Top 5 Best Lesson Plans for 'The Fragrant Leaves' (Literature 8 - Chân trời sáng tạo Curriculum)

'The Fragrant Leaves' (Trương Gia Hòa)

* Main Content: The text recalls the author's childhood memories with his grandmother and the story of the fragrant leaves. It also reflects the deep love the author has for his beloved grandmother.

Q1: How is the relationship between the narrator and the grandmother depicted through childhood memories?

Answer:

By recounting childhood memories with his grandmother, the author expresses the grandchild’s love for her. She is his childhood universe, a time that remains etched in his heart. Despite growing up, his grandmother remains a constant, caring presence, and most importantly, he is filled with gratitude towards her.

Q2: Highlight some similarities and differences between the portrayal of the grandmother in this text and another text you've read (e.g., 'The Scent of Rice' by Nguyễn Quang Thiều).

Answer:

• Similarities: In both 'The Fragrant Leaves' and other texts about grandmothers, the grandmother is portrayed as a loving, meticulous, and selfless figure, who cares for her grandchildren with warmth, nurturing, and guidance.
• Differences: 'The Fragrant Leaves' focuses on the memories of the grandmother teaching her grandchild to make toys from leaves, the illness times, and both joyful and sorrowful life moments. In contrast, 'The Scent of Rice' centers around memories shared between the grandchild and grandmother by the rice cake pot.
• Each text gives a different interpretation of the grandmother's image, influenced by the author’s unique perspective, setting, and time.

Q3: What does the word “fragrant” mean in the following lines: “The leaves of my grandmother are fragrant / Sweetly fragrant throughout my childhood journey / Fragrant with nostalgia even to this day and gentle for the days to come”?

Answer:

The word “fragrant” emphasizes the natural aroma of the leaves, which create a lingering scent when cooked together. The fragrance serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future, evoking nostalgia and a deep emotional connection that endures. The smell of the leaves brings health, nourishes feelings, and purifies the soul, keeping the beautiful moments alive.

Q4: Share a story about the affection between a grandchild and their grandparents that you know or have experienced.

Story: The Tale of the Grandmother and Grandchild.

Once upon a time, a poor grandmother and her grandchild lived happily together. One day, a fairy passed by and gave the grandchild a peach seed, saying, “When your grandmother passes away, plant this seed by her grave, and you will become wealthy and prosperous.”

The grandmother passed away, and the grandchild planted the seed. Soon, a tree grew, producing golden and silver fruit. Despite living in wealth, the grandchild was always sad, missing the grandmother. The fairy reappeared, and the grandchild begged her to bring the grandmother back, even if their life returned to hardship.

The fairy waved her magic fan, and the palace and gardens vanished. The grandmother came back to life, looking gentle and kind, embracing her two devoted grandchildren.

Outline for Analyzing 'The Fragrant Leaves'

Introduction: General introduction to the author and the work.

Main Body:

• How is the narrator's childhood depicted in the text?
• How does the image of the grandmother relate to the narrator’s childhood?
• What connection do the fragrant leaves have with the grandmother?

Conclusion: Personal reflections on the poem.

Analysis of 'The Fragrant Leaves'

Everyone's childhood is filled with mischievous games, forgetful moments with friends, and even secret excursions by the river to catch fish. For author Trương Gia Hòa, however, the memories of his beloved grandmother and the fragrant leaves stand out as the most beautiful and unforgettable. This reflects the deep affection he holds for her, as well as a cherished memory that will never fade.

Childhood in rural villages is often marked by simple, humble things. For the narrator, it was being with his grandmother, playing with colorful leaves. Nature and trees are an inseparable part of life in rural Vietnam, each plant serving a unique purpose. The grandmother, with her skilled hands, taught the narrator how to craft toys from leaves—grasshoppers from pandan leaves, lanterns from betel leaves, and cow heads from mango leaves. These toys brought vibrant colors to his childhood, and for a child, it was pure delight to see them come to life. The grandmother, always by his side, guided him in creating the same toys she had made in her own childhood.

The author lists various leaves that were also a part of the narrator’s life during times of illness. When sick, the grandmother would take care of him, using the leaves to prepare healing remedies. The phrase “grandmother would love me so much, it would break her heart” shows the deep, emotional bond between them. Beyond just teaching him how to craft toys, the grandmother’s healing touch with leaves played a crucial role in his recovery. The narrator fondly remembers how the presence of his grandmother, even when he was sick, was the real cure. The leaves were not just physical medicine, but a comfort from the love and attention his grandmother offered.

