Unit 2 · Krishna, Ganesha and the Stories Families Tell
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 bowl heaped with round pleated modak sweets, and a bamboo flute lying in front with a peacock feather laid across it
2Unit
Krishna, Ganesha and the Stories Families Tell
Story Time
Many Hindu families tell stories at home. Two favorites are about Krishna and Ganesha. Children hear them at festivals and at bedtime.
Many Hindus honor Krishna and Ganesha as forms of God. You will hear their stories. You will hear how families celebrate them.
By the end, you can retell two stories. You can name two festivals. You can say what each story helps children think about.
When it happened
Step 1
Little Krishna grows up in a cowherd village
Step 2
Krishna sneaks butter and shares it with friends
Step 3
A great storm comes to the village
Step 4
Krishna lifts Govardhan Hill to keep everyone dry
Step 5
Ganesha and Kartikeya start a race around the world
Step 6
Kartikeya flies away on his peacock
Step 7
Ganesha walks around his parents and says they are his world
Step 8
Families tell these stories at Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi
3
Chapter
Krishna and the Mountain
Krishna Stories
Big questionHow can we share and keep others safe?
The story
A Hill Like an Umbrella
Rain pours for days, and a boy holds up a whole hill on one finger.
Rain falls on the little village. It falls and falls. The cows moo. The children shiver. Water fills the paths between the houses.
A cowherd boy looks at the big hill nearby. His name is Krishna. "Come with me," he tells everyone. "I will keep you safe."
Krishna lifts the whole hill! He holds it up on one small finger. It is like a giant umbrella. People and cows crowd under it, warm and dry.
Many Hindus love this story. They tell it to their children again and again. It is one of many stories about Krishna as a boy.
Talk about itKrishna kept everyone safe. Who keeps you safe when it storms?
Section 1
Little Krishna
3.1
A Boy in a Cowherd Village
Main ideaKrishna grows up in a village of cowherds.
grows up in a small village. The people there care for cows. They are called cowherds.
His mother is Yashoda. She loves him very much. Many Hindus honor Krishna as a form of God. They love the stories of his childhood.
Words to know
Krishna
a cowherd boy in the stories, honored by many Hindus as a form of God
cowherd
a person who takes care of cows
Check yourself
1. Where does Krishna grow up?
Why: The stories say Krishna grew up in a village of cowherds.
2. Who is Krishna's mother in these stories?
Why: Yashoda raises Krishna in the village.
3. What does a cowherd do?
Why: A cowherd takes care of cows.
3.2
The Butter Pot
Main ideaLittle Krishna loves butter, and families smile at his tricks.
Yashoda makes fresh butter. She keeps it in a clay pot. Little Krishna loves butter. He sneaks some from the pot!
His friends help him reach it. Yashoda finds butter on his face. She is cross, but she loves him. Families smile at this story.
Words to know
butter
a soft, rich food made from milk
Check yourself
1. What does little Krishna love to eat?
Why: The stories say little Krishna loves butter.
2. Where does Yashoda keep the butter?
Why: Yashoda keeps the butter in a clay pot.
3. How does Yashoda feel about Krishna?
Why: Yashoda is cross, but she loves Krishna very much.
3.3
Sharing With Friends
Main ideaKrishna shares what he has with his friends.
Krishna does not keep the butter all to himself. He shares it with his friends. Everyone gets a taste.
Many families tell this part on purpose. It helps children think about sharing. Sharing makes friends happy.
Words to know
share
to give some of what you have to others
Check yourself
1. What does Krishna do with the butter?
Why: In the stories, Krishna shares the butter with his friends.
2. What does share mean?
Why: To share is to give some of what you have to others.
3. Why do families tell the sharing part?
Why: Families use the story to talk about sharing.
Section 2
The Big Storm
3.4
Rain and Wind
Main ideaA huge storm comes to Krishna's village.
One day dark clouds come. Rain pours down. The wind blows hard. It rains for days and days.
The story says Indra, king of the sky, sent the storm. The people and cows are cold and afraid. They need a safe place.
Words to know
storm
strong wind and heavy rain
Check yourself
1. What comes to the village?
Why: A huge storm comes to the village.
2. Who does the story say sent the storm?
Why: The story says Indra sent the storm.
3. How do the people feel?
Why: The people and cows are cold and afraid in the storm.
3.5
Lifting Govardhan Hill
Main ideaKrishna lifts Govardhan Hill to keep everyone safe.
Krishna walks to Govardhan Hill. He lifts it up with one hand. He holds it on one finger!
Everyone runs under the hill. The cows come too. They stay dry for seven days. Then the storm stops.
Words to know
Govardhan
the hill Krishna lifts in the story
Check yourself
1. What does Krishna lift?
Why: Krishna lifts Govardhan Hill in the story.
2. What is the hill like?
Why: The hill keeps the rain off like a giant umbrella.
