Storytime with Mrs. Holder ~ When I Was Young in the Mountains - by Cynthia Rylant

This free picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Social Studies Topic: Family

The concept of family is strongly presented throughout this story.   However there is never any mention of a mother or a father, as it seems that the grandparents are the primary caregivers for the children.  Discuss the roles and responsibilities of each family member as presented throughout the story. 

Some activity ideas:

Venn Diagram:

Use a Venn diagram to compare the student’s family with the family in the story.  A Venn diagram consists of two circles interlinking.  Similarities between the two families are  recorded in the middle section where the circles interlink.  Differences are recorded in the outside areas. 

To access a printable Venn Diagram, click here: Venn Diagram

Flap Book:

Create a flap book by folding a piece of paper “hotdog” style (lengthwise).  Then cut up to the folded line on one side of the paper 3 times to create 4 flaps.  Label the top of each flap with the name or title of a family member from the story (i.e. grandfather, grandmother, granddaughter, brother/grandson).  Use the space under the flap to write information about and/or draw a picture of the family member.  This activity can be done for the student's own family as well.   

List Making:

Ask your child what the theme in the story is .  Although there are some themes like “Living in the olden days” or “Life in the mountains”, the underlying theme is “contentment”.  This is evidenced by the last line of the story, “And that was always enough.”  Enjoy studying the illustrations and notice the content expressions on the characters faces.   Make a list of things that make the family in the story content.  Then make a list of things that make your family content.  Circle the items that are similar in both lists.  

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” ~ 1 Timothy 6:6

Be a Blessing:

Encourage your child to bless his/her grandparents by writing them a letter telling them "thank you" for spending some special time with them.  At the end of the letter, your child may want to ask for the grandparent to write back with a story about the "olden days".  

We've had our moments, her and I. The oldest, who is the lover of life with a slight streak of naughtiness running through her veins. She knows how to stretch the limits, and she know where my red button is. It took me almost seven years to finally realize that my reactions to her actions were much more important than her actions themselves. His word had already told me that, but sometimes it's easier to read His words,than to put them into practical usage.



In the Summer 2011 edition of the The Old Schoolhouse magazine, Catherine Levison writes an article called, "How Do You Want to Be Remembered?". Part of her article shares this:

Thirty-one years ago, while holding my first baby in my arms, an older man said to me, "Do not scream and yell at your child." (Let me reassure you, I was not yelling nor in any way angry at my little newborn.) He went on to say, "She will only remember the strong emotions you displayed, not the reason you were yelling and raging." I appreciate being warned of the potential harm of angry screaming. I have never forgotten his words. ...

Charlotte Mason mentions gentleness in regard to parenting, and I believe in this wholeheartedly. She cites one of my favourite verses: "A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all." (2 Timothy 2:24) I love that verse and I find it to be very practical. Do you apply that verse with your children? Charlotte Mason writes that this verse is not restricted to certain people but that it is the "secret to strength" for every parent who is guiding young ones in her home. Discipline can be firm and yet not frightening harsh.

As this new learning year begins, may we choose to speak life giving words to our children. May our tone of voice be sweet like honeycomb and may our homes be filled with voices of praise, encouragement and wise instruction. 



Related Links:

Speak Gently ~ Poem by David Bates

Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild

Gentleness Journal Writing Ideas