The fragrant leaves became a symbol of the narrator's sweet memories, linking the bond between him and his grandmother. These leaves were even part of the grandfather's journey toward the afterlife. As the grandfather lay dying, the grandmother dried some leaves and prepared them with loving care, a final act of devotion. The narrator admired their relationship, seeing in it a perfect harmony of care and love. This connection between the grandmother’s love and the fragrant leaves also reminds one of the similar themes in Nguyễn Quang Thiều’s 'The Scent of Rice,' where the grandmother’s presence is tied to childhood memories that will never fade.

Reading 'The Fragrant Leaves' by Trương Gia Hòa, one is transported back to the beautiful days of childhood. Living with his grandmother is the happiest, most joyful memory for the narrator. Her image will forever remain in his heart, guiding him through his journey, just as the grandmother’s love guided him through his childhood. As a writer once said, “For me, those were the happiest and most joyful days.”

Question 1 (page 19, Literature 8, Volume 1)

How is the relationship between the narrator and their grandmother portrayed through childhood memories?

Solution Method:

Apply reading comprehension skills.

Detailed Solution:

By recounting childhood memories with his grandmother, the author reveals the deep affection the narrator holds for her. The grandmother symbolizes the narrator's childhood, representing a time that never fades. No matter how much the narrator grows and matures, the grandmother's love remains a constant, always there with warmth and tenderness. Most importantly, the narrator expresses deep gratitude toward the grandmother.

Question 2 (page 19, Literature 8, Volume 1)

What are some similarities and differences in the portrayal of the grandmother in this text compared to another you have read (e.g., 'The Scent of Rice' by Nguyễn Quang Thiều)?

Solution Method:

Use analytical techniques and recall other texts about grandmothers.

Detailed Solution:

a) Similarities: In both 'The Fragrant Leaves' and other texts about grandmothers, the image of the grandmother is consistently one of care, attention, selflessness, and concern for her grandchildren. She is always gentle, loving, and devoted, teaching the grandchildren to appreciate hard work, love others, and live with filial piety.

b) Differences: Each text portrays the grandmother differently based on the author's unique perspective. Every writer chooses distinct settings, times, and personal memories, resulting in a different representation of the grandmother in each story.

Question 3 (page 19, Literature 8, Volume 1)

What is the significance of the word 'fragrant' in the following lines: 'The leaves of my grandmother are fragrant. They sweetly accompany me throughout my childhood. Their fragrance lingers even now and will remain a gentle memory for the days to come'?

Solution Method:

Use reading comprehension skills to analyze the meaning.

Detailed Solution:

The word 'fragrant' is repeated to emphasize the natural scent of the leaves. Each type of leaf has its unique fragrance, and when they are combined, they create a lasting, distinct aroma that serves as a natural remedy. The fragrance of the leaves symbolizes a bridge between the past, present, and future. It evokes nostalgia, lingering emotions, and an enduring sense of connection. This fragrance is not just physical; it nurtures emotions, clears the mind, and preserves beautiful memories.

Question 4 (page 19, Literature 8, Volume 1)

Share a personal story about your relationship with your grandparents, or one you have heard from someone else.

Solution Method:

Share your feelings about the stories you have heard or your own experiences with your grandparents.

Detailed Solution:

When I was little, I lived with my grandmother because my parents were busy working to support the family. When I turned ten, we moved to the city, and I had to leave my grandmother behind. I missed her terribly. From that point on, I no longer heard her tell stories or taught me how to grow vegetables, weave brooms, and do household chores. My favorite memory was when she taught me how to cook. The first dish she taught me to make was fried eggs. She showed me how to whisk the eggs to a fluffy texture and roll them up beautifully. The result was a beautiful, fragrant fried egg. I was so happy, and she smiled and praised me for doing well.

Question 1. How is the relationship between the narrator and their grandmother expressed through childhood memories?

Answer:

The relationship between the narrator and their grandmother is symbolized through the fragrant leaves that evoke fond childhood memories. These leaves bring the narrator back to the days of playing with handmade leaf toys created by their grandmother. The leaves also represent the narrator's affection for their grandmother, who lovingly cared for them as a child. Even in adulthood, when the narrator sees the Bodhi leaves, they are reminded of their grandmother and the memories of their childhood together, surrounded by those fragrant leaves.

Question 2. Identify some similarities and differences in how the grandmother is portrayed in this text compared to other texts you've read (e.g., 'The Scent of Rice' by Nguyễn Quang Thiều).

Answer:

• Similarities: Both texts share the narrator’s reflections on the cherished memories with their grandmother from childhood.
• Differences:
  • In 'The Fragrant Leaves': The narrator reflects on their grandmother and their childhood in the present, remembering the games and toys made from fragrant leaves.
  • In 'The Scent of Rice': The story recalls the narrator's childhood through the image of their grandmother preparing bánh khúc (a traditional rice cake), highlighting a different aspect of their relationship.

