Short Stories » The Ant and the Grasshopper

The Ant and the Grasshopper

One summer’s day, in a field, a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great effort an ear of corn he was taking to his nest.

"Why don’t you come and chat with me," asked the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling your life away?"

"I am helping to store up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and I recommend you to do the same."

"Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper. "We have got plenty of food at present."

But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil.

When winter came, the Grasshopper found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing, every day, corn and grain from the stores they had collected in summer.

Then the Grasshopper knew...

MORAL: Prepare for the future and work hard when it matters.

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The Ant and the Grasshopper - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

Hard work and planning are important to be safe and happy in the future.

The Ant and the Grasshopper - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

While it’s fun to enjoy the moment, it’s also important to plan and work for the future to avoid hardship.

The Ant and the Grasshopper - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Time management and discipline are key to success. Those who fail to plan may face regret and challenges in the future.

3 Fun Facts on The Ant and the Grasshopper for Children

• This story, part of Aesop's Fables, teaches the value of hard work and preparation.
• Ants are known for working together to gather food and build colonies, showing teamwork.
• Grasshoppers represent fun and relaxation in this story but also teach that fun should be balanced with responsibility.

The Ant and the Grasshopper Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did the Ant carry to its nest?
• What did the Grasshopper do all summer?
• Why was the Grasshopper hungry in winter?

The Ant and the Grasshopper Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• Why didn’t the Ant stop to talk with the Grasshopper?
• What lesson did the Grasshopper learn by the end of the story?
• Why was it important for the Ant to gather food in summer?

The Ant and the Grasshopper Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• Discuss how the Ant’s hard work paid off in winter.
• How does this story illustrate the consequences of ignoring future responsibilities?
• Can you think of a time when working hard in the present helped you later?

More about the ant and the grasshopper story

Are you an ant or a grasshopper? In other words, do you tend to finish all your work, and then relax, or do you relax first and procrastinate about work?

Most of us, in fact, are somewhere in between. However, different types of personalities behave differently, when presented with a situation where there is an option of working and saving for future, and leading a carefree life. Most artists and creative people are usually categorized as the latter type.

Research shows that people who are basically explorers and entertainers, do not care much about finishing their work before enjoying themselves. They like to live one day at a time, and impulsively follow where their heart leads. They believe in living in the moment.

People who are diplomats, analysts, logicians and mediators, tend to strike a balance between work and play, with a slight inclination towards work than play.

People who are sentinels are definitely the ‘ant’ type, working very hard now, so that they can enjoy the fruits of their work later. They are very strict about themselves and their work, and do not have a carefree attitude to anything in life. They are likely to be successful in the long run, but may seem to have a ‘dull’ life.

It is a sad fact that some people take the ‘work before play’ concept too far and get stressed out eventually. It must be for those that the saying ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ was invented! Many studies show that workaholics suffer from mental and physical illnesses.

The key is therefore, to strike a balance between work and play. Work well, and save for a rainy day. However, remember to take breaks and rest in between. “It's all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and friends and family,” said Philip Green.