Young World 4, Unit 4: The Call of the Alps
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This unit is about planning a trip in the various regions of Switzerland. It discusses things to do in the mountains, including information about the first male and female to climb the Matterhorn. Kids growing up in Switzerland and enrolled in the local schools may have a great foundation from which to build on this theme. Here are some ideas for both added knowledge and pleasure reading:
Festivals and Traditions in Switzerland, by Barbara Piatti & Yvonne Rogenmoser
A lovely book that explains festivals and gatherings that take place throughout Switzerland from Basel to Jura including the well-known Fasnacht (Carnival) festivities to the Bullmarket in Zug.
The Apple and the Arrow, by Mary Buff
Newberry Honor Book. The legend of William Tell, who shot an apple of the top head of his son in 1291. Written from the viewpoint of his son Walter. (Lexile 750L) what is this?
Heidi, by Johanna Spyri
The classic children’s novel, originally published in German, is about an charming orphan girl who is sent to live with her grandfather high in the Swiss Alps. She befriends Peter, the goatherd, and is adored by all. You can’t be a child in Switzerland and not read this classic. It’s an excellent way to learn about descriptive settings and to learn about using landscapes to create atmospheric writing.Originally published in 1880-81 in two parts. Because it is now out of copyright there are quite a few English translations available including ones for free on Gutenberg. Lexile measure varies based on translation.
Happy Hollisters and the Swiss Echo Mystery, by Jerry West
A mystery adventure of the Hollister family while visiting Switzerland. The five children track down the leads to finding missing Mr. Meyer and a diamond, and learn about Swiss life and customs. This book is #25 in a series, but none of the books need to be read in any order. (Lexile 730L) what is this?
Banner in the Sky, by James Ramsey Ullman
A Newbery Honor Book. This adventure story, set in 1865, describes the challenges of Rudi Matt, who attempts to climb the same summit of the Alps that his father died trying to conquer. He sets off with his father’s red shirt, Rudi in the hopes of planting the shirt at the peak. An excellent story full of sheer will and determination. The movie, “Third Man on the Mountain,” is a wonderful adaptation of the book. (Lexile 680L ) what is this?
Buy on Blackwell’s
Buy on Orell Füssli
Supplemental Activities
Not far from Zurich and Zug is the little village of Hirzel where Johanna Spyri, the author of Heidi, grew up. Come visit and learn all about the author who wrote the world-famous book, Heidi. In keeping with the Heidi theme, visit a replica of the where Heidi lived.
The majestic Alps have always encouraged it’s people to both work, and play, on their slopes. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Swiss mountains…from skiing, to sledding, to bobsledding. The Ski Museum in Davos has an interesting collection of Alpine sport artefacts, which will definitely elicit a reaction of: “Wow, they really used THAT?” Winter Sport Museum
Attend a traditional Schwingfest. Schwingen is only for the biggest and toughest. Pairs compete in wrestling to see which lands in the sawdust first. The Unspunnen-Schwinget takes place only every six years and will be happening on 27. August 2023.
Unspunnen-Schwingfest
Visit Ballenberg - Ballenberg is an open-air living museum dedicated to traditional Swiss rural life. Old buildings from all over Switzerland have been transported and rebuilt at Ballenberg, open to explore with traditional artefacts setting the scene. They also have some trade on display.