Then we use them as puppets alongside the song 5 Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate. Ditch the colouring books that hardly ever get used.
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Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Through the animated expert Dr Datfa, children will also learn in greater depth about the effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco and how to make good choices concerning these as they get older.
The final session of the Module explores in more detail what to do in emergency situations. Through story and discussion, children will learn that they are designed for a purpose and how they should live in light of this. A second session unpacks the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation as a foretaste of heaven and a wonderful part of our relationship with God.
In this Unit, children will learn to celebrate similarities and differences, and to appreciate and look after their bodies as gifts from God.
Unit 3 — Emotional Well-Being helps children to understand the difference between feelings and actions, how to manage them and what they can do to help themselves stay emotionally healthy. Finally, children will identify unacceptable behaviours and learn to build resilience against negative feelings by practising thankfulness.
Sexual intercourse is not discussed in this session. In Unit 1 — Religious Understanding children will hear the story of The Good Samaritan and will be introduced to the concept of the Trinity — God as a three in one community of love — and think about what the Trinity means for them. This is a simple teaching that we will return to in more complexity in later years. These stories show children that God made us to be in loving relationships with one another. Unit 2 — Living in the Wider World helps children to learn about the different local and global communities that they are part of, and what rights and responsibilities come with belonging to these communities.
Unit 1 — Religious Understanding begins with an adapted version of the Prodigal Son story to show children that God loves us, and nothing we can do will stop Him from loving us. In further sessions, children will learn how to cope with various social situations and dilemmas, and the importance of saying sorry and forgiveness within relationships.
In Unit 3 — Keeping Safe , Super Susie helps children to tell the difference between good and bad secrets. Through the animated expert Dr Datfa, children will also learn about the effects of harmful substances including alcohol and tobacco , some basic First Aid, what makes a emergency and what they should do if in an emergency situation. Rooted in the teaching that we are created by God out of love and for love, it helps children to develop an understanding of the importance of valuing themselves as the basis for personal relationships:.
Unit 1 — Religious Understanding introduces children to the story from the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus welcomed all of the little children to come to Him.
The five-story sessions encourage children to understand that they are created by God out of love and for love. Children will revisit this Gospel story at the end of this Module.
Building on this knowledge, Unit 2 — Me, My Body, My Health encourages children to celebrate similarities and differences between people, including our God-given bodies and the things they enable us to do! Teaching also includes maintaining personal hygiene and the physical differences between boys and girls.
In Unit 2 Session 2, there is an optional section for discussing external body parts genitalia. Children will learn how they can manage their feelings and about the consequences of their actions. Unit 4 — Life Cycles returns to the Gospel story from Unit 1, to show that God created us to follow the cycle of life and He loves us at every stage. Children will learn about the specifics of the human life cycle and celebrate how they have already changed and grown.
Building on the understanding that we have been created out of love and for love, this Module explores how we take this calling into our family, friendships and relationships, and teaches strategies for developing healthy relationships and keeping safe:. Children will learn to resolve conflict and the importance of asking for forgiveness: that when we hurt others, we also hurt Jesus — but that Jesus teaches us how to forgive ourselves and others.
All these topics are underpinned by the religious teaching that we are created and loved by God, with bodies and minds that He wants us to keep safe. Unit 1 — Religious Understanding introduces in a very simple way the concept of the Trinity, where God is three-in-one and each part loves the others and loves us.
Children will come to understand that as we are made in the image of God, we are designed to love God and love one another in our wider communities too. Through the story of Jesus feeding the with just the humble offering of a small boy, children will learn that our loving actions can be used by God to do incredible things. Unit 2 — Living in the Wider World helps children to extend their understanding of communities from Unit 1, as they learn about the responsibilities they have to people, places and the planet now and increasingly as they get older.
Rooted in the teaching that we are created by God out of love and for love , it helps children to develop an understanding of the importance of valuing themselves as the basis for personal relationships:. Unit 1 — Religious Understanding introduces children to the story of creation, where God created the earth, sea, stars, plants, animals and humans. The five-story sessions encourage children to creatively explore this topic and help them to deeply know that they are created by God out of love and for love.
Children will learn about their uniqueness in real terms, including celebrating differences and individual gifts, talents and abilities.
