The child who represents the little girl should know the rhymes well. When all is ready she comes in and, standing near the open door, says:—
What a funny house I see!
Surely I may step inside,
All is quiet as can be,
And the door is open wide.
[Walks slowly towards the mugs.]
Pots of food are near the fire.
I must taste them, one [tastes the first], two [tastes the second], three [tastes the third];
Oh, how good, I'll eat it all,
For my breakfast it shall be.
[Puts the mug down and turns to stools.]
Three stools! first [sits on first] and next [sits on it] too high,
Tiny one is just for me.
[Sits on third.]
Oh, 'tis broken [tumbles off], off I go,
What else is there yet to see?
[Walks towards beds.]
Beds, a large one [lies down], that is hard, [Rises.]
This one [pointing to middle bed] is too long, I fear,
Oh, how soft [lies down in little bed], I'll take a rest,
In the little bed just here.
[Pretends to sleep.]
The three bears come tramping in. The big one takes up his mug and says, 'Who has been at my porridge?' The second bear says the same; and then the little bear takes up his mug and says, 'Who has been at my porridge and eaten it all up?'
They proceed in the same way with the stools, the little bear finishing with 'Who has been sitting on my stool, and broken it?'
Then they go to the beds in order, asking one after the other, 'Who has been at my bed?' until it comes to the little bear's turn, when he says, 'Who has been at my bed? and here she is still!'
The little girl now opens her eyes, and, seeing the bears, jumps up quickly and runs off.
32. IMITATING CRIES OF ANIMALS
(A simple game for the very smallest children.)
One child comes out to stand in front of the class and says:—
Listen to the cry I make,
Then, if you the trouble take,
You may guess my name.