3. How long do they stay under the hill?
Why: The Bhagavata Purana says Krishna held the hill for seven days.
Section 3
Krishna's Birthday
3.6
Janmashtami
Main ideaMany Hindus celebrate Krishna's birthday at Janmashtami.
Janmashtami is Krishna’s birthday festival. It comes in late summer. Many Hindu families celebrate it.
Some families stay up until midnight. The stories say Krishna was born at midnight. Some rock a little cradle. They sing songs about baby Krishna.
Words to know
Janmashtami
the festival for Krishna's birthday
Check yourself
1. What is Janmashtami?
Why: Janmashtami celebrates Krishna's birthday.
2. When do the stories say Krishna was born?
Why: The stories say Krishna was born at midnight.
3. What do some families rock?
Why: Some families rock a little cradle for baby Krishna.
3.7
Stories at Home
Main ideaFamilies tell Krishna stories to share what they value.
Families tell Krishna stories at Janmashtami. They tell about the butter. They tell about the hill.
The stories help children talk about big ideas. Share with others. Keep others safe. Hindu families in Illinois tell them too.
Words to know
festival
a special day or days when people celebrate together
Check yourself
1. When do families tell Krishna stories?
Why: Many families tell Krishna stories at Janmashtami.
2. Which big idea goes with the hill story?
Why: Krishna lifts the hill to keep everyone safe.
3. Which big idea goes with the butter story?
Why: Krishna shares the butter with his friends.
Chapter review
Krishna and the Mountain
0 / 6
1. Who is Krishna's mother in the stories?
Why: Yashoda raises Krishna.
2. What does little Krishna sneak from the pot?
Why: Little Krishna sneaks butter.
3. What does Krishna lift?
Why: Krishna lifts Govardhan Hill.
4. Why does Krishna lift the hill?
Why: He holds it up like an umbrella in the storm.
5. What is Janmashtami?
Why: Janmashtami is Krishna's birthday festival.
6. How do many Hindus honor Krishna?
Why: Many Hindus honor Krishna as a form of God.
Send it to your teacher
4
Chapter
Ganesha and the Race Around the World
Ganesha Stories
Big questionHow can thinking in a new way help us?
The story
The Race in the Garden
Two brothers race around the whole world, and one of them never leaves the garden.
Two brothers sit in a garden. One is Kartikeya. The other is Ganesha. Their parents are Shiva and Parvati. "Let's have a race," says their father.
"Go around the whole world," he says. "The first one back wins." Kartikeya jumps on his peacock. Whoosh! He flies away fast.
Ganesha rides a little mouse. The mouse is slow. Ganesha thinks and thinks. Then he stands up and walks around his mother and father.
"You are my whole world," Ganesha says. His parents smile. Ganesha wins the race. He never even left the garden! His brother is still flying.
Talk about itGanesha found a new way to win. Why did his parents like his answer?
Section 1
Meet Ganesha
4.1
The Elephant-Headed One
Main ideaGanesha has an elephant head, and many Hindus honor him.
has the head of an elephant. He has a big round belly. He often holds a sweet in one hand.
Many Hindus honor Ganesha. They love him very much. His parents are Shiva and Parvati. Hindus honor them too.
Words to know
Ganesha
a deity with an elephant head, honored by many Hindus as the remover of obstacles
Check yourself
1. What kind of head does Ganesha have?
Why: Ganesha has the head of an elephant.
2. Who are Ganesha's parents?
Why: The stories say Ganesha's parents are Shiva and Parvati.
3. What is a murti?
Why: Hindus call a sacred image a murti.
4.2
Remover of Obstacles
Main ideaMany Hindus pray to Ganesha before new beginnings.
An obstacle is something in your way. Many Hindus call Ganesha the remover of obstacles.
So many Hindus pray to Ganesha before something new. It might be a new school year or a new home. It might be a trip.
Words to know
obstacle
something that is in your way
remover of obstacles
a name many Hindus give Ganesha
Check yourself
1. What is an obstacle?
Why: An obstacle is something that blocks your way.
2. What do many Hindus call Ganesha?
Why: Many Hindus call Ganesha the remover of obstacles.
3. When do many Hindus pray to Ganesha?
Why: Many Hindus pray to Ganesha before new beginnings.
4.3
Ganesha's Mouse
Main ideaGanesha rides a little mouse.
Ganesha is big. But he rides a tiny mouse! The mouse is his helper. It goes everywhere with him.
Artists often paint the mouse at his feet. Some say the mouse shows that small things matter too.
Words to know
mouse
a small animal; Ganesha's helper in the stories
Check yourself
1. What does Ganesha ride?
Why: In the stories, Ganesha rides a little mouse.
2. Where do artists often paint the mouse?
Why: The mouse often sits at Ganesha's feet in pictures.
3. What do some say the mouse shows?
Why: Some say the little mouse shows that small things matter.