They will learn about looking after and using their God-given bodies and develop their vocabulary around this topic. Over the three sessions of Unit 3 — Emotional Well-Being , children will learn about likes, dislikes and self-acceptance.
They will learn from Freddy Teddy and his friends how to describe different feelings, both good and bad. Finally through a real world example, children will learn that actions have consequences; that when we make mistakes we should say sorry and ask for forgiveness. We had hoped to have all of these changes in place for the very start of the new academic year. Unfortunately, despite working very hard throughout the summer months, the Covid situation had a big impact on our work in many ways and we are not quite there with the new content yet, although be assured that the resources are almost complete!
They just need to be designed and signed off. In reality, you should see these new resources and developments being added to the website over the coming days and weeks, with the new programme fully available by the Autumn half-term. This includes:. You can read more about what is new in here. This was sent to the Programme Coordinator in an email at the start of your subscription in a document called Key Information. You can request a copy of your Key Information to be sent to you.
Please note that only Programme Coordinators are registered to receive this information:. Instead of downloading and printing the Teacher Script, consider using Speaker Notes on the Google Slides presentation. You can read the Speaker Notes on your computer whilst the full presentation is displayed on your screen. Like you, Covid has affected our operations significantly. This has meant that our filming dates were delayed by months and we were only able to start shooting the new materials in July, as soon as lockdown on this particular activity lifted.
We had some big decisions to make about the programme for this academic year. However, when the DFE announced that the new RSHE curriculum would be implemented during this year, we decided to push ahead with the production.
The good news is that, despite the long delay, we are now only a little behind in our delivery on the materials. We consulted with a number of schools and decided to make a plan of action that we felt would best meet your needs at this time.
The plan of action included:. Also, this gives less prep for teachers in a time of great pressure on the curriculum. Finally, some schools told us that the RSHE programme for Year 11 will be curtailed due to other curriculum demands.
We plan to publish a new Year 11 resource from September This means that if you plan to implement the curriculum in Autumn , the material will be available to you week-by-week. However, this also buys us crucial time to deliver the materials despite delays. Be assured of our continued support. This means that your computer needs to have the licence installed so you can open it.
The Locklizard software required on your computer is different to the username and password you use to log into the website. You need both. Locklizard has sent an email to your Programme Coordinator with the required software and registration licence. If you are using a personal computer: — You can install the software yourself by following the instructions provided by your Programme Coordinator. If you are using a school computer: — We recommend that your IT Technician installs the software on your school computer.
This is because your permission to download software is likely to have been restricted. Please email support tentenresources. We will arrange for the LockLizard email to be sent to you. This is a one-off process that only takes a couple of minutes per computer. Once the software has been installed, your subscription is automatically checked in the background.
The only time you will need to do it again is if your computer memory is wiped or if you get a new computer. However, please note that you will be unable to download or print the resources from these links. Therefore, long-term we recommend that you have the software installed on every computer. It is not viable for us to release the full materials on a perpetual licence, and schools have told us that they would prefer to pay a smaller annual subscription rather than a large one-off fee.
Controlling access to the materials through Locklizard software is one way we can protect the service. Any computer can download the documents. However, when you try to open the document, the licensing software checks that the computer you are using has an active subscription.
Please contact support tentenresources. Instead of downloading and printing the Teacher Script, consider using Speaker Notes online presentation only.
Thank you for this opportunity to nurture the faith of the children in my care. By the power of your Holy Spirit, lead and guide me as I prepare this time of collective worship and bless each and every child with an open heart and mind to hear your Word. Complete the short form below to receive an automated email containing your Key Information and Staff Registration list. Please note: you just need to embed this code once.
The Sunday Liturgy for Families will be automatically updated every week using the same code. The course is due to launch on Monday 27 April It will be available for a minimum of 12 months. There are 6 modules and it takes approximately minutes or less to complete a module. We anticipate the entire course can be undertaken in hours. Progress can be saved so you can pickup where you left off.
Yes, there are no limits to the number of staff who can undertake the course. If you would like more than one member of staff to undertake the course, just complete the sign-up form once.
Once the course is available, you can share it with other members of staff who will be able to individually register. Yes, some schools are considering running the course with multiple members of staff at the same time. This is perfectly viable.
