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

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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".