EDUC 205: Children’s Literature and the Writing Process Day 8: Folktales

Schedule Reading from a children’s book Traditional Literature – characteristics and evaluation Observation 1 discussion

Traditional Literature Folktales Fables Myths Epics/legends Bible Stories

Origin of Folk Literature Oral tradition Folktales, fairy tales, and fables – simple stories that reveal human behavior set in a world of wonder and magic Myths – gods and creation Epics and legends – heroes

Value of Folk Literature for Children Story structure Short and fast-moving Humorous Happy ending Justice prevails Kindle children’s imaginations

Folktales Simple and direct Repetition Three as a magic number Characters Good or evil Strengths or weaknesses

Folktales Motifs Magical powers Transformations Magical Objects Wishes Trickery

Folktales American Tall Tales Paul Bunyan Johnny Appleseed Pecos Bill Sally Ann Thunder Davy Crockett

Fables Aesop Brief didactic tales in which usually animals speak as humans Usually 3 characters Single incident Meant to instruct - moral

Myths Explanations of earth, sky, humans god  gods  worship Relationship of humans to gods Creation Nature Hero

Epics and Legends Long narrative or cycle of stories with single hero Cultural or national hero (human)

Bible Stories Study of Bible as a great work of literature Myth – human search for and expression of truth and meaning Helps children understand many other stories, allusions, and situations

Reading Observation Title/author of literature book Procedure What techniques appear most effective? Students’ reactions and responses To remember

Coming Soon… For Tuesday, check out a Cinderella book from Broadmoor Library; write an evaluation and be prepared to share all or part of the book On Tuesday, we will sign up for peer teaching topics