From Michiko: For my ninth birthday, my sister Linda gave me a book called The Fairy Tale Book.* It is a large book with delicate illustrations where my imagination and I spent many happy hours together. This last story is called Fairies.
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Fairies
by Charles Perrault
Once there was a widow who had two girls. The oldest daughter was just like her mother, who was spiteful and mean. The younger girl was generous and gentle, as her father had been, and she was perfectly beautiful as well. Like likes like they say, and the mother loved the older girl dearly. She hated the younger girl who did the housework and cooking for the three of them.
Twice a day the younger girl went to the well for water. She walked a mile each way, carrying a heavy jugful each time. One day at the well a poor old woman asked her for a drink. “With pleasure, ma’am,” she said, and smiled prettily. She rinsed out her pitcher and filled it with clear water. Then she held the heavy pitcher as the old woman drank. The woman thanked her. She said, “Because you’re helpful and gentle, I will give you a gift. Every time you speak, a precious jewel or a beautiful flower will spring from your lips.” Then she vanished. She was a fairy who had come to test the girl’s good heart.
With her pitcher full, the girl went home. Her mother scolded her for being so long at the fountain. “I’m sorry, Mother,” said the girl. As she spoke, two roses, two pearls, and two diamonds fell from her lips. “What’s that?” screeched the mother. “Where do they come from?” The girl was both obedient and truthful. She explained what had happened. In the telling, she spread a carpet of diamonds and flowers about her.
“That stupid fairy made a mistake,” said her mother. “Fairy gifts are too good for a loon like you. They should have been given to your clever big sister. Next time, she will go after the water.” That afternoon the mother said to her elder girl, “You’ll fetch the water today.” “I will not,” shouted the mean girl.
This can be the foundation of how we teachers treat our students and how our students treat each other. It's a guide on how to speak when interacting with others, especially when teaching, so hurtful words do not pass our lips. Furthermore, we can guide our students and parents to speak with kindness, humor, and encouragement.
The Fairy Tale Book (Golden Press, Inc.), © 1958, p. 155 Charles Perrault (1628–1703), a French author who wrote "Little Red Riding Hood," "Cinderella," "Puss in Boots," and "The Sleeping Beauty" based on pre-existing folk tales.