Poetry of Fables, Fairies, and Fauna Fables, Fairies, and Fauna    

Lesson 4: The Hen with the Golden Eggs

by Jean de La Fontaine

Performer: Librivox - Rosslyn Carlyle

Directions

Study the poem for one week.

Over the week:

• Read or listen to the poem.
• Review the synopsis.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

A hen lays eggs of gold. The greedy man who owns the hen foolishly kills her to get at the gold inside. The greedy man finds no gold inside the hen and has destroyed the source of his gold.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Recite the Title, the Poet's Name, and the Poem

• Each day this week, recite aloud the title of the poem, the name of the poet, and the poem. Instructors may need to prompt children line-by-line.

Activity 2: Study the Poem's Pictures

• Study the pictures and describe them in your own words.

Activity 3: Narrate the Poem

• After reading or listening to the poem, narrate the poem events aloud using your own words.

Activity 4: Color the Poem   

• Click the crayon above, and complete page 7 of 'Poetry Coloring Pages for First Grade.'

Activity 5: Imagine You Own the Hen from the Poem

• One day this week, discuss what you would do if you owned a golden hen.
• How would you treat the hen?
• What would you do with the golden eggs your hen lays?

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the poem?

1 / 5

Answer 1

The title of the poem is 'The Hen with the Golden Eggs.'

1 / 5

Question 2

What happens in the poem?

2 / 5

Answer 2

A hen lays golden eggs. Her greedy master foolishly kills her to get at the gold inside, cutting off his supply of gold.

2 / 5

Question 3

Where does the poem take place?

3 / 5

Answer 3

The poem most likely takes place on a farm.

3 / 5

Question 4

Who are the characters in the poem?

4 / 5

Answer 4

The poem characters are the greedy man and the hen.

4 / 5

Question 5

Does the poem teach us anything?

5 / 5

Answer 5

The poem teaches us that greed can drive us to destroy the most valuable things in our lives.

5 / 5

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the poem? The title of the poem is 'The Hen with the Golden Eggs.'
2. What happens in the poem? A hen lays golden eggs. Her greedy master foolishly kills her to get at the gold inside, cutting off his supply of gold.
3. Where does the poem take place? The poem most likely takes place on a farm.
4. Who are the characters in the poem? The poem characters are the greedy man and the hen.
5. Does the poem teach us anything? The poem teaches us that greed can drive us to destroy the most valuable things in our lives.