Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities Activities for Primary 6

CinderellaPupil Resource Sheet 1Once upon a time there lived an unhappy young girl. She was unhappy because her mother wasdead and her father had married another woman, a widow with two daughters. Her stepmotherdidn't like her one bit and although she fussed over her own daughters and was always spoilingthem with presents, all that Ella got was old clothes and harsh words. She had to work hard allday keeping the cottage clean and tidy, and all she got by way of rest was the chance to sit fora time by the fire each evening. For this reason she got her nickname 'Cinders' or 'Cinderella'.One night as she sat all alone by the fire (everyone else having gone to bed) something amazinghappened - there was a burst of light and a fairy appeared. Now you may not believe in fairies,but I can tell you that neither did Ella until that night!“Don't be scared Cinderella,” said the fairy, “I caught your thoughts on the wind and I knowyou would like to go to the Prince's Ball, and so you shall!”“But look at me - dressed in rags! How can I go to the ball like this?” said Cinderella. The fairysmiled. “Have faith,” she said. “Bring me a large pumpkin and seven mice.” Dutifully, Cinderellaset about finding what the fairy wanted. From the basement she brought seven mice that hadbeen busy nibbling the flour sack. Then she returned for a large pumpkin from the pantry.With a wave of her wand, Cinderella's rags were turned into a beautiful ball gown and on herhead was set a lovely sparkling tiara. Cinderella gasped as she caught sight of herself in themirror. The fairy carried the pumpkin outside and the mice dutifully followed her, just liketrained pets. With another wave of her wand the pumpkin was transformed into a sparklingcarriage and the mice were turned into six fine horses and a footman to drive them. Cinderellacould hardly believe her eyes!“Now my dear,” said the fairy, “go to the ball and have a wonderful time, but remember themagic only lasts until midnight so you must be home by then!”As Cinderella entered the ballroom a hush fell over the room. Everyone stopped to admire herelegance, her beauty, and the graceful way in which she moved. “Who is she?” everyonewhispered, “she's gorgeous!” Of course the prince also noticed her, and was quick to go acrossthe room to welcome her. Bowing deeply the prince asked Cinderella to dance, and much to theannoyance of all the other young ladies present, he danced the whole evening with her. Ofcourse the prince was keen to discover just who she was, but despite his repeated questions,Cinderella remained silent about her name and where she came from. “Let's just enjoy beingtogether because this is the only time it will happen,” she said.Cinderella had a wonderful time, quite beyond her dreams, but all of a sudden she heard thesound of a clock striking the hour - the first stroke of midnight! Without time to say goodbye,Cinderella slipped from the arm of the prince and ran across the room and down the largesteps leading to the driveway, where the horses and carriages stood waiting. Such was herhurry that as she ran she lost one of her shoes and didn't even have time to stop to get it. Theprince, who was now madly in love with Cinderella, quickly followed her outside and down thesteps finding the shoe as he went. As Cinderella disappeared into the night he turned to hisministers and said, “Go and search everywhere for the girl whose foot fits this shoe. I will notrest until the girl is found.”- 58 -