Garay, Marie - Specialist

Grade 8 Language Arts

The Oak And The Reeds

By Aesop Pt. 1

Background Information:​ Click on the links below to view the two videos about Aesop and his fables.

https://youtu.be/UZIAewCwLkQ

https://youtu.be/ZjkzXpRxBQM

Pt. 2
Anchor Chart:​ Use the above videos to either add to or create your own anchor chart... make sure to “capture” the most important aspects of a fable by including a visual and a brief description for each.

Pt. 3
Fable:​ Read the fable,​ The Oak And The Reeds​, and watch the video using the attached link.

https://youtu.be/hDf0GhNK6pk

The Oak And The Reeds by ​Aesop

A Giant Oak stood near a brook in which grew some slender Reeds. When the wind blew, the great Oak stood proudly upright with its hundred arms uplifted to the sky. But the Reeds bowed low in the wind and sang a sad and mournful song.

"You have reason to complain," said the Oak. "The slightest breeze that ruffles the surface of the water makes you bow your heads, while I, the mighty Oak, stand upright and firm before the howling tempest."

"Do not worry about us," replied the Reeds. "The winds do not harm us. We bow before them and so we do not break. You, in all your pride and strength, have so far resisted their blows. But the end is coming."

As the Reeds spoke a great hurricane rushed out of the north. The Oak stood proudly and fought against the storm, while the yielding Reeds bowed low. The wind redoubled in fury, and all at once the great tree fell, torn up by the roots, and lay among the pitying Reeds.

Pt. 4
Flexibility and Compromise:​ Using the Word Map format below, create your own Word Map for the words -

1) flexibility 2) compromise

Pt. 5
Discussion Questions:​ Answer the following questions thoughtfully and in complete sentences. NOTE:​ complete sentences = capital first letter - complete thought - end mark

1. Why did the reeds think they were stronger than the oak?

   Ex.​ ​The reeds thought they were stronger than the oak, because _____ your answer _____

2. Have you ever felt stubborn, like the oak? Explain!

3. Have you ever “bent,” or compromised a little, like the reeds? Explain!

4. Why does it take more bravery to bend, like the reeds? Explain!

5. What do you think the moral of the fable is? Explain!

6. What do you think it means to be “strong”? Explain!

Pt. 6
Writing Activity:​ Respond to the following prompt in ONE of the following forms: a journal entry, poem, song lyrics, comic strip or a visual with words.

➔ Taking into consideration our nation’s, state’s, and local community’s current situation... how can we apply the moral of this story to what we as a whole and as individuals are going through? Share your thoughts and feelings.