However, there will be additional contributions during these Hub Days. This is to ensure that as many schools as possible can attend the training days.
Please note that places are limited so early booking is advised. Little snowflake falling from the sky. Falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling… falling on my head. Falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling… falling on my nose. Falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling, falling… falling in my hand.
Falling on my head. Falling on my nose. Falling in my hand. Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake…. Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around, Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground, Teddy bear, teddy bear, reach up high, Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the sky,. Roll over! Do you know the muffin man, The muffin man, the muffin man, Do you know the muffin man, That lives on Drury Lane? Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky.
When the blazing sun is gone, When he nothing shines upon, Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Then the traveler in the dark, Thanks you for your tiny spark, He could not see which way to go, If you did not twinkle so. In the dark blue sky you keep, And often through my curtains peep, For you never shut your eye, Till the sun is in the sky.
As your bright and tiny spark, Lights the traveler in the dark. Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star. The wheels on the bus go round and round, Round and round, round and round The wheels on the bus go round and round, All through the town. The doors on the bus go open and shut Open and shut, open and shut The doors on the bus go open and shut All through the town.
The wipers on the bus go swish swish swish Swish swish swish, swish swish swish The wipers on the bus go swish swish swish All through the town. The baby on the bus goes waa waa waa Waa waa waa, waa waa waa The baby on the bus goes waa waa waa All through the town. The mommy on the bus goes shhh, shhh, shhh Shh shh shh, shh shh shh The mommy on the bus goes shhh, shhh, shhh All through the town.
The smallness of the company made it necessary for the two principal actors to take several parts apiece, and they certainly deserved some credit for the hard work they did in learning three or four different parts, whisking in and out of various costumes, and managing the stage besides.
It was excellent drill for their memories, a harmless amusement, and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle, lonely, or spent in less profitable society.
On Christmas night, a dozen girls piled onto the bed which was the dress circle, and sat before the blue and yellow chintz curtains in a most flattering state of expectancy.
There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain, a trifle of lamp smoke, and an occasional giggle from Amy, who was apt to get hysterical in the excitement of the moment. Presently a bell sounded, the curtains flew apart, and the operatic tragedy began. This cave was made with a clothes horse for a roof, bureaus for walls, and in it was a small furnace in full blast, with a black pot on it and an old witch bending over it.
The stage was dark and the glow of the furnace had a fine effect, especially as real steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover. A moment was allowed for the first thrill to subside, then Hugo, the villain, stalked in with a clanking sword at his side, a slouching hat, black beard, mysterious cloak, and the boots. After pacing to and fro in much agitation, he struck his forehead, and burst out in a wild strain, singing of his hatred for Roderigo, his love for Zara, and his pleasing resolution to kill the one and win the other.
I need thee! Out came Meg, with gray horsehair hanging about her face, a red and black robe, a staff, and cabalistic signs upon her cloak.
Hugo demanded a potion to make Zara adore him, and one to destroy Roderigo. Hagar, in a fine dramatic melody, promised both, and proceeded to call up the spirit who would bring the love philter.
Hither, hither, from thy home, Airy sprite, I bid thee come! Born of roses, fed on dew, Charms and potions canst thou brew? Bring me here, with elfin speed, The fragrant philter which I need. Make it sweet and swift and strong, Spirit, answer now my song! A soft strain of music sounded, and then at the back of the cave appeared a little figure in cloudy white, with glittering wings, golden hair, and a garland of roses on its head.
Waving a wand, it sang Hither I come, From my airy home, Afar in the silver moon. Take the magic spell, And use it well, Or its power will vanish soon! Another chant from Hagar produced another apparition, not a lovely one, for with a bang an ugly black imp appeared and, having croaked a reply, tossed a dark bottle at Hugo and disappeared with a mocking laugh. Having warbled his thanks and put the potions in his boots, Hugo departed, and Hagar informed the audience that as he had killed a few of her friends in times past, she had cursed him, and intends to thwart his plans, and be revenged on him.
Then the curtain fell, and the audience reposed and ate candy while discussing the merits of the play. A good deal of hammering went on before the curtain rose again, but when it became evident what a masterpiece of stage carpentery had been got up, no one murmured at the delay.
