understood betsy by dorothy canfield fisher

There are some heavy topics (including a child with an alcoholic step father) but all dealt with in a way that I felt was entirely appropriate for by almost-5 year old. She learns to deal with test anxiety, pride, lack of attention, scary situations, etc. The adults are kind and helpful but also give Betsy the opportunity to learn to think independently, problem solve, etc. It is a great story but also something of a treatise on the author's beliefs about child development, education, etc. I loved this story because it shows the transformation of a shy anxious child (which I was) into a spunky, confident person (which I am now, partly thanks to the influence of this book). They started listening while I was at work and when I got home both kids and Dad/husband were sitting silently, hanging on every word.

:-) But I didn't announce this to the kids when I bought it and several others from Audible. This was my favorite book as a child and I read it many times, so I'm fairly biased. Canfield settled in Vermont with her husband and children, and continued writing professionally. Canfield worked closely with Maria Monterssori in Italy, and was greatly influential in promoting education in the United States.ĭorothy Canfield was born in Kansas, but her family traveled as her father's academic career progressed, he eventually became president of Ohio State University. Betsy Starts a Sewing Societyĭorothea Frances Canfield (1879-1958) was an American author and both an child and adult educational activist. Elizabeth Ann Fails in an ExaminationĬhapter 08. If You Don't Like Conversation in a Book Skip this Chapter!Ĭhapter 07. When fate again intervenes and tries to take her away from the life she loves, some manner of common sense hitcomes into play and Betsy, though torn, bounds into another day of farmlife, full of caring love for all she comes in contact with, and grows into a beautiful young lady.Ĭhapter 06. She so loves being on the farm and doing all the things a farm girl does, including going to school.

such a dilemma!Ĭhildren can readily relate to Betsy who is a real girl in a real world where fortune seems to direct her life.

When one of the aunts comes back and wants to take Betsy back to the city. Betsy learns all about the farm and making butter and applesauce and dearly loves her new life. Sudden illness forces the aunts to send Betsy to other relatives, The Putnams, who live in the country on a farm.

Elizabeth Ann was orphaned at an early age and raised by her maiden aunts in the busy city.

Understood betsy by dorothy canfield fisher