DLTK's Educational Activities: Aesop's Fables
The Cheerful Grasshopper and the Hardworking Ant
Once upon a time, in a peaceful meadow filled with colorful wildflowers, there lived a cheerful Grasshopper and a hardworking Ant. They were good friends, but they had very different ways of living their lives.
Grasshopper loved to play and have fun all day long. He was known for his melodic tunes that he sang while hopping from flower to flower. His bright green body shimmered in the sun as he danced and leaped, filling the air with laughter and joy. He was the life of the party, and everyone loved being around him.
Ant, on the other hand, was a very busy creature. She was always on the move, gathering food and organizing her underground home. Ant's shiny black body glistened as she scurried back and forth, always working tirelessly. She was well-respected in the meadow for her dedication and hard work.
As summer turned into fall, the warm sun was replaced by a cool breeze, and the leaves on the trees began to change colors.
As the leaves turned from vibrant greens to oranges, reds, and yellows, Ant knew that winter was just around the corner. She continued to work even harder, collecting food and fortifying her cozy underground home. She knew the importance of being prepared for the cold months ahead.
Grasshopper, however, continued to play and sing. He didn't seem to notice the change in the seasons, as he hopped among the fallen leaves, delighting in the crunching sound they made beneath his feet. He couldn't be bothered with work, as he believed there was always time for fun.
Winter arrived sooner than expected, covering the meadow with a thick blanket of snow. The once-green grass disappeared beneath the icy crystals, and the wildflowers withered away. The air grew colder, and the creatures of the meadow retreated to their warm homes.
Grasshopper soon realized that he had nothing to eat and no warm place to stay. Shivering from the cold, he hopped over to Ant's underground home, hoping she could help him.
Ant peered out from the entrance to her snug home, a concerned look on her face. "Grasshopper, you look so cold and hungry! What happened?"
"I didn't prepare for winter," Grasshopper replied, his voice quivering. "I was too busy playing and singing, and now I have nothing to eat and nowhere to go."
Ant nodded, understanding her friend's predicament. "Well, Grasshopper, come inside. You can share my food and warmth for the winter, but promise me that you'll learn from this and prepare for the next one."
Grasshopper gratefully accepted Ant's offer, and they spent the winter together in the cozy underground home. He learned the importance of hard work and preparation, and when spring arrived, he started gathering food and building his own home.
From that day on, Grasshopper and Ant continued to be the best of friends, teaching each other valuable lessons about balance, fun, and responsibility. The meadow was filled with the sounds of their laughter and the music of their friendship for many seasons to come.
And Grasshopper never forgot -- there is a time for work and a time for play!