It was truly superb. A tower rose to the ceiling, halfway up appeared a window with a lamp burning in it, and behind the white curtain appeared Zara in a lovely blue and silver dress, waiting for Roderigo. He came in gorgeous array, with plumed cap, red cloak, chestnut lovelocks, a guitar, and the boots, of course. Kneeling at the foot of the tower, he sang a serenade in melting tones.
Zara replied and, after a musical dialogue, consented to fly. Then came the grand effect of the play. Roderigo produced a rope ladder, with five steps to it, threw up one end, and invited Zara to descend. Alas for Zara! It caught in the window, the tower tottered, leaned forward, fell with a crash, and buried the unhappy lovers in the ruins. I told you so! Act as if it was all right!
Though decidedly shaken by the fall from the tower upon him, Roderigo defied the old gentleman and refused to stir. This dauntless example fired Zara. She also defied her sire, and he ordered them both to the deepest dungeons of the castle. A stout little retainer came in with chains and led them away, looking very much frightened and evidently forgetting the speech he ought to have made.
Act third was the castle hall, and here Hagar appeared, having come to free the lovers and finish Hugo. Hugo, getting thirsty after a long warble, drinks it, loses his wits, and after a good deal of clutching and stamping, falls flat and dies, while Hagar informs him what she has done in a song of exquisite power and melody.
He was called before the curtain, and with great propriety appeared, leading Hagar, whose singing was considered more wonderful than all the rest of the performance put together. Act fourth displayed the despairing Roderigo on the point of stabbing himself because he has been told that Zara has deserted him.
Just as the dagger is at his heart, a lovely song is sung under his window, informing him that Zara is true but in danger, and he can save her if he will. A key is thrown in, which unlocks the door, and in a spasm of rapture he tears off his chains and rushes away to find and rescue his lady love. Act fifth opened with a stormy scene between Zara and Don Pedro. Don Pedro refuses, because he is not rich. They shout and gesticulate tremendously but cannot agree, and Rodrigo is about to bear away the exhausted Zara, when the timid servant enters with a letter and a bag from Hagar, who has mysteriously disappeared.
The bag is opened, and several quarts of tin money shower down upon the stage till it is quite glorified with the glitter. This entirely softens the stern sire. Tumultuous applause followed but received an unexpected check, for the cot bed, on which the dress circle was built, suddenly shut up and extinguished the enthusiastic audience. Roderigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue, and all were taken out unhurt, though many were speechless with laughter.
This was a surprise even to the actors, and when they saw the table, they looked at one another in rapturous amazement. It was like Marmee to get up a little treat for them, but anything so fine as this was unheard of since the departed days of plenty.
There was ice cream, actually two dishes of it, pink and white, and cake and fruit and distracting French bonbons and, in the middle of the table, four great bouquets of hot house flowers. It quite took their breath away, and they stared first at the table and then at their mother, who looked as if she enjoyed it immensely.
What in the world put such a thing into his head? He is an odd old gentleman, but that pleased him. He knew my father years ago, and he sent me a polite note this afternoon, saying he hoped I would allow him to express his friendly feeling toward my children by sending them a few trifles in honor of the day. I could not refuse, and so you have a little feast at night to make up for the bread-and-milk breakfast.
He brought the flowers himself, and I should have asked him in, if I had been sure what was going on upstairs. He looked so wistful as he went away, hearing the frolic and evidently having none of his own. How pretty it is! March, smelling the half-dead posy in her belt.
As Meg appeared, Scrabble whisked into his hole. Jo shook the tears off her cheeks and waited to hear the news. Only see! A regular note of invitation from Mrs. Gardiner for tomorrow night! Yours is as good as new, but I forgot the burn and the tear in mine. Whatever shall I do?
The front is all right. I like to fly about and cut capers. Now go and answer your note, and let me finish this splendid story. Simple as the toilets were, there was a great deal of running up and down, laughing and talking, and at one time a strong smell of burned hair pervaded the house.
Meg wanted a few curls about her face, and Jo undertook to pinch the papered locks with a pair of hot tongs. She did take off the papers, but no cloud of ringlets appeared, for the hair came with the papers, and the horrified hairdresser laid a row of little scorched bundles on the bureau before her victim. What have you done? My hair, oh, my hair! I always spoil everything. Just frizzle it, and tie your ribbon so the ends come on your forehead a bit, and it will look like the last fashion.