Section 2
The Race
4.4
Two Brothers
Main ideaGanesha and Kartikeya race around the world.
Ganesha has a brother named Kartikeya. Kartikeya rides a fast peacock. Their parents give them a race.
"Go around the whole world," they say. Kartikeya flies off at once. Ganesha’s mouse is slow. What can he do?
Words to know
Kartikeya
Ganesha's brother, who rides a peacock
Check yourself
1. Who is Ganesha's brother?
Why: Kartikeya is Ganesha's brother.
2. What does Kartikeya ride?
Why: Kartikeya rides a fast peacock.
3. What is the race?
Why: The brothers race around the whole world.
4.5
My Parents Are My World
Main ideaGanesha walks around his parents and says they are his world.
Ganesha thinks hard. Then he walks slowly around his mother and father. He goes all the way around them.
"You are my world," he says. His parents are happy. They say Ganesha wins. He thought in a new way.
Words to know
honor
to show great respect and love
Check yourself
1. What does Ganesha walk around?
Why: Ganesha walks around his parents, Shiva and Parvati.
2. What does Ganesha say?
Why: Ganesha says his parents are his world.
3. Who wins the race?
Why: His parents say Ganesha wins.
Section 3
Ganesh Chaturthi
4.6
Ganesha's Festival
Main ideaMany Hindus celebrate Ganesha at Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ganesh Chaturthi is Ganesha’s festival. It comes in late summer. Many Hindu families bring home a Ganesha murti.
They offer flowers and sweets. They sing songs. Many cities have big parades. Families in Illinois celebrate it too.
Words to know
Ganesh Chaturthi
a festival that honors Ganesha
Check yourself
1. What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Why: Ganesh Chaturthi honors Ganesha.
2. What do families offer?
Why: Families offer flowers and sweets.
3. What sweet do many say Ganesha loves?
Why: Many families say Ganesha loves modak.
4.7
Thinking in a New Way
Main ideaGanesha's story helps children think about new ideas and honoring parents.
Kartikeya was fast. Ganesha was clever. He found a new way to solve the problem.
Families tell this story to talk about two things. Think in a new way. Honor the people who care for you.
Words to know
clever
good at thinking of smart ideas
Check yourself
1. How did Ganesha win?
Why: Ganesha was clever and found a new way.
2. What does clever mean?
Why: Clever means good at thinking of smart ideas.
3. What else does the story teach?
Why: Ganesha honors his parents in the story.
Chapter review
Ganesha and the Race Around the World
0 / 6
1. What kind of head does Ganesha have?
Why: Ganesha has an elephant head.
2. What do many Hindus call Ganesha?
Why: Many Hindus call Ganesha the remover of obstacles.
3. What does Kartikeya ride in the race?
Why: Kartikeya rides a peacock.
4. What does Ganesha do to win?
Why: Ganesha walks around his parents and says they are his world.
5. Which festival honors Ganesha?
Why: Ganesh Chaturthi is Ganesha's festival.
6. What does the race story help children think about?
Why: The story is about thinking in a new way and honoring parents.
Send it to your teacher
★
Unit wrap-up
Krishna, Ganesha and the Stories Families Tell
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. Where does Krishna grow up in the stories?
Why: Krishna grows up in a cowherd village.
2. What does little Krishna love?
Why: Little Krishna loves butter.
3. What does Krishna lift in the storm?
Why: Krishna lifts Govardhan Hill like an umbrella.
4. What is Janmashtami?
Why: Janmashtami celebrates Krishna's birthday.
5. Whose head is like an elephant's?
Why: Ganesha has an elephant head.
6. What do many Hindus call Ganesha?
Why: Many Hindus call Ganesha the remover of obstacles.
7. What does Ganesha ride?
Why: Ganesha rides a mouse.
8. How does Ganesha win the race?
Why: Ganesha says his parents are his world.
9. Which festival honors Ganesha?
Why: Ganesh Chaturthi honors Ganesha.
10. Which idea goes with Krishna and the hill?
Why: Krishna lifts the hill to keep everyone safe.
Send it to your teacher
Spiral review
Five questions from earlier units
0 / 5
1. (Unit 1) Who carries Sita to Lanka?
Why: Ravana, the king of Lanka, takes Sita.
2. (Unit 1) 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.
3. (Unit 1) Who finds Sita in Lanka?
Why: Hanuman leaps across the sea and finds Sita.
4. (Unit 1) Who goes with Rama to the forest?
Why: Sita and Lakshmana go with Rama.
5. (Unit 1) What is the golden deer?
Why: The golden deer is a trick to take Rama away.
Send it to your teacher
Write it
Draw and tell. Pick one story: Krishna and the hill, or Ganesha and the race. Draw the most important part. Tell a grown-up what happens and what families say it teaches.
Name the story you picked.
Tell what happens first, next and last.
Say "Families say..." when you tell the lesson.
Use a word from this unit, like share or obstacle.
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.
