TEACHER GUIDE & ANSWER KEY — LESSON 71

Lesson 71 blends close visual observation with classical moral education. Students observe an engraving/painting of domestic rabbits, catalog physical traits (coat color, ear morphology, fur texture), analyze their underground burrowing and climbing instincts, and engage in compassionate reflection. Ensure pupils answer every question with a complete predicate and appropriate capitalization.

1. Count & Colors: "In the picture, I see four [or five] rabbits; their soft coats are colored white, brown, and spotted." (Accept 4 to 5 depending on student's counting of foreground/background figures; must identify coat variations).

2. Favorite Coat: "The coat color I like best is spotted brown and white because it looks cheerful and distinctive." (Accept any thoughtful color preference with valid rationale).

3. Ears & Hearing: "Rabbits have tall, long ears that turn quickly to catch distant sounds and warn them of approaching danger."

4. Body Covering: "A rabbit's body is covered with dense, long and soft fur that keeps the creature warm in chilly weather."

5. Night Shelter: "At night, pet rabbits must be kept safely inside a sturdy, dry wooden hutch or secure wire pen to protect them from cold winds, damp weather, and prowling predators like foxes or stray dogs."

6. Clever Escapes: "Rabbits sometimes get out of their pen by digging underground burrows beneath the wooden boards or squeezing through a loose fence wire."

7. Daily Diet: "Rabbits love to nibble and eat fresh vegetables such as sweet carrots, crisp cabbage leaves, tender clover, and sweet green grass."

Exemplar Student Statement: "It is truly cruel and wrong to hurt or kill gentle, innocent creatures who do no harm to anyone. We ought to care for rabbits tenderly with fresh water, wholesome vegetables, and a warm, loving home."

Teaching Note: Praise students who use heartfelt vocabulary such as harmless, innocent, cherish, protect, tender care.