Part 7 (2/2)
In addition to the earlier Greek myths we may mention the following subjects as suitable for oral treatment:
The story of Ulysses has been much used in schools with oral presentation, and is one of the best tales for this purpose in all literature. A somewhat full discussion of the value of this story for schools is found in the Special Method in Reading of Complete English Cla.s.sics.
The Norse mythology has also received much attention from teachers who have used the oral mode of treatment. Several of the best books of Norse mythology are mentioned in the appended list. Also the great story of Siegfried.
Some of the old traditional stories in the early history of Rome, of France, Germany, and England, have been used for oral narration and reading to children.
The ”Seven Little Sisters” and its companion book ”Each and All,” and the ”Ten Boys on the Road from Long Ago to Now,” by Jane Andrews, published by Ginn & Co., have been employed extensively for oral and reading work in the third and fourth years of school. The ”Seven Little Sisters” is valuable in connection with the beginnings of geography.
BOOKS FOR THIRD YEAR OF SCHOOL
The Wonder Book of Nathaniel Hawthorne.
The following stories are especially recommended: The Gorgon's Head, The Golden Touch, The Miraculous Pitcher, and The Chimaera.
One should preserve as much as possible of the spirit and language of the author. Perhaps in cla.s.ses with children the other stories will be found equally attractive: The Paradise of Children and the Three Golden Apples. Published by Houghton, Mifflin, & Co., Boston.
Kingsley's Greek Heroes.
The stories of Perseus, the Argonauts, and Theseus, especially adapted to children. It may be advisable for the teacher to abbreviate the stories, leaving out unimportant parts, but giving the best portions in the fullest detail. Published by Ginn & Co.; The Macmillan Co.
Story of the Iliad and Story of the Odyssey (Church).
Simple and interesting narrative of the Homeric stories. The Macmillan Co.
Jason's Quest (Lowell).
The story of the Argonauts with many other Greek myths woven into the narrative. This book is a store of excellent material.
The teacher should select from it those parts specially suited to the grade. Published by Sibley & Ducker, Chicago.
Adventures of Ulysses (Lamb).
A small book from which the chief episodes of Ulysses' career can be obtained. Published by Ginn & Co., Boston.
The Story of Siegfried (Baldwin). Published by Scribner's Sons.
Peabody's Old Greek Folk Stories.
Simple and well written. A supplement to the Wonder Book.
Published by Houghton, Mifflin, & Co.
Tales of Troy (De Garmo).
The story of the siege of Troy and of the great events of Homer's Iliad. This story, on account of its complexity, we deem better adapted to the fourth grade. Published by the Public School Publis.h.i.+ng Co., Bloomington, Ill.
Stories of the Old World (Church).
Stories of the Argo, of Thebes, of Troy, of Ulysses, and of aeneas. Stories are simply and well told. It is a book of 350 pages, and would serve well as a supplementary reader in fourth grade. Published by Ginn & Co.
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