Jo in maroon, with a stiff, gentlemanly linen collar, and a white chrysanthemum or two for her only ornament. March, as the sisters went daintily down the walk. Is my sash right? And does my hair look very bad? If you see me doing anything wrong, just remind me by a wink, will you?
Down they went, feeling a trifle timid, for they seldom went to parties, and informal as this little gathering was, it was an event to them. Gardiner, a stately old lady, greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her six daughters. Half a dozen jovial lads were talking about skates in another part of the room, and she longed to go and join them, for skating was one of the joys of her life.
She telegraphed her wish to Meg, but the eyebrows went up so alarmingly that she dared not stir. No one came to talk to her, and one by one the group dwindled away till she was left alone. She could not roam about and amuse herself, for the burned breadth would show, so she stared at people rather forlornly till the dancing began. Meg was asked at once, and the tight slippers tripped about so briskly that none would have guessed the pain their wearer suffered smilingly.
Jo saw a big red headed youth approaching her corner, and fearing he meant to engage her, she slipped into a curtained recess, intending to peep and enjoy herself in peace. I wish every one would say Jo instead of Josephine. How did you make the boys stop calling you Dora?
I love dearly to hear people describe their travels. Let me see Jo quite glowed with pleasure at this boyish praise of her sister, and stored it up to repeat to Meg.
Both peeped and criticized and chatted till they felt like old acquaintances. Wonder how old he is? I see you pegging away at your books, no, I mean studying hard.
Nothing but grinding or skylarking. You may laugh, if you want to. It is funny, I know. Please come. Jo thanked him and gladly went, wishing she had two neat gloves when she saw the nice, pearl-colored ones her partner wore. The hall was empty, and they had a grand polka, for Laurie danced well, and taught her the German step, which delighted Jo, being full of swing and spring. She beckoned, and Jo reluctantly followed her into a side room, where she found her on a sofa, holding her foot, and looking pale.
That stupid high heel turned and gave me a sad wrench. Sallie has some girls staying with her. Get me my rubbers, and put these slippers with our things. So Meg reclined, with rubbers well hidden, and Jo went blundering away to the dining room, which she found after going into a china closet, and opening the door of a room where old Mr.
Gardiner was taking a little private refreshment. Making a dart at the table, she secured the coffee, which she immediately spilled, thereby making the front of her dress as bad as the back. And there was Laurie, with a full cup in one hand and a plate of ice in the other. I was looking for someone to give this to.
May I take it to your sister? They had a merry time over the bonbons and mottoes, and were in the midst of a quiet game of Buzz , with two or three other young people who had strayed in, when Hannah appeared.
Meg forgot her foot and rose so quickly that she was forced to catch hold of Jo, with an exclamation of pain. Slipping out, she ran down and, finding a servant, asked if he could get her a carriage. Please let me take you home. Hannah hated rain as much as a cat does so she made no trouble, and they rolled away in the luxurious close carriage, feeling very festive and elegant. Laurie went on the box so Meg could keep her foot up, and the girls talked over their party in freedom.
Did you? His hair is auburn, not red, and he was very polite, and I had a delicious redowa with him. Did you hear us? Jo told her adventures, and by the time she had finished they were at home. With many thanks, they said good night and crept in, hoping to disturb no one, but the instant their door creaked, two little nightcaps bobbed up, and two sleepy but eager voices cried out But it does seem so nice to have little suppers and bouquets, and go to parties, and drive home, and read and rest, and not work.
She had not heart enough even to make herself pretty as usual by putting on a blue neck ribbon and dressing her hair in the most becoming way. Everyone seemed rather out of sorts and inclined to croak.
Beth had a headache and lay on the sofa, trying to comfort herself with the cat and three kittens. Jo would whistle and make a great racket getting ready. March, crossing out the third spoiled sentence in her letter. There was a momentary lull, broken by Hannah, who stalked in, laid two hot turnovers on the table, and stalked out again. Hannah never forgot to make them, no matter how busy or grumpy she might be, for the walk was long and bleak.
The poor things got no other lunch and were seldom home before two. Goodbye, Marmee. Now then, Meg! They always looked back before turning the corner, for their mother was always at the window to nod and smile, and wave her hand to them.
