Longfellow's Picture "Evangeline"
Use this wonderful picture of Longfellow's. Let each word perform its intended function and each sentence form a complete picture.
"Firmly builded with rafters of oak, the house of the farmer
Stood on the side of a hill commanding the sea; and a shady
Sycamore stood by the door, with a woodbine wreathing around it.
Rudely carved was the porch, with seats beneath; and a foot-path
Led through the orchard wide, and disappeared in the meadow.
Under the sycamore tree were hives overhung by a pent-house,
Such as a traveler sees in regions remote by the road side,
Built o'er a box for the poor, or the blessed image of Mary.
Far down, on the slope of the hill, was the well with its moss-grown
Bucket, fastened with iron, and near it a trough for the horses."
Read again the first three lines, have the child describe the picture. An artist would spend hours to paint this picture, yet we with our wonderful mental faculties can see it in an instant. Add to this picture, and when finished have the child give a prose description of it. Other examples for younger children are given in the Second Book on The Memory.