精灵与鞋匠
导读
这是一个关于'感恩'的温柔小故事。故事里帮鞋匠做鞋的小人儿，在德语里叫 Wichtelmänner，也就是'家养小精灵'——他们来自古老的日耳曼民间信仰：只要你善待他们，他们就会在夜里悄悄帮你把家务活做好。有一个流传已久的说法：如果你送给这种家养小精灵一套衣服，他们就会心满意足地'功成身退'，从此离开——故事里的小精灵正是穿上新衣、快乐地跳着舞离开的。（如果你的孩子看过《哈利·波特》，可以告诉他：书里的家养小精灵多比'得到一只袜子就获得自由'，灵感正是来自这个古老传说。）这个故事最打动人的地方在于：鞋匠夫妇送衣服，并不是为了让小精灵'继续干活'，而是单纯地想道谢、心疼他们光着身子会冷——这是一份不图回报的善意。读的时候可以和孩子聊聊：为什么鞋匠夫妇要偷偷准备礼物，而不是当面道谢？
《精灵与鞋匠》词汇精讲
本故事精选 12 个重点词汇，附中英释义与原文例句，帮助孩子扩展英语词汇量。
The inner sense of what is right and wrong.
良心；良知。
As he had a good conscience, he lay down quietly in his bed, commended himself to God, and fell asleep.
他问心无愧，平静地躺在床上，向上帝祈祷后便入睡了。
Very greatly surprised; amazed.
大为惊讶的；震惊的。
The two shoes stood quite finished on his table. He was astounded, and knew not what to say to it.
那双鞋子已经整整齐齐地摆在桌子上了。他惊讶得说不出话来。
One loop of thread made by a needle in sewing.
针脚；一针。
They were so neatly made that there was not one bad stitch in them.
它们缝制得极其精美，每一针都非常工整。
A work made with the very greatest skill.
杰作；名作。
There was not one bad stitch in them, just as if they were intended as a masterpiece.
每一针都非常工整，简直就像是一件杰作。
Usual; done as a normal habit or custom.
惯常的；照惯例的。
As the shoes pleased him so well, he paid more for them than was customary.
因为这双鞋非常合他的心意，他付了比平时更多的钱。
To buy something.
购买。
With the money, the shoemaker was able to purchase leather for two pairs of shoes.
有了这笔钱，鞋匠又买了两双鞋的皮革。
Hid something or someone from sight.
隐藏；藏匿。
They laid their presents all together on the table, and then concealed themselves to see how the little men would behave.
他们把礼物全部摆在桌子上，然后躲起来看小精灵们会有什么反应。
Feeling or showing thanks for something.
感激的；感恩的。
The little men have made us rich, and we really must show that we are grateful for it.
这些小人儿让我们变富有了，我们真的应该表达一下谢意。
Close-fitting coverings for the feet and legs.
长袜。
I will make them little shirts, and coats, and vests, and trousers, and knit both of them a pair of stockings.
我要给他们每人缝制小衬衫、外套、背心和裤子，再织一双袜子。
Great speed; quickness.
迅速；快速。
They dressed themselves with the greatest rapidity, putting the pretty clothes on, and singing.
他们以最快的速度穿上漂亮的衣服，唱着歌。
People who make or mend shoes.
补鞋匠；鞋匠。
Now we are boys so fine to see, Why should we longer cobblers be?
现在我们成了体面的男孩，为何还要做鞋匠呢？
Became successful, especially by making money.
兴旺；繁荣；发达。
As long as the shoemaker lived all went well with him, and all his undertakings prospered.
只要鞋匠活着，他的一切都非常顺利，所有的生意都兴旺发达。
延伸阅读与亲子共读
故事寓意
善良与勤劳会带来好运，而真诚的感恩，是不求回报地回报他人的善意。
教育价值
帮助孩子理解感恩与回报的意义，体会默默助人的美好，并珍惜诚实劳动。
家长共读提示
和孩子一起动手做一件小小的'感谢礼物'送给帮助过你们的人；也可以聊聊：为什么帮助别人时'不求人知道'反而更可贵？
和孩子聊一聊
- 鞋匠夫妇送小精灵衣服，并不是想让他们继续干活，只是单纯想道谢。'不图回报的感谢'和'为了让别人继续帮忙的感谢'有什么不同？
- 小精灵一直是在半夜、没人看见的时候帮忙的。默默地做好事、不求人知道，是一种什么样的品质？
- 小精灵得到了衣服就高高兴兴地离开了，再也没回来。你觉得他们为什么走了，是伤心还是开心？
- 如果有人一直在悄悄帮助你，你会想用什么方式表达感谢？