Poor dear, just wait till I make my fortune, and you shall revel in carriages and ice cream and high-heeled slippers, and posies, and red-headed boys to dance with. Thank goodness, I can always find something funny to keep me up. Jo gave her sister an encouraging pat on the shoulder as they parted for the day, each going a different way, each hugging her little warm turnover, and each trying to be cheerful in spite of wintry weather, hard work, and the unsatisfied desires of pleasure-loving youth.
When Mr. March lost his property in trying to help an unfortunate friend, the two oldest girls begged to be allowed to do something toward their own support, at least. Believing that they could not begin too early to cultivate energy, industry, and independence, their parents consented, and both fell to work with the hearty good will which in spite of all obstacles is sure to succeed at last.
Margaret found a place as nursery governess and felt rich with her small salary. She found it harder to bear than the others because she could remember a time when home was beautiful, life full of ease and pleasure, and want of any kind unknown. She tried not to be envious or discontented, but it was very natural that the young girl should long for pretty things, gay friends, accomplishments, and a happy life. Poor Meg seldom complained, but a sense of injustice made her feel bitter toward everyone sometimes, for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy.
Jo happened to suit Aunt March, who was lame and needed an active person to wait upon her. The childless old lady had offered to adopt one of the girls when the troubles came, and was much offended because her offer was declined.
Rich or poor, we will keep together and be happy in one another. I suspect that the real attraction was a large library of fine books, which was left to dust and spiders since Uncle March died. Jo remembered the kind old gentleman, who used to let her build railroads and bridges with his big dictionaries, tell her stories about queer pictures in his Latin books, and buy her cards of gingerbread whenever he met her in the street.
The dim, dusty room, with the busts staring down from the tall bookcases, the cozy chairs, the globes, and best of all, the wilderness of books in which she could wander where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her. The moment Aunt March took her nap, or was busy with company, Jo hurried to this quiet place, and curling herself up in the easy chair, devoured poetry, romance, history, travels, and pictures like a regular bookworm.
A quick temper, sharp tongue, and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes, and her life was a series of ups and downs, which were both comic and pathetic.
Beth was too bashful to go to school. It had been tried, but she suffered so much that it was given up, and she did her lessons at home with her father. She was a housewifely little creature, and helped Hannah keep home neat and comfortable for the workers, never thinking of any reward but to be loved.
Long, quiet days she spent, not lonely nor idle, for her little world was peopled with imaginary friends, and she was by nature a busy bee. There were six dolls to be taken up and dressed every morning, for Beth was a child still and loved her pets as well as ever. Not one whole or handsome one among them, all were outcasts till Beth took them in, for when her sisters outgrew these idols, they passed to her because Amy would have nothing old or ugly.
Beth cherished them all the more tenderly for that very reason, and set up a hospital for infirm dolls. No pins were ever stuck into their cotton vitals, no harsh words or blows were ever given them, no neglect ever saddened the heart of the most repulsive, but all were fed and clothed, nursed and caressed with an affection which never failed.
One forlorn fragment of dollanity had belonged to Jo and, having led a tempestuous life, was left a wreck in the rag bag, from which dreary poorhouse it was rescued by Beth and taken to her refuge.
Having no top to its head, she tied on a neat little cap, and as both arms and legs were gone, she hid these deficiencies by folding it in a blanket and devoting her best bed to this chronic invalid. If anyone had known the care lavished on that dolly, I think it would have touched their hearts, even while they laughed. She loved music so dearly, tried so hard to learn, and practiced away so patiently at the jingling old instrument, that it did seem as if someone not to hint Aunt March ought to help her.
There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind. No one minded it but herself, and it was doing its best to grow, but Amy felt deeply the want of a Grecian nose, and drew whole sheets of handsome ones to console herself.
Her teachers complained that instead of doing her sums she covered her slate with animals, the blank pages of her atlas were used to copy maps on, and caricatures of the most ludicrous description came fluttering out of all her books at unlucky moments. She got through her lessons as well as she could, and managed to escape reprimands by being a model of deportment. She was a great favorite with her mates, being good-tempered and possessing the happy art of pleasing without effort. Her little airs and graces were much admired, so were her accomplishments, for besides her drawing, she could play twelve tunes, crochet, and read French without mispronouncing more than two-thirds of the words.
