Short Stories » The Swallows

The Swallows

THERE were some children in the north looking at the swallows flying south. “Why are they going away?” the little one asked.

“The summer is over," the elder sister answered, ”and if they stayed here they would be starved and die of cold, and so, when the summer goes, they journey south."

“Our mother and sisters are in the south," the little one said, as they looked after the birds. “Dear little swallows, tell mother that we are watching for her!” But they were already flying over the sea. The chilly winds tried to follow, but the swallows flew so swiftly they were not overtaken; they went on, with the summer always before them. They were tired many a time; once they stayed to rest upon the French coast, and once, in the Bay of Biscay, they clung to the rigging of a ship all through the night, but in the morning they went on again.

Far away in the south, two English children were looking from the turret window of an old castle.

“Here are the swallows," they said; "perhaps they have come from England. Dear swallows, have you brought us a message?" they asked.

"It was very cold, we had no time for messages; and we must not lose the track of summer," the swallows twittered, and they flew on till they reached the African shore.

“Poor little swallows," said the English children, as they watched the ship come into port that was to take them back to their own land ; "they have to chase the summer and the sun, but we do not mind whether it is summer or winter, for if we only keep our hearts warm, the rest does not matter."

"It is very good of the swallows to come to us," the elder sister said, in the next spring, when she heard their first soft twitter beneath the eaves, "for the summer is in many places, and we are so far from the south."

"Yes, it is very good of them to come," the children answered; “dear little swallows, perhaps they love us!”

The Swallows - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

The Swallows fly south for the winter to find warmth, showing us that animals move to where they thrive best.

The Swallows - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Swallows fly thousands of miles each year to find warmer weather, showing us the importance of adapting to changes in our environment.

The Swallows - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

The story of the swallows teaches us about the beauty and challenges of migration, showing how animals travel great distances out of necessity and instinct.

3 Fun Facts

• Swallows are known for their incredible long-distance migrations, traveling thousands of miles between Europe and Africa every year.
• These birds navigate using the sun and stars, as well as Earth's magnetic field, making their journey one of nature's marvels.
• Swallows can eat while they're flying, which helps them stay energized during their long flight migrations.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What kind of birds were the main characters in the story?
• Where did the swallows fly to escape the cold winter?
• What special event did the swallows return to enjoy in the spring?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What did the swallows realize about the days that led them to decide it was time to move to a warmer place?
• Which animals helped the swallows by informing them that there would be more storms coming soon?
• What did the young swallows learn from their adventurous journey to the warmer lands?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What is the main reason the swallows decide to leave their home and migrate to the South?
• How do the young swallows respond to the preparations for migration, and what challenges do they face during the journey?
• Describe how the changing seasons affect the behavior and activities of the swallows both before and after their migration.