Start with the story. Then go through each chapter, one lesson at a time. Each lesson has three short checks. Each chapter ends with a review. The unit ends with a wrap-up.
Pencil drawing, not a photograph: a heavy mace with a round ribbed head standing upright, a strung bow leaning against it, and two arrows lying on the table in front
1Unit
Rama, Sita and Hanuman
The Ramayana
This unit tells a very old story from India. It is called the Ramayana. You will meet Prince Rama and Princess Sita. You will meet brave Hanuman too.
Hindu families have told this story for more than 2,000 years. Many tell it at Diwali. Families in Illinois tell it too.
By the end, you can tell the story in order. You can say what keeping a promise means. You can say why every helper counts.
When it happened
Step 1
The king makes a promise to Queen Kaikeyi
Step 2
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana go to the forest
Step 3
Sita sees a golden deer, and Rama runs after it
Step 4
Ravana carries Sita away to Lanka
Step 5
Rama and Lakshmana meet Hanuman and the monkey army
Step 6
Hanuman leaps across the sea and finds Sita
Step 7
Everyone builds a bridge, even a little squirrel
Step 8
Rama and Sita come home, and people light lamps
1
Chapter
Rama, Sita and the Golden Deer
The Ramayana
Big questionWhy do people keep a promise when it is hard?
The story
The Shining Deer
A golden deer leaps through the forest, and Sita asks Rama to catch it.
The forest is green and quiet. Rama and Sita live in a small hut. Rama's brother Lakshmana lives there too. They have lived in the forest for many years.
One morning, something shines between the trees. It is a deer! Its coat is gold. Its spots look like silver. Sita smiles. "Please catch that deer for me," she says.
Rama picks up his bow. He runs after the deer. The deer runs far, far away into the trees. But this deer is not a real deer. It is a trick.
What will happen to Sita now? This very old story tells us. Families in India and in Illinois still love to tell it today.
Talk about itSita saw something beautiful and wanted it. Have you ever wanted something you saw?
Section 1
A Very Old Story
1.1
The Ramayana
Main ideaThe Ramayana is a very old story from India.
The is a story from India. It is very, very old. People have told it for more than 2,000 years.
A poet named Valmiki told the story in a long poem. Today people tell it in books, songs, plays and cartoons.
Words to know
Ramayana
a very old story from India about Prince Rama and Princess Sita
Check yourself
1. Where does the Ramayana come from?
Why: The Ramayana is a very old story from India.
2. Is the Ramayana a new story or an old story?
Why: People have told the Ramayana for more than 2,000 years.
3. Who told the Ramayana as a long poem?
Why: Hindus remember the poet Valmiki as the teller of the Ramayana poem.
1.2
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana
Main ideaRama, Sita and Lakshmana are the main people in the story.
Rama is a prince. He is kind and brave. Sita is a princess. She is Rama’s wife. She is kind and strong.
Lakshmana is Rama’s brother. He stays with Rama always. Many Hindus honor Rama as a form of God. They love Sita too.
Words to know
prince
the son of a king and queen
princess
the daughter of a king and queen, or a prince's wife
Check yourself
1. Who is Rama?
Why: In the Ramayana, Rama is a prince.
2. Who is Lakshmana?
Why: Lakshmana is Rama's brother. He stays with Rama.
3. How do many Hindus honor Rama?
Why: Many Hindus honor Rama as a form of God.
Section 2
Keeping a Promise
1.3
The King's Promise
Main ideaRama goes to the forest to keep his father's promise.
Rama’s father is King Dasharatha. Long ago, the king made a promise to Queen Kaikeyi. He said he would give her two wishes.
Now the queen asks for her wishes. She wants her son Bharata to be king. She wants Rama to live in the forest for fourteen years.
The king is very sad. But a promise is a promise. Rama is calm. He says, "I will go, Father."
Words to know
promise
saying you will surely do something
Check yourself
1. Who made the promise?
Why: King Dasharatha, Rama's father, made a promise to Queen Kaikeyi.
2. How long will Rama live in the forest?
Why: Queen Kaikeyi asks that Rama live in the forest for fourteen years.
3. What does Rama do?
Why: Rama keeps his father's promise, even though it is hard.
1.4
Into the Forest
Main ideaSita and Lakshmana choose to go with Rama.
Rama must go to the forest. Sita says, "I will go with you." Lakshmana says, "I will go too."
They leave the palace. They wear simple clothes. They walk into the big forest. They build a little hut to live in.
Words to know
forest
a big place with many trees and animals
Check yourself
1. Who goes to the forest with Rama?
Why: Sita and Lakshmana choose to go with Rama.
2. Where do they live in the forest?
Why: They build a little hut in the forest.
3. Why does Sita go?
Why: Sita wants to be with Rama, so she goes too.
Section 3
The Golden Deer
1.5
A Deer That Is a Trick
Main ideaThe golden deer is a trick to take Rama away.
Sita sees a golden deer. She asks Rama to catch it. Rama runs after the deer. Then Lakshmana goes to find Rama.
