Run! & Nasruddin's Aim
Part 1 — Run! (Poem by Mary Daunt)
"Run in the raindrops! / Run beneath the trees! / Run down the hillside, / Run with the breeze!"
About the Poem
The poet invites children to RUN — not on a city road, but in the COUNTRYSIDE. Run through the raindrops. Run under the trees. Run through the meadows. Run with the wind. The poem celebrates the JOY OF MOVEMENT and the BEAUTY OF NATURE.
What the Poem Teaches
- Running and playing outside is FUN and HEALTHY
- The countryside is full of wonderful things — trees, streams, fresh air
- Away from the city noise, you can hear the birds and feel the breeze
New Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Meadow | A field of grass |
| Hillside | The side of a hill |
| Breeze | A gentle wind |
Part 2 — Nasruddin's Aim
The Story
Nasruddin (or Mullah Nasruddin) was BOASTING to his friends about his skill in ARCHERY. 'I never miss my target!' he said. 'I am the best archer in the world!'
His friends brought him a bow and arrows. They set up a TARGET.
Nasruddin's Shots:
- First arrow: Missed. Nasruddin said, 'That was how the CHIEF OF GUARDS shoots.'
- Second arrow: Missed again. 'That was how the ROYAL ARCHER shoots.'
- Third arrow: Missed AGAIN. 'That was how I — NASRUDDIN — shoot!'
The crowd BURST INTO LAUGHTER. Nasruddin joined in the laughter.
'My aim is always RIGHT!' he said. 'When I miss, I just change the MEANING of what I was aiming at!'
What We Learn
- It's OKAY to miss. It's okay to FAIL.
- The funniest thing you can do when you fail is LAUGH AT YOURSELF
- Don't boast about skills you don't have — but if you DO boast and fail, be a good sport about it
Fun Activity
Try throwing a ball into a bucket from 5 steps away. How many times do you get it in? If you miss, think of a funny excuse — just like Nasruddin!
