The Ant and the Grasshopper

by Luli Gray and illustrated by Giuliano Ferri

Week 7:  Folklore

           The thing that I love about folklore is that it almost always teaches a lesson and "Ant and Grasshopper" is one of my favorites.  Luli Gray takes the original story and adds some fun twists that kids enjoy. I also choose this version because the illustrations are amazing.  In the story Ant is busy gathering food for the winter, and mocks Grasshopper for just playing music and dancing instead of preparing.  However, Ant too finds himself getting distracted by the music and dancing.

  

          However, when the harsh winter hits and Ant finds Grasshopper cold and hungry in the snow, he can't help but bring him inside. Only when after opening his home to Grasshopper does Ant realize that music, dancing, and laughter have their place in his life, too.

          The story of the "Ant and the Grasshopper" dates back to 620 B.C.  to the Greek storyteller Aesop.  This story teaches that it is good to have fun, but it is better to get your work done and be prepared.  There will always be time for enjoyment but if there is no joy if you are in a bad situation  and you understand it is because you didn't put in the work.   

         In class, this story has a lot of fun activities and lessons that can be incorporated into the lesson plan.  I like to teach "cause and effect" with this story because it really puts it in a way that first graders understand.