The deer was a trick. Now Sita is alone. Nobody is there to keep her safe. That was the plan.
Words to know
trick
something that fools you on purpose
Check yourself
1. What does Sita ask Rama to do?
Why: Sita sees the golden deer and asks Rama to catch it.
2. What is the golden deer really?
Why: In the Ramayana, the golden deer is a trick.
3. Who is left alone at the hut?
Why: Rama and Lakshmana go away, so Sita is left alone.
1.6
Ravana Takes Sita
Main ideaRavana, king of Lanka, carries Sita far away.
Ravana is the king of Lanka. The story says he has ten heads. He comes to the hut. He carries Sita away in his flying chariot.
A brave bird named Jatayu tries to stop him. Sita drops her jewelry as a clue. Rama will need help to find her.
Words to know
Ravana
the ten-headed king of Lanka in the Ramayana
Lanka
Ravana's kingdom across the sea
Check yourself
1. Who carries Sita away?
Why: Ravana, the king of Lanka, carries Sita away.
2. How many heads does the story give Ravana?
Why: The Ramayana says Ravana has ten heads.
3. What does Sita drop as a clue?
Why: Sita drops her jewelry so Rama can find her trail.
Chapter review
Rama, Sita and the Golden Deer
0 / 6
1. What is the Ramayana?
Why: The Ramayana is a very old story from India.
2. Why does Rama go to the forest?
Why: Rama keeps King Dasharatha's promise to Queen Kaikeyi.
3. Who is Rama's brother?
Why: Lakshmana is Rama's brother.
4. What does Sita see in the forest?
Why: Sita sees a shining golden deer.
5. Where is Ravana king?
Why: Ravana is the king of Lanka.
6. How do many Hindus honor Rama?
Why: Many Hindus honor Rama as a form of God.
Send it to your teacher
2
Chapter
Hanuman the Brave Helper
The Ramayana
Big questionHow can every helper, big or small, make a difference?
The story
The Little Squirrel
A little squirrel rolls in the sand and shakes it onto a bridge of stones.
Big monkeys carry big stones. Splash! They drop them in the sea. They are building a bridge to Lanka. Rama needs it to reach Sita.
A little squirrel watches. "I want to help too," it thinks. It runs into the water. Then it rolls and rolls in the soft sand on the beach.
The squirrel runs to the bridge. It shakes the sand off. The sand fills the gaps between the stones. It does this again and again.
Rama sees the squirrel. He smiles and gently strokes its back. Many families say this is how squirrels in India got their stripes.
Talk about itThe squirrel was very small. Was its help important? Why?
Section 1
Meet Hanuman
2.1
A Loyal Friend
Main ideaHanuman is Rama's loyal and brave helper.
Rama and Lakshmana look for Sita. They meet a group of monkey people. They become friends. One of them is .
Hanuman is very strong. He is also very loyal. Many Hindus honor Hanuman. They see him as a model of loyal help.
Words to know
Hanuman
Rama's brave helper who leads the monkey army
loyal
always staying true to a friend
Check yourself
1. Who is Hanuman?
Why: Hanuman is Rama's loyal, brave helper in the Ramayana.
2. What does loyal mean?
Why: Loyal means you stay true to a friend.
3. How do many Hindus see Hanuman?
Why: Many Hindus honor Hanuman as a model of loyal help.
2.2
The Monkey Army
Main ideaHanuman and the monkey army help Rama look for Sita.
The monkey army wants to help Rama. They go north, south, east and west. They all look for Sita.
Hanuman goes south with his group. They come to the edge of the sea. Lanka is far across the water.
Words to know
army
a big group that works together to protect or help
Check yourself
1. What does the monkey army do?
Why: The monkey army helps Rama search for Sita.
2. Which way does Hanuman's group go?
Why: Hanuman's group goes south to the sea.
3. What is between them and Lanka?
Why: Lanka is across the sea.
Section 2
Across the Sea
2.3
The Great Leap
Main ideaHanuman leaps across the sea to find Sita.
How can they cross the sea? Hanuman climbs a mountain. He grows very big. Then he jumps!
He flies over the waves. He lands in Lanka. He looks and looks. At last he finds Sita in a garden.
Words to know
leap
a very big jump
Check yourself
1. How does Hanuman cross the sea?
Why: In the story, Hanuman makes a giant leap across the sea.
2. Where does Hanuman find Sita?
Why: Hanuman finds Sita in a garden in Lanka.
3. What does Hanuman give Sita?
Why: Hanuman gives Sita Rama's ring as a sign.
2.4
Good News for Rama
Main ideaHanuman brings Rama good news about Sita.
Hanuman leaps back over the sea. He runs straight to Rama. "I found Sita! She is safe!" he says.
Rama is so happy. He hugs Hanuman. Now they know where Sita is. They make a plan to bring her home.
Words to know
news
something new that you tell others
Check yourself
1. What news does Hanuman bring?
Why: Hanuman tells Rama that he found Sita.
2. How does Rama feel?
Why: Rama is happy and hugs Hanuman.
