The Ant and the Grasshopper: (First Reading Level 3)
Usborne young reading. Series four
What’s inside...
In this delightful retelling of Aesop's classic fable, Susanna Davidson introduces young readers to the industrious ant and the carefree grasshopper. As winter approaches, the hardworking ant diligently prepares by collecting food, while the grasshopper spends his days playing music and dancing. When the cold arrives, the grasshopper learns a valuable lesson about planning and foresight. This story not only captures the importance of responsibility but also encourages children to balance work and play. A perfect choice to foster perseverance and the value of preparation in young minds. Written with expert advice from a reading consultant and featuring engaging artwork by John Joven, this book is part of the established and international Young Reading Scheme.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Ant
The Grasshopper
Discussion points
How do you think the ant felt when the grasshopper asked for food during winter?
What can we learn from the ant about preparing for the future?
Why do you think the grasshopper didn’t prepare for winter?
How can helping others be important, even if they haven't made the best choices?
If you were the grasshopper, what would you do differently next summer?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the virtues of hard work and preparation as shown by the ant.
Discuss the consequences of the grasshopper’s actions and relate it to real-life situations involving responsibilities and leisure.
Encourage empathy by discussing how the grasshopper might have felt realizing he was unprepared.
Use the story as a springboard to talk about the importance of balance between work and play.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of hard work and planning ahead
Explanation: In the story, the ant diligently prepares for winter by collecting food, while the grasshopper spends the summer playing and ends up unprepared for the colder months.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of doing their homework and chores promptly, helping them develop responsibility and foresight.
Example Lesson: The consequences of procrastination
Explanation: The grasshopper's lack of preparation for winter portrays the negative outcomes of procrastination, which leaves him hungry and regretful.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of completing tasks in a timely manner and not putting off their responsibilities, which can help them avoid last-minute stress.
Example Lesson: The virtue of compassion and sharing
Explanation: Despite the grasshopper's failure to prepare, the story can also be interpreted as highlighting the ant's capacity for empathy and sharing when faced with someone in need.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of helping others who are less fortunate or who have made mistakes, fostering a sense of empathy and community support.