Notes: This version has much in common with that which the Grimm's collected. The bird, the first two lines of the rhyme, the hazel tree and the cutting off of part of the feet to make them fit into the shoe are identical. It is interesting to see that in this version, Cinder-Maid makes her own magic by calling forth a mist. She is able to outwit the prince three times. The device of a nut opening to contain items which it cannot possibly have within it is an ancient story element. This transformation, this unfathomable bounty from the invisible interior of a sealed nut is reminiscent of the symbolism of eggs. Eggs in turn symbolize rebirth. Perhaps the dresses and fine trappings coming from inside the nut show Cinder-Maid transforming from a little girl to a young woman, stepping out of her child's dirty rags and into the symbolic garments of her mother, as provided for her by the bird.
As for the golden carriage for the final night of the ball, there is historic precedent for solid gold coaches. Visit http://smokeradio.co.uk/news/?tag=lord-mayors-show and read about the real golden carriage.
Montessori Connection: 6-9 Fairy Tale Colors
1.Using the largest box of color tablets, array them in lines extending from a yellow plate or bowl, as from a sun. 2. Have the children read a version of Cinderella, looking for color words and phrases. In Cinder-Maid, find: Blue as the heavens; shoon of shining copper, milk white horses, golden brown like the earth, black horses, green as the sea, golden shoes. 3. Have the children make labels for the colors. Which one is "green as the sea"? Which shade of blue is "as the heavens"?
9-12 Earth Science/ history of metal/ fundamental needs
Notice that each of the three outfits brought for Cinder-Maid was matched to a precious metal. First came copper, then silver, then gold. Learn about the physical properties of metals and how they were developed as civilization grew. For wonderful historic novels set during the Bronze Age visit http://www.historicalnovels.info/Rosemary-Sutcliff.html and learn about Rosemary Sutcliff, one of the world's greatest writers.
Adults: For the most wonderful description of the colors of metals and of chemistry, try reading Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood
. It is beautiful and heartbreaking to read how six year old Oliver became fascinated with color by looking through his family's stained glass front door window. His sufferings during WWII, and his experiments with metals and elements is absolutely fascinating, and a wonderful example of a child learning by exploration.
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color tablets arrayed around a yellow plate |
1.Using the largest box of color tablets, array them in lines extending from a yellow plate or bowl, as from a sun. 2. Have the children read a version of Cinderella, looking for color words and phrases. In Cinder-Maid, find: Blue as the heavens; shoon of shining copper, milk white horses, golden brown like the earth, black horses, green as the sea, golden shoes. 3. Have the children make labels for the colors. Which one is "green as the sea"? Which shade of blue is "as the heavens"?
9-12 Earth Science/ history of metal/ fundamental needs
Notice that each of the three outfits brought for Cinder-Maid was matched to a precious metal. First came copper, then silver, then gold. Learn about the physical properties of metals and how they were developed as civilization grew. For wonderful historic novels set during the Bronze Age visit http://www.historicalnovels.info/Rosemary-Sutcliff.html and learn about Rosemary Sutcliff, one of the world's greatest writers.
Adults: For the most wonderful description of the colors of metals and of chemistry, try reading Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood