Liberty Academy - Kids - TV Series - Little House - Season 1 - Episodes 13 & 14

LESSON - Season 1 - Episodes 13 & 14 - The Lord is My Shepherd

Episode Summary Description:

The Ingalls family appears to be officially complete when Caroline gives birth to a beautiful little boy, but trouble strikes when Charles Jr. falls gravely ill. Jealous of the baby's place in her father's heart, Laura refuses to pray for her brother, which leaves her with a heavy burden to bear when fate takes an ugly turn. Convinced that she is responsible for her brother's death, Laura runs to the mountains in the middle of the night. Atop the mountain with her is Jonathan, a kindly old man who helps her reaffirm her relationship with God as she comes to terms with her guilt. Meanwhile, Charles and Mr. Edwards search frantically for her, but with so many miles separating them, it will take a miracle to reunite them. - Source

BEFORE VIEWING...

Have a look at the following questions before you watch the episode. There are spaces provided for you to take notes.

After viewing, read the following information and answer the related questions.

In this episode, an important prayer is said while the Ingalls family experiences a heartbreaking tragedy. The prayer that the Ingalls use to find comfort is The Lord is My Shepherd.

PART 1 - Questions about the prayer 'The Lord is My Shepherd'.

'The Lord is My Shepherd comes from Psalm 23 of the Bible (King James version)

1. What is a psalm?

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2. a) What is meant by "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures"?

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2. b) What is meant by "he leadeth me beside the still waters ?

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3. a) What is meant by the "valley of the shadow of the death"? b) What might be found there? c) How will a 'rod' and 'staff' comfort me?

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4. Why did God prepare a table for me (you) with my (your) enemies? What is God suggesting?

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5. a) Why would God annoint my (your) head with oil?

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5. b) What is implied with my (your) "cup runneth over"?

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6. What is implied by "dwell in the house of the LORD for ever"?

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PART 2 - The Ritual of Baptism

Shortly after baby Charles Jr. is born he is baptised by Reverand Alden at the town's church. Please answer the following questions.

1. What is a baptism?

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2. In what religions is this ritual performed?

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3. a) Who usually performs the ritual? b) Who is it for and who usually attends the ceremony? c) Where can a baptism take place?

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4. What are the imporant steps involved in the ritual?

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5. What benefits does the person being baptized enjoy?

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PART 3 - The Custom of Saying Grace.

A grace is a prayer of thankfulness or grattitude spoken before a meal to thank God for the food about to be consumed. It can also be used to ask God for a blessing.

Here is an image from this episode whereby the Ingalls family is saying grace:

Here is the text of the grace prayer spoken by Charles:

"And we thank you O' Lord for making us strong, for giving us the bountiful gifts that we have. Amen."

1. Do you say grace in your home? If so, what have you thanked God for or what did you ask him to bless? If not, what would you thank him for?

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TASK: Write your own grace.

A family member has asked you to say grace for an upcoming important dinner. Think about (especially what you may be thankful for and/or what blessing from God you would like to receive) and prepare one and write it below.

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PART 4 - Episode-specific Questions.

This double-episode of Little House includes many kinds of interesting elements of story, particularly with regards to setting and characterization. Let us explore the richness of some of this so that we can better appreciate their artistic value.

Themes

This episode touches upon the themes of jealousy, death (or loss), guilt, God and faith (and perhaps even miracles).

When baby Charles Junior arrives, it doesn't take long for Laura to become jealous of him.

1. Describe ways in which Laura exhibits here jealousy towards her baby brother.

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Upon the sudden death of baby Charles, Laura is immediately overwhelmed by a sense of deep guilt.

2. Laura herself is still quite young. Describe what she does to deal with her sense of guilt.

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3. Describe how faith and God have influenced Laura to get through her ordeal (bad situation).

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4. When Michael Jr. dies, his mother Caroline tries to reassure herself by saying "It's God's will". What exactly does she mean by this?

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Setting

To get closer to God, Laura journeys to a remote mountain.

She believes the mountain peak is closer to God and heaven. And there, it will be easier for God to hear her message.

1. Apart from perhaps being closer to God, describe any other aspect or symbolism the mountain can represent.

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2. Suppose you were the director of this particular episode of Little House, what other locations would you choose (instead of a mountain) for Laura's journey to God? Explain why it would be fitting.

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Characterization

On the mountain, Laura meets an old gentleman named Jonathan. He's an interesting character to say the least.

1. First, describe some traits or characteristics that make this character Jonathan interesting.

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2. Next, how does Jonathan go about helping the young child Laura in her quest? What is his approach?

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3. If we were to take Jonathan out of this story and into our own world, what might he represent to us?

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4. Have you ever met a person similar to Jonathan who has guided you through an ordeal or difficult situation? If so, please describe it.

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END OF LESSON Season 1 - Episodes 13 & 14 - The Lord is My Shepherd

BONUS: Also check out our RELATED LESSON from the Who is? / Who was? series entitled Who Was Laura Ingalls Wider?

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