Question 3. What does the word 'fragrant' mean in the following lines: 'The leaves of my grandmother are fragrant. They sweetly accompany me throughout my childhood. Their fragrance lingers even now and will gently remain for the days to come'?

Answer:

In this context, 'fragrant' refers not only to the pleasant smell of the leaves but also to the lasting memories of the grandmother. The scent of the leaves is a metaphor for the narrator's recollections, which continue to linger in their heart even today, and will remain a sweet memory for the future.

Question 4: Share a personal story about your relationship with your grandparents, or one you have heard from someone else.

Answer:

My paternal grandmother passed away three years ago, but I still remember the days when I was little. She lovingly took care of me, always cradling and guiding me. Unfortunately, due to the distance between North and South, I wasn't able to visit her as often as I wished. I remember that when I was younger, my parents were busy with work, so they sent me to live with my grandparents in the countryside. My grandmother was the most loving person in the family. Whenever she went out, she would take my siblings and me along. At that time, her health hadn't deteriorated, and she still went to the market every morning. Sometimes, she took me with her, other times she would leave us at home and bring back treats like fried cakes, sweet bean soup, or rice wrapped in banana leaves. Though I no longer get to enjoy these simple, homemade treats, I still remember their delicious taste, probably because they were filled with my grandmother's love. When I was sick, she was the one who took care of me. She stayed awake all night, watching over me to ensure I slept soundly. I loved my grandmother dearly.

* Reflection and Response

Main Idea: This text reflects the narrator's childhood memories with their grandmother, focusing on their deep affection for her and the fond moments shared with her, particularly involving the fragrant leaves.

Question 1 (Page 19, Literature 8, Volume 1): How is the relationship between the narrator and their grandmother portrayed through childhood memories?

Answer:

• The grandmother taught the narrator how to make toys from leaves: crickets, sparrows, centipedes, and even lanterns made from betel palm leaves.
• During times of illness, the narrator longed to be near their grandmother, whining and asking her to quickly gather different leaves to prepare a healing herbal steam bath.
• The grandmother’s tender, meticulous nature is contrasted with moments of melancholy, as she collects and dries eucalyptus leaves.

Question 2 (Page 19, Literature 8, Volume 1): What are some similarities and differences in how the grandmother is depicted in this text compared to others you have read (e.g., 'The Scent of Rice' by Nguyễn Quang Thiều)?

Answer:

• Similarities: Both texts feature the grandmother as a central figure of love and childhood memories.
• Differences:
  • 'The Fragrant Leaves': The narrator reflects on childhood memories of making toys from leaves, and experiences of illness treated by herbal steam baths, mixed with joyful and sorrowful moments.
  • 'The Scent of Rice': This text recounts memories of a grandmother making bánh khúc (a traditional rice cake), depicting a different shared experience.

Question 3 (Page 19, Literature 8, Volume 1): What does the word “fragrant” mean in the following sentences: “The leaves of my grandmother are fragrant. They sweetly accompanied me throughout my childhood. Their fragrance lingers even now and will gently remain for the days to come”?

Answer:

• The word “fragrant” here symbolizes the deep love and cherished memories of the narrator’s childhood spent with their grandmother. This fragrance represents the beautiful, sweet moments that will remain forever in the narrator's heart, continuing to influence them in the future.

Question 4 (Page 19, Literature 8, Volume 1): Share a personal story about your relationship with your grandmother, or one you have heard from someone else.

Answer:

• The Fairytale of the Grandmother and Her Grandchildren:
• Once upon a time, three generations of a grandmother and her grandchildren lived in poverty but were always happy and warm. One day, a fairy passed by and gave the grandchildren a peach pit, telling them, “When your grandmother passes, plant this pit by her grave, and you will become rich and prosperous.”
• When the grandmother passed away, the grandchildren planted the fairy’s peach pit by her grave. The tree grew quickly, bearing golden and silver fruit.
• Though they lived in wealth, the grandchildren were still sorrowful because they missed their grandmother. The fairy returned, and they begged her to bring their grandmother back, even if their life had to be humble again.
• The fairy waved her magical fan, and the mansion and fields disappeared. The grandmother was resurrected, smiling warmly, and embraced her grateful grandchildren.
• Another story, 'The Boy Tích Chu,' tells of a boy who lived with his grandmother but neglected her. He later regretted it deeply when she transformed into a bird and flew away. He searched for a way to bring her back to life by fetching magical spring water, hoping to restore her to her former self.