Knots on a Counting Rope
From Storyline Online
11 min1st2nd3rd4th5thReading & Writing (ELA)Social StudiesSocial-Emotional Learning
Summary
A Native American grandfather and his blind grandson, Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses, retell the story of the boy's birth and a great horse race. Each retelling adds a knot to a counting rope and a measure of courage. Read by Bonnie Bartlett & William Daniels.
Viewer safety
All ages
Features a blind child with quiet courage; a gentle look at facing challenges and family love.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
A Native American grandfather and his blind grandson, Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses, retell the story of the boy's birth and a great horse race.
- Why do the grandfather and boy tell the story again and again?
- What do the knots on the rope stand for?
- How does the grandfather help the boy feel brave?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: grandfather, courage, storytelling.
Try it: Ask about a story your family tells more than once, and what it means.