The Heron and the Hummingbird: A Story for Young Learners

Introduction
"The Heron and the Hummingbird" is a traditional story retold by Rachel Bladon. It is part of the Classic Tales series, published by OUP Oxford. This book is perfect for children aged 5-12 years old, but it is also great for English learners. In this article, we will talk about the story, its lessons, and how it can help improve your English.

The Story
The heron is a tall bird with long legs. The hummingbird is small and fast. One day, the hummingbird said, "Let's have a race." The two birds decided to race to a tree far away. The hummingbird flew very fast, but the heron walked slowly. Who won the race? You can read the book to find out!

This story is fun and easy to understand. It is about being smart and knowing your own strengths.

Why Read This Book?
This book is great for A2 and B1 learners because:

• The words are simple and clear.
• The pictures help you understand the story.
• You can learn new words about animals and nature.

Learning Activities
Here are some activities you can do with the story:

1. Listening: Read the story out loud or listen to the audiobook. Try to copy the pronunciation.
2. Speaking: Talk about the story with your friends or teacher. Who do you like more, the heron or the hummingbird? Why?
3. Writing: Write a short paragraph about another race. What animals are in the race? Who wins?
4. Drama: Act out the story with your classmates. Pretend to be the heron or the hummingbird.

The Lesson of the Story
This story teaches us an important lesson. Everyone is different. Some are fast, and some are slow, but we all have our own talents.

Conclusion
"The Heron and the Hummingbird" is more than just a story. It is a tool for learning English and a way to understand important life lessons. This book is fun, educational, and perfect for young learners or anyone who loves simple and beautiful tales.

Suggested Titles for Subheadings:

• What is the Story About?
• Meet the Heron and the Hummingbird
• How Can This Book Help You Learn English?
• Fun Activities with "The Heron and the Hummingbird"
• Lessons We Can Learn from the Story

Rachel Bladon Teacher, Editor and Writer 

A Journey through Language and Literature

 

Meet Rachel Bladon, a dedicated teacher, skilled editor, and prolific writer with over two decades of experience in the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Her journey has taken her across continents, from Europe to Asia, where she has left an indelible mark on the world of language education.

Rachel's literary contributions encompass a remarkable thirty-four graded readers tailored for readers of all age groups. Her repertoire includes a diverse array of works, from non-fiction pieces to captivating retellings of both modern and classic literary masterpieces. Her passion for storytelling has not gone unnoticed, earning her the prestigious Language Learner Literature Award for one of her stories. Moreover, two of her narratives have achieved the distinction of being finalists for this esteemed recognition.

 

In 2014, Rachel assumed the pivotal role of Series Editor for the renowned Oxford Bookworms Library, following in the footsteps of the esteemed Jennifer Bassett. Under her stewardship, the library has continued to flourish, maintaining its hallmark of exceptional storytelling and meticulous grading. Rachel's personal contributions to the series are equally impressive, with five titles to her name, including adaptations of literary gems like "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and "Eat, Pray, Love," along with the engaging "Factfile Japan."

 

Rachel takes great pride in her role, nurturing and expanding this treasure trove of literary works. Her commitment to providing high-quality reading materials to language learners worldwide is evident in the exciting new titles she continually adds to the library.

Rachel Bladon's journey through language and literature is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the world of EFL education, where she inspires countless individuals to embark on their own linguistic adventures.