You need to be away from your Intermediate or Advanced class for a day or two – what can you do?  I found that especially useful in this regard was my good friend Phaedrus.  Most of his fables are short; the vocabulary is within reach; the sentences are not overtaxing, and they can even provide good examples of points of grammar (he’s good for cum clauses and various datives).  Some of his stories are familiar, the morals are obvious – and some even raise discussable points about society, politics, slavery, gender, aging, etc.  And, fortunately for you, a collection of Fables by Phaedrus (with vocabulary, notes, follow-up questions and associated readings) is available for free download from CANEPress!

By Jeremiah Mead

Concord-Carlisle High School (MA) 1972-2008

Former President of CANE