This printable winter and Christmas lesson from a vintage school reader features the words: popcorn, always, brought, hole, box, saved, rubbed, smell, glad and best.
The lesson tells a story of two small mice, named Frolic and Frisk, having a discussion about the school children who attend the school room where Frolic lives. While admiring the decorated Christmas tree and enjoying the smells of popcorn and apples from the school activities of the day, Frolic asked Frisk where the presents were because he thought a Christmas tree always had presents and he didn’t see any presents there. Frolic explained to Frisk that the presents were all in the one (nondescript) enclosed box beneath the tree. There was writing on the cover of the box but Frolic couldn’t read it, because he hadn’t learned to read, even though he did live in a school room.
Frolic told Frisk that the school children had saved their pennies to buy presents to fill the box and they were very happy when they were filling it with the presents they purchased. The presents included: a doll, some books, oranges, a tea set and a new dress. Frolic went on to tell Frisk he heard Helen mention that the little girl will be happy with all these things.
When Frolic asked Frisk who the little girl was, Frolic replied, “She is a poor, sick girl who lives in the city.”
Here is a black and white version of the illustrations from the pages:
The two mice beside the Christmas tree in the school room.
The mice, one at each end, chewing a chain of popcorn.
I scanned the original pages from Child Life A First Reader by Etta Austin Blaisdell and Mary Frances Blaisdell. The book was published in 1902.
8 thoughts on “Vintage School Reader Printable”
That little story and it’s illustrations are just adorable and so sweet for Christmas. Thank you! I am wondering how I could incorporate something like this into a sewing project.
You’re welcome, Sharon. I thought this little story was too cute not to share. I’m happy to know you like it. 🙂 I would love to see your sewing project if you find a way to incorporate something from this.
Hi Julie, I was wondering if you have a YouTube channel or do you have a coarse teaching Photoshop? Thank you. Carrie
Hi Carrie,
I don’t have a YouTube channel or any Photoshop courses. I’m self taught (mainly from YouTube videos, online tutorials and trial and error). My workflow is probably unconventional compared to the pros. 🙂
Julie
This is absolutely precious!! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
You’re welcome Michele. I’m glad you like it! 🙂
This is so sweet… I love the illustrations and the story behind it. Thanks for a wonderful Christmas present!!!!
You’re welcome, Mary. I’m delighted to know you love it! 🙂