(The pupils may not understand "rural", "valley", "pipes", so the teacher should give such further explanation as the different cases demand.)
THE BABY SWALLOW
(First Reader, page 103)
The aim of this lesson is to teach, by means of a story, the moral of trusting in God and trying to do one's best.
The teacher should introduce the lesson by inquiring of the pupils if they have ever watched a young bird learning to fly. Its timidity and the anxiety of the mother-bird should be especially emphasized. A brief reference to the swallow might also be in place, though this is not essential, as the poet has selected it merely as a type of birds in general, and almost any other bird would answer his purpose as well. The rapidity and grace of the swallow's flight, and its habit of constructing its nest of mud under the eaves and in other sheltered places about buildings, are the main points to be noted.
What is the lesson about? About a baby swallow learning to fly.
What do the first four stanzas tell us? His fears.
And the last three? The success of his effort.
What do you see in the picture? A tower with a bell in it.