கள் ஜெர்மானியர்களுக்காகக் கைதட்டினார்கள்! பிறகு எங்கள் ஆட்களில் ஒருவர் பாடத் தொடங்கினார், நாங்களும் அனைவரும் அவருடன் சேர்ந்து பாடினோம்.

*முதல் கிறிஸ்துமஸ் கீதத்தை, தேவதூதர் சொன்னார்...*

உண்மையில், அவர்களின் சிறந்த இசை இணக்கத்துடன் பாடிய ஜெர்மானியர்களைப் போல நாங்கள் அவ்வளவு சிறப்பாகப் பாடவில்லை. ஆனால் அவர்களும் உற்சாகமான கைதட்டலுடன் பதிலளித்து, பின்னர் மற்றொரு பாடலைத் தொடங்கினார்கள்.

*ஓ டானன்பாம், ஓ டானன்பாம்...*

பிறகு நாங்கள் பதிலளித்தோம்.

*விசுவாசமுள்ளவர்களே, அனைவரும் வாருங்கள்...*

ஆனால் இந்த முறை அவர்கள் எங்களுடன் சேர்ந்துகொண்டு, அந்தப் பாடலை லத்தீன் மொழியில் பாடினார்கள்.

*அடெஸ்டே ஃபிடெலெஸ்...*

யாரும் உரிமை கோராத நிலப்பரப்பில் பிரிட்டனும் ஜெர்மனியும் இணைந்து பாடின! இதைவிட ஆச்சரியமான ஒன்று இருக்க முடியாது என்று நான் நினைத்தேன் – ஆனால் அடுத்து நடந்தது அதைவிடவும் ஆச்சரியமாக இருந்தது.

"ஆங்கிலேயர்களே, இங்கே வாருங்கள்!" அவர்களில் ஒருவர் கத்துவதை நாங்கள் கேட்டோம். "நீங்கள் சுட வேண்டாம், நாங்கள் சுட மாட்டோம்."

அங்கே அகழிகளில், நாங்கள் ஒருவரையொருவர் திகைப்புடன் பார்த்துக் கொண்டோம். பிறகு எங்களில் ஒருவர் கேலியாகக் கத்தினார், "நீங்களே இங்கே வாருங்கள்."

எங்களுக்குப் பெரும் வியப்பாக, இரண்டு உருவங்கள் ஒரு அகழியிலிருந்து எழுந்து, தங்கள் முள்வேலியைத் தாண்டி, எந்தப் பாதுகாப்பும் இல்லாமல் முன்னேறி வருவதைக் கண்டோம்.