A folktale from Russia
Learning Objective: Students will discuss the lesson of a folktale
One time, an old farmer planted a turnip. It grew and grew until it was giant.
“We will have enough to eat all winter!” said the farmer.
He went to pick the giant turnip.
The farmer yanked and pulled. But the turnip was too big. He could not move it alone.
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So he called to his old wife. “Sweetie, come help me,” he said.
The old woman pulled the farmer who pulled the turnip. But the turnip did not budge.
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So the old woman called to the cow. “Dear cow, come help us,” she said.
The cow pulled the old woman who pulled the farmer who pulled the turnip. But the turnip did not move an inch.
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So the cow called to the dog. “We need you, friend,” said the cow.
The dog pulled the cow who pulled the old woman who pulled the farmer who pulled the turnip. But the turnip was still stuck.
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So the dog called out to a mouse. “Oh little mouse,” said the dog. “Will you help too?”
“I am too small to make a difference,” said the mouse.
“Every little bit helps!” said the farmer.
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Then the mouse pulled the dog who pulled the cow who pulled the old woman who pulled the farmer who pulled the turnip.
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And—pop! The giant turnip came out. They all went flying.
When they landed, they cheered, “We did it!”
The mouse smiled. “That is because we all helped,” she said.
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And we can all have some turnip to eat!” said the farmer. “But how will we get it into the house?”
