A few days ago I found one of my favorite books that I used to read as a child, I never realized how many of the children's fables were devoted to food.
Today, whilst working at the primary school, I read Hansel and Gretel to kids. Wow, it's been an extremely long time since I read that book. Reading it as young adult I picked up on so many things the little 4 year olds seemed to find amusing but were quite serious.
I must admit... As I read the book I couldn't help but fantasize about how yummy the candy in the images looked. Maybe I could try making some donuts with the kids? Maybe I could even make gingerbread men with them? I'm not a great cook but I do enjoy baking a cake or two. But I'm sure the kids would really enjoy it and it would help them engage with what happens in the story a bit more.
The food in the story is presented almost in a hypnotizing form. Hansel and Gretel couldn't wait to get their teeth in the roof of the witch’s house! A little boy named Georgie put his hand up and ask "Miss... Can we get some sweets at lunchtime?". Of course they are not allowed... I learnt my lesson from eating to many sweets - it means a visit to the dentist because some fillings are in order.
The children seemed to think that because Hansel and Gretel ate the sweets, then that meant that it is acceptable for children to eat as many sweets as they like. Does this mean that children misinterpret the meaning of the story? I mean... The story is about a witch that is a cannibal! (I did not understand that at the age 4 as well).
I had great time reading the children this book... What to read next week? I think I'll go for The Gingerbread Man and some donuts shall be made with the kids!
Fun, fun, fun!
Was the story-telling before lunch? That might be the reason why they picked up the sweets instead of the moral of the story. :-)
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this book when I was younger, its such a cute story! I definitely wasnt aware of the literature as much as the treats and food in it though either.
ReplyDeleteI read the Grimms' version of this story and I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't include that the step mother tried to get rid of them twice. So cruel. And incidentally, my little brother and I tried to make a gingerbread house. I collapsed! Still tasty though :)
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