3. What do they do next?
Why: They make a plan to bring Sita home.
Section 3
Every Helper Counts
2.5
The Stone Bridge
Main ideaEveryone helps build a bridge, even a tiny squirrel.
The monkey army builds a bridge of stones. It goes all the way to Lanka. Big and small, they all help.
Many families tell about a little squirrel too. It carries sand. This squirrel story is a well-loved folk telling. It is not in Valmiki’s poem.
Words to know
bridge
a path built over water
folk telling
a story families pass on by telling it
Check yourself
1. What does the army build?
Why: The monkey army builds a stone bridge to Lanka.
2. What does the little squirrel carry?
Why: In the folk telling, the squirrel carries sand.
3. Is the squirrel story in Valmiki's poem?
Why: The squirrel story is a well-loved folk telling, not part of Valmiki's poem.
2.6
Rama and Sita Come Home
Main ideaRama brings Sita home, and people light lamps to welcome them.
Rama and his friends cross the bridge. There is a big battle. Rama wins. Sita is free!
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana go home to Ayodhya. It is night. The people light many lamps to welcome them.
Words to know
Ayodhya
Rama's home city
Check yourself
1. Where do Rama and Sita go at the end?
Why: Rama and Sita go home to Ayodhya.
2. What do the people light?
Why: The people light many lamps to welcome Rama and Sita.
3. Which festival do many Hindus link to this homecoming?
Why: Many Hindus remember Rama and Sita coming home at Diwali, the festival of lights.
2.7
Lamps at Diwali
Main ideaMany Hindus remember this homecoming at Diwali.
Today many Hindu families light lamps at Diwali. Diwali is the festival of lights. Many remember Rama and Sita coming home.
Families in Illinois light lamps too. They share sweets. They tell the story again. Everyone who helped is remembered.
Words to know
Diwali
the Hindu festival of lights in autumn
Check yourself
1. What is Diwali?
Why: Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights.
2. What do many Hindus remember at Diwali?
Why: Many Hindus remember Rama and Sita's return at Diwali.
3. Do families in Illinois celebrate Diwali?
Why: Many Hindu families in Illinois celebrate Diwali.
Chapter review
Hanuman the Brave Helper
0 / 6
1. Who leaps across the sea?
Why: Hanuman leaps across the sea to find Sita.
2. What does Hanuman give Sita?
Why: Hanuman gives Sita Rama's ring.
3. What does the monkey army build?
Why: The monkey army builds a stone bridge to Lanka.
4. How does the little squirrel help?
Why: In the folk telling, the squirrel fills the gaps with sand.
5. What do people do when Rama and Sita come home?
Why: People light lamps to welcome Rama and Sita.
6. What is the lesson of the squirrel story?
Why: The squirrel was small, and Rama thanked it. Every helper counts.
Send it to your teacher
★
Unit wrap-up
Rama, Sita and Hanuman
Twelve words, twelve meanings
0 / 8
Tap a word, then tap its meaning. A right pair locks in green.
Words
Meanings
Unit test
Fifteen questions across the unit
0 / 10
1. Who is the prince in the Ramayana?
Why: Rama is the prince in the Ramayana.
2. Why does Rama go to the forest?
Why: Rama keeps King Dasharatha's promise.
3. Who goes with Rama to the forest?
Why: Sita and Lakshmana go with Rama.
4. What is the golden deer?
Why: The golden deer is a trick to take Rama away.
5. Who carries Sita to Lanka?
Why: Ravana, the king of Lanka, takes Sita.
6. Who finds Sita in Lanka?
Why: Hanuman leaps across the sea and finds Sita.
7. What does the little squirrel teach?
Why: Rama thanks the tiny squirrel. Every helper counts.
8. What do people light when Rama and Sita come home?
Why: People light lamps to welcome Rama and Sita.
9. At which festival do many Hindus remember this story?
Why: Many Hindus remember Rama and Sita's homecoming at Diwali.
10. How do many Hindus honor Rama and Hanuman?
Why: Many Hindus honor Rama as a form of God and Hanuman as a model of loyal help.
Send it to your teacher
Write it
Draw and tell. Pick one helper from the Ramayana: Lakshmana, Hanuman or the little squirrel. Draw how they helped. Tell a grown-up what the story says they did.
Say the helper's name.
Say what the helper did.
Say "The story says..." when you tell it.
Use a word from this unit, like loyal or promise.
0 wordsSaved on this device as you type.
Practice rooms
Rooms already on the site that belong to this unit — cards, quizzes, a lab.
Every lesson keeps its own three checks; a lesson is ticked when all three are right. Chapter reviews, the unit test and its spiral review (five questions from earlier units in this band) score on the page. When the site is connected to your sheet, or the link carries ?dest=, each one also has a Send box: the first-try score, the standards, the supports used, the attempt number and the minutes go to your sheet as an IEP data point.
Print this page for a paper copy of the readings, the sources, the words and the questions; the answers print as dashed boxes under each question.
Fact-check notes for this course live in the handoff: quotes marked (paraphrased) were set that way on purpose.
