Once upon a time, during the Great Depression, there lived a famous musician named "The Singing Stranger." Nobody knew his real name because he went by a pseudonym, a fake name to keep his identity secret. He was called "The Singing Stranger" because he would travel from town to town, singing and playing his phonograph for all to hear.

One day, he came to a small village and started to play his phonograph on the town square. People were curious and gathered around to listen. The Singing Stranger sang a beautiful song, and the people were so captivated by his voice and music that they began to sing along. This was called a "call and response." The Singing Stranger would sing a line, and the people would respond by singing the next line.

As they sang, the villagers felt their worries and troubles disappear. They laughed, they danced, and they forgot all about the hardships they faced during the Great Depression. The Singing Stranger continued to travel, spreading joy and hope wherever he went, and always leaving a lasting impression with his music and his call and response.

Years passed, and the people of the village still talked about the day "The Singing Stranger" came to town and lifted their spirits. They remembered his beautiful songs and the way his music brought everyone together. They passed the story down from generation to generation, so that even today, people still sing the songs that "The Singing Stranger" taught them, and never forget the joy and hope he brought into their lives.

Reflections

1. Who was "The Singing Stranger" and why was he called that?
2. Why did people gather around to listen to him play his phonograph?
3. What was the "call and response" technique used in the story?
4. How did the music of "The Singing Stranger" make the people of the village feel?
5. What did the people of the village remember about "The Singing Stranger" years later?
6. Why is it important to spread joy and hope, especially during difficult times like the Great Depression?