# Winter Still Continues explained — Heidi

> Chapter companion for Heidi by Johanna Spyri.

## What happens

Heidi takes it upon herself to teach Peter to read, using a rhyming ABC book sent by Clara. She motivates him with threats of being sent to a large school in Frankfurt, and Peter eventually learns all his letters. He begins reading hymns to his grandmother, though his reading is still rough. The schoolteacher is amazed at Peter's progress and learns that Heidi and the Alm-Uncle were responsible.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Learning

Heidi's patient teaching and the rhyming ABC book illustrate the transformative power of education and creative methods.

### Compassion and Generosity

Heidi's determination to help Peter learn to read for his grandmother's sake, and the grandfather's hospitality in offering supper, reflect deep compassion.

## Character check-ins

### Heidi

Teaches Peter to read using a rhyming ABC book and motivates him with stories of Frankfurt schools.

### Peter

Reluctantly learns to read under Heidi's tutelage, eventually mastering the alphabet and reading hymns to his grandmother.

### Grandmother

Listens to Peter's reading but longs for Heidi's more expressive recitation of hymns.

### Brigida

Expresses amazement at Peter's new ability to read.

### Grandfather

Sits in the room during lessons, often smiling, and invites Peter to supper as a reward.

### Grandmama

Referenced by Heidi as having taught her that Peter's claim of being unable to learn was false.

## Key lines

> I'll teach you, for I know how; when you have learnt it, you must read one or two songs to grandmother every day.

Heidi offers to tutor Peter so he can read hymns aloud to his blind grandmother.

_Shows Heidi's motivation for teaching Peter._

> It was Heidi.

Peter tells the teacher that Heidi is responsible for his newfound reading ability.

_Highlights Heidi's role as an informal teacher._

> I am glad he has learnt something, but nevertheless I am longing for the spring to come. Then Heidi can visit me, for when she reads, the verses sound so different.

The grandmother appreciates Peter's progress but prefers Heidi's more heartfelt reading.

_Illustrates the grandmother's emotional connection to Heidi's reading style._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xix-winter-still-continues
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heidi_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heidi_se/chapters