Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Students learn about a genre through participation in a variety of online activities. By interviewing accomplished genre writers and storytellers, taking part in online writing activities, and using interactive technology tools, students delve into the history, meaning, and cultural importance of each distinct genre.

NOTE: Please be aware that there may be potentially objectionable material in some traditional myths. In order for ancient cultures to make sense of their worlds, which were often hostile, they sometimes incorporated violent elements in their stories. You may wish to preview the myths before assigning them to students.

The "Myths, Folktales, and Fairy Tales" project is designed so that you may choose any one or all of the three sections to explore depending on available class time and desired teaching focus. Since each of the sections is aimed at a different grade level, modifications of the activities are advised.

OBJECTIVE

Students will: 

1. Appreciate diverse cultures and traditions through folklore and folktales
2. Compare historic world cultures with contemporary ones
3. Demonstrate understanding of the genres by responding to questions
4. Follow the writing process to create writing in different genres
5. Identify unique characteristics of the genre: myth, folktale, folklore, and fairy tales
6. Produce written work to show evidence of knowledge of the different genres
7. Read and listen to genre examples to increase knowledge of genre characteristics
8. Read myths and folktales to increase knowledge of world cultures and traditions
9. Respond to questions about the folktale genre to demonstrate understanding
10. Tell an original folktale to class members using appropriate fluency skills
11. Use Web tools to access information about different cultures
12. Use Web tools to write and publish original myths, folktales, and fairy tales

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales for Grades K-3
Lesson 2: Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales for Grades 4-6
Lesson 3: Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales for Grades 7-9
Lesson 4: Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales for Grades 10-12

REPRODUCIBLES
Setting the Stage (PDF)
Setting the Stage (PDF)
Venn Diagram (PDF)

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books and Resources about Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales

• Teacher Store
• 

  The Teacher Store

  Teaching with Leo Lionni Use the timeless tales of Leo Lionni to help children learn ways to handle difficult situations, develop cooperative skills, and build self-esteem. This set includes seven classic Lionni books and an excellent resource filled with activities and lessons that utilize the books. Explore story elements, build vocabulary, teach descriptive writing, extend to math, science, social studies, and more. $25.16 You save: 10% Paperback Book Collection | Grades K-2

  
  Teaching with Leo Lionni
  Grades K-2 $25.16
  
• Teacher Store
• 

  The Teacher Store

  Teaching with Gary Paulsen Introduce your students to award-winning author Gary Paulsen, with an in-depth study of five of his most captivating novels: Woodsong, Dogsong, Hatchet, The River, and Brian's Winter. Help your students make long-lasting literature connections with meaningful discussion questions, reading comprehension reproducibles, literary element graphic organizers, vocabulary activities, writing prompts, and literature response projects. $11.98 You save: 50% Paperback Book Collection | Grades 5-8

  
  Teaching with Gary Paulsen
  Grades 5-8 $11.98
  

This Unit Plan supports Myths, Folktales, and Fairy Tales Activities

Esperanza Rising Unit Plan
Uses the beloved novel Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan as inspiration to improve student's writing skills. Students use story starters...

The New and Improved "What I Did on My Summer Vacation"
Introduces a lesson unit enaging students in sharing about themselves, their families, and their summer vacations through a mock museum exhibit.

Holes
Requires students to identify the sequence of story events in Louis Schar's Holes, and recognize the cause-and-effect relationships of these...