Hans Christian Andersen was born in Denmark on April 2, 1805. He was zany and lanky and an amazing writer who is best known and loved for his timeless fairy tale classics.
Some of his tales are sad, but they are important to read to our kids. After you read and discuss the rich stories together, use this free set of Hans Christian Andersen Copywork to reinforce what your student has learned.
Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales
Andersen’s fairy tales are great for read-alouds, but you may want to preview them first as some are rather melancholoy. You will find a grand collection of Andersen’s tales at Project Gutenberg for free.
Our favorite compilation is Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger.
The book is beautifully illustrated and includes the following stories:
- “The Sandman”
- “The Jumpers”
- “Thumbeline”
- “The Tinderbox”
- “The Rose Tree Regiment”
- “The Naughty Boy”
- “The Swineherd”
- “The Emperor’s New Clothes”
- “The Princess and the Pea”
- “The Nightingale”
- “The Little Match Girl”
A few other books we have owned and enjoyed are
- The Ugly Duckling illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
- The Little Mermaid illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger
Andersen writes poetically and descriptively, making his stories a good choice for copywork. I have compiled sixteen quotes from various translations of Anderson’s stories.
Additionally, if your students are interested in learning about Andersen’s life, read The Perfect Wizard: Hans Christian Andersen by Jane Yolen.
What’s Included in the Hans Christian Andersen Copywork?
This printable file contains 15 pages of copywork for your student.
Each page includes 1-2 copywork exercises with quotes from Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales:
“But he has nothing on at all,” said a little child at last. “Good heavens! listen to the voice of an innocent child,” said the father, and one whispered to the other what the child had said. “But he has nothing on at all,” cried at last the whole people. That made a deep impression upon the emperor, for it seemed to him that they were right; but he thought to himself, “Now I must bear up to the end.” And the chamberlains walked with still greater dignity, as if they carried the train which did not exist.
from The Emperor’s New Clothes
He now felt glad at having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled him to enjoy so much better all the pleasure and happiness around him.
from The Ugly Duckling
His own image; no longer a dark, gray bird, ugly and disagreeable to look at, but a graceful and beautiful swan. To be born in a duck’s nest, in a farmyard, is of no consequence to a bird, if it is hatched from a swan’s egg.
from The Ugly Duckling
Far out in the ocean, where the water is as blue as the prettiest cornflower, and as clear as crystal, it is very, very deep; so deep, indeed, that no cable could fathom it: many church steeples, piled one upon another, would not reach from the ground beneath to the surface of the water above. There dwell the Sea King and his subjects.
from The Little Mermaid
She is flying there where the swarm is thickest. She is the largest of them all and never remains on the earth, but flies up to the dark clouds. Often at midnight she flies through the streets of the town and breathes with her frosty breath upon the windows; then the ice freezes on the panes into wonderful forms that look like flowers and castles.
from The Snow Queen
“Just living is not enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”
from The Butterfly
How to Use the Hans Christian Andersen Copywork
- Print the pages.
- Let your student copy one exercise each day.
- Before your student starts, read the quote together and discuss it.
- When your student finishes the entire printable pack, consider binding it or adding it to a folder for a finished portfolio of copywork.
Get Your Free Set of Copywork Printables
Please save these copywork pages for a child who has heard Andersen’s stories before so the child will understand the context of the quotes.
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More Free Copywork Pages
If you are looking for more copywork, be sure to check out my FREE Copywork Pages for Your Homeschool.
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