Amy was in a fair way to be spoiled, for everyone petted her, and her small vanities and selfishnesses were growing nicely. One thing, however, rather quenched the vanities. When I think of this deggerredation , I feel that I can bear even my flat nose and purple gown with yellow sky-rockets on it. To Jo alone did the shy child tell her thoughts, and over her big harum-scarum sister Beth unconsciously exercised more influence than anyone in the family. I actually made myself sleepy, and before she began to nod, I gave such a gape that she asked me what I meant by opening my mouth wide enough to take the whole book in at once.
She never finds herself very soon, so the minute her cap began to bob like a top-heavy dahlia, I whipped the Vicar of Wakefield out of my pocket, and read away, with one eye on him and one on Aunt.
Aunt woke up and, being more good-natured after her nap, told me to read a bit and show what frivolous work I preferred to the worthy and instructive Belsham. I did my very best, and she liked it, though she only said Go back and begin it, child. What a pleasant life she might have if only she chose! I heard Mrs. King crying and Mr. I wanted it dreadfully, and wished I was her with all my might.
Well, she drew a picture of Mr. We were laughing over it when all of a sudden his eye was on us, and he ordered Susie to bring up her slate. She was parry lized with fright, but she went, and oh, what do you think he did? He took her by the ear—the ear! Just fancy how horrid! Not one! They sat still as mice, and Susie cried quarts, I know she did. I never, never should have got over such a agonizing mortification.
Cutter the fish-man. A poor woman came in with a pail and a mop, and asked Mr. Laurence hooked up a big fish with the crooked end of his cane and held it out to her.
She was so glad and surprised she took it right into her arms, and thanked him over and over. Oh, she did look so funny, hugging the big, slippery fish, and hoping Mr.
It was not a wise thing to do, but I kept on worrying till an old man came in with an order for some clothes. He sat down near me, and I began to talk to him, for he looked poor and tired and anxious.
I had all my girls to comfort me at home, and his last son was waiting, miles away, to say good-by to him, perhaps! I felt so rich, so happy thinking of my blessings, that I made him a nice bundle, gave him some money, and thanked him heartily for the lesson he had taught me.
March smiled and began at once, for she had told stories to this little audience for many years, and knew how to please them. Meg went back to toast her feet and read Ivanhoe , and Jo began to dig paths with great energy. The snow was light, and with her broom she soon swept a path all round the garden, for Beth to walk in when the sun came out and the invalid dolls needed air. Both stood in a suburb of the city, which was still country-like, with groves and lawns, large gardens, and quiet streets.
A low hedge parted the two estates. On one side was an old, brown house, looking rather bare and shabby, robbed of the vines that in summer covered its walls and the flowers, which then surrounded it. On the other side was a stately stone mansion, plainly betokening every sort of comfort and luxury, from the big coach house and well-kept grounds to the conservatory and the glimpses of lovely things one caught between the rich curtains.
Yet it seemed a lonely, lifeless sort of house, for no children frolicked on the lawn, no motherly face ever smiled at the windows, and few people went in and out, except the old gentleman and his grandson. She had long wanted to behold these hidden glories, and to know the Laurence boy, who looked as if he would like to be known, if he only knew how to begin. Since the party, she had been more eager than ever, and had planned many ways of making friends with him, but he had not been seen lately, and Jo began to think he had gone away, when she one day spied a brown face at an upper window, looking wistfully down into their garden, where Beth and Amy were snow-balling one another.
He needs a party of jolly boys to play with, or somebody young and lively. The idea amused Jo, who liked to do daring things and was always scandalizing Meg by her queer performances. And when the snowy afternoon came, Jo resolved to try what could be done.
She saw Mr. Lawrence drive off, and then sallied out to dig her way down to the hedge, where she paused and took a survey. All quiet, curtains down at the lower windows, servants out of sight, and nothing human visible but a curly black head leaning on a thin hand at the upper window.
All alone and sick this dismal day. Up went a handful of soft snow, and the head turned at once, showing a face which lost its listless look in a minute, as the big eyes brightened and the mouth began to smile.
Jo nodded and laughed, and flourished her broom as she called out Boys make such a row, and my head is weak. Girls are quiet and like to play nurse. Shut the window, like a good boy, and wait till I come.
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