What has been beating against the tower for years? The wind, sun, rain, snow. What one word would stand for all these? Weather. Explain "weather-beaten". In perching on its nest, what does the baby swallow seem ready to do? To fly. What other words might the Mother-Bird use instead of "courage"? "Don't be afraid." How many wings are meant by "either wing"? In this stanza, what is the "Mother-Bird" doing? Giving the little bird instructions in the way to begin flying. Describe how he is to begin. How does the baby feel about it? He feels afraid. What word tells you this? "Pauses." What does he think is deep? The distance between the tower and the ground. Why is the bird afraid to attempt to fly? It is so far to the ground and his "wings" seem very "small". Why is the "Mother" not afraid to let her baby try? She knows that God will carry him safely. How does she know this? Because "He" had "carried" her. When? When she was as small as the baby swallow is now. Why does the "Mother" tell him this? To encourage him to make the attempt. How does the baby swallow make his start? He "spreads out his wings" as far as he can and "springs" out. Which stanza has almost the same form as this? The second. What is he surprised to find? That he is able to fly. How does he feel after that about flying? He is no longer afraid. PREPARATION What is he able to do well? To steer. What does this mean? To fly in any direction he wishes. How does the "Mother" feel over her baby's success? She feels glad. To whom does she give thanks? To God. How does she do so? By singing a song of thankfulness. What can we learn from this story? That, if we really try to do a difficult thing, we can usually succeed; that sometimes a thing that looks hard is really very easy when we try to do it. Tell this story in your own words. Tell any similar story you know. THE BROOK (First Reader, page 110) PREPARATION You stood on the bridge and looked at the stream. What did you see? I saw some little fishes. I saw my image. I saw some bright stones. It is no wonder you looked at the stream when it shows you so many things. What were the fishes doing? They were swimming. They would dart after some crumbs that we dropped into the water. Why were the fishes there? That is their home. Yes, they like to live in the clear water. Mary says she saw her image. What have you at home that shows you your image? The mirror.