Paragraph 1: Write an intro paragraph that identifies the main characters in The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed and Don’t Count Your Chickens. Tell what life lesson or important values the younger brothers in the two stories help the readers to understand. (See Unit 10, Lesson 4 for help)
Paragraph 2: Explain how the qualities or values of the younger brothers in the stories are different from those of their older brothers. Use details from the stories to contrast the character traits and points of view of the younger brothers with those of their older brothers. (See Unit 10, Lesson 4 for help)
Paragraph 3: Explain what you think the authors want readers to learn from the younger brothers in the stories. Tell how the plot events and the authors’ use of language and literary devices support your ideas. End your paragraph with a sentence that restates the lesson or values that the characters in the stories convey to the readers. (See Unit 10, Lesson 5 for help)
Paragraph 1: The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed and Don't Count Your Chickens are two fascinating tales with powerful life lessons at their core. The main characters in The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed are two brothers, Swallow and Pumpkinseed, while in Don't Count Your Chickens, the story revolves around a wise mother hen and her three sons, the youngest of whom is known as Little Chick. Both stories emphasize the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and careful decision-making through the actions of the younger brothers, helping readers to understand the value of effective problem-solving and the power of learning from others.
Paragraph 2: A striking difference between the younger brothers and their older siblings are their distinct values and qualities. In The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, the elder brother, Pumpkinseed, initially dismisses Swallow's knowledge and wisdom, arrogantly assuming superiority over his younger sibling. However, as the story unfolds, readers see Swallow demonstrate resourcefulness and intelligence, ultimately saving their lives. Similarly, in Don't Count Your Chickens, Little Chick is seen as humble and curious compared to his two older brothers, who prefer to rely on their physical strength and are quick to criticize their youngest sibling. In both cases, the younger brothers possess a unique blend of humility, intelligence, and openness to learning, which helps them navigate challenges and lead their respective families to successful outcomes.
Paragraph 3: The authors of these stories want readers to understand that wisdom, knowledge, and a willingness to learn are essential characteristics that can lead individuals to succeed in life. Through various plot events and the use of language and literary devices, the authors effectively convey their messages to the audience. For example, in The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, Swallow's ability to understand the world around him is what ultimately saves his family, reinforcing the importance of knowledge and thinking critically. In Don't Count Your Chickens, Little Chick exemplifies the power of creativity and adaptability, eventually earning the admiration of his older brothers. Both younger siblings show that by embracing these values and lessons, they are capable of achieving great feats and rising above challenging situations, ultimately imparting this wisdom to readers.
Paragraph 1: In the stories "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed" and "Don’t Count Your Chickens," the main characters are the younger brothers. In "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the younger brother is named Bobby, while in "Don’t Count Your Chickens," the younger brother is unnamed. These stories help readers understand the life lesson of perseverance and the importance of having a positive attitude even in difficult situations.
Paragraph 2: The younger brothers in the stories possess qualities and values that are different from their older brothers. In "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," Bobby is determined and optimistic. Despite facing multiple setbacks, he remains persistent in his quest to save the swallow. On the other hand, his older brother, Freddy, is skeptical and pessimistic, believing that their efforts are futile. In "Don’t Count Your Chickens," the younger brother is brave and resourceful. He takes the lead in finding a way to save the chickens from the fox, while his older brother is timid and reliant on others for help. The contrasting character traits and points of view of the younger brothers highlight their resilience and ability to think independently.
Paragraph 3: The authors of the stories want readers to learn from the younger brothers the importance of perseverance, optimism, bravery, and resourcefulness. In "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the plot events demonstrate Bobby's unwavering determination and positive outlook, even when faced with obstacles. The author's use of descriptive language and imagery helps convey the message of the younger brother's determination. Similarly, in "Don’t Count Your Chickens," the younger brother's quick thinking and fearless nature are emphasized through the plot events and the author's use of suspenseful language. The stories show that through their actions and attitudes, the younger brothers teach readers the values of resilience, optimism, bravery, and resourcefulness. These traits allow them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Overall, the authors want readers to understand the importance of perseverance and a positive attitude in the face of adversity.