Folktales By Group Storybird

What are Folktales  This genre of literature grew form the oral tradition of story telling which have been there from for thousands of years.  Most of these stories deal with issues and problems that all children can relate to no matter which part or culture of the world they come from.

Objectives for this Lesson  TLW examine the four different types of folktales, identify characteristics of each, and evaluate their importance in the cultures in which they were told.  TLW use Storybird ( to rewrite a folktale, incorporating modern day settings, characters, and terminology.

Characteristics of Folktales  Passed down through oral traditions of adults  Stories about people’s lives  Struggle with fear and anxiety  Helped them cope with reality  Common and familiar settings, with no traditional time/place limitations  Uses unusual events or humor to resolve problem  Everyday people and/or animals are characters  Usually have happy endings

Types of Folktales  Fables  Fairytales  Trickster tales  Why “Porquoi” stories

Trickster tales  One character, usually the protagonist is clever and devious  The protagonist causes problems for the other characters  Usually goes unpunished  Different cultures have specific tricksters  Common “tricksters”—coyote, rabbit, fox

Why “Pourquoi” Stories  Explains WHY something is as it is  Explains HOW things came to be  Ex: The Epic of Gilgamesh contains pourquoi stories.

Fairytales  Include good and bad characters  Magic and fantasy  Usually has a hero or heroine  Often begins with “Once upon a time”  Predictable endings “happily ever after”  Conflicts are resolved through kindness, courage, or intelligence  Ex: Snow White, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel

Fables  Teaches a lesson or moral  Short stories  Main characters are usually animals with human characteristics  The moral is never stated directly  Stress themes such as: the value of cooperation, looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if being satisfied  Ex: Aesop’s Fables are the most well known fables.

Familiar Folktales  Jack and the Beanstalk  Babe the Blue Ox  Three Billy Goats Gruff  Paul Bunyan  Pecos Bill

Folktale Websites  World of Tales  Folktales, Fables, and Legends for Kids sp sp  Folktales from around the world

Assignment  Review the four types of folktales, and the elements that make up each.  Explore the Folktale websites and find a folktale that you would like to “modernize” by updating the setting, characters, and language.  Log onto the Libs6960 Storybird page with the username “6960” and the password “storybird.” You will use Storybird to create your modern day version of the folktale you choose.  The title of your story should include your last name and the folktale you are rewriting (ex. Smith_Jack and the Bean Stalk).  The title page of your Storybird should include the following:  First and Last Name  Title of your Folktale (you may include an optional subtitle that describes your updated version)  Type of folktale (Fairy tale, Fable, Porquoi, or Trickster)  Country of Origin  Your Storybird folktale should be enhanced with artwork.  Review the Rubric to make sure your folktale includes all of the necessary elements.

Rubric StandardStudent Expectation Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. Demonstrates an understanding of folktales (through the creation of a Storybird). Includes all of the required elements on the title page of the folktale. Creates a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end. Shows originality in the modernization of characters and setting. 3a. Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically. Context and point of view are well established. The role of the narrator/ characters is clearly defined. The plot is organized in such a way that events flow naturally and logically. 3d. Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events. Story includes descriptive words and phrases. Characters are well-rounded, with dynamic voices and personalities. Artwork is utilized to enhance the story.

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