1. Introduction to Folktales
“I like a story well told”
-Mark Twain

2. What is a Folktale?
A story that is told orally and is passed down from generation to generation before it is ever written down. Some storytellers were entertainers, teachers or parents. Folktales are part of FOLKLORE, which also includes myths, legends, tall tales and fairytales.

3. Things to consider: Why might people enjoy a good story?
Why would people share their stories?
What elements make a short story a folktale?
Cultural allusions
Dialect
Character types
Life lessons
Magical or Far-fetched element
Setting in a far away/fictional place

4. Read “We are All One” Pg 716 in Big Red
Discuss and then answer the following questions with your group.
How would this story be different if the main character were from a different culture?
What values of the Chinese culture are found in this folktale?
If this story took place within another culture, which values would stay the same? Which values would change?
What “cause & effect” relationships can you identify within this story?