IN THE WOODS.
As Red Riding Hood went along the path in the woods she met a big gray wolf. He was a hungry wolf, and when he saw this rosy-cheeked little girl he wanted to eat her. But he was afraid because there were woodcutters at work near by.
He came close to Red Riding Hood and spoke to her. “Good morning, little girl,” he said, “where are you going?” “Good morning, sir,” said Red Riding Hood; “I am going to see my dear grandmother, who is sick.”
“What have you in the basket?” asked the wolf. “Oh, I have a little present for my grandmother,” said Red Riding Hood. “I am taking her a loaf of bread, a pat of butter, and a bottle of wine. This is my dear grandmother’s birthday.”
“Why don’t you pick a bunch of these lovely flowers for your grandmother?” said the wolf. “Oh, I mustn’t leave the path,” answered Red Riding Hood: “my mother said so.” “She never meant that,” said the wolf. “She would be pleased to have you take some of these beautiful flowers to your poor sick grandmother. Where does your grandmother live?”
“Grandmother lives in the little house at the end of this path,” said Red Riding Hood. “There are three tall trees behind the house and nut bushes growing near.”
“Well, good-bye, little girl,” said the wolf; “be sure you pick a large bunch of flowers for your grandmother.” And off he strolled along the path towards the grandmother’s house.
When he got there he knocked at the door. The dear old grandmother was lying down on the bed. She called out, “Who is there?” “It is I, Red Riding Hood,” answered the wolf; “I have brought you a birthday present.”
“Pull the string and the latch will fly up,” said the grandmother. The wolf pulled the string that hung on the outside of the door. Sure enough, the latch flew up and the door swung open.
Oh, how astonished the poor old grandmother was when the door opened and in walked this big, hungry-looking wolf instead of her dear little Red Riding Hood!
The wolf gave her no time to cry out. He sprang upon the bed and swallowed the poor frightened grandmother before she had time to say a word.
Then he dressed himself in her night-gown and cap and got into bed.
Suggestions.
Question to connect and deepen the story.
Have interesting talks about trees, animals, flowers, sights and sounds of the woods.
Work of the woodcutters.
Recall conduct of the wolf in “The Wolf and The Seven Little Goats.” Deceit. Disobedience.
III.
Preparation.
Recall preceding part of story. Talk of the danger awaiting Red Riding Hood.
Narration.