1. Station 6 The People Could Fly African American Folk Tale
EQ: Why are folk tales categorized as part of oral tradition?

2. Materials you will need:
Prentice Hall Literature Book (blue and black)
Pencil
Notebook Paper (Journal)

3. Folk tales are stories that are told by ordinary people and passed down orally. Many folk tales feature animals as characters, and they often teach a lesson to readers or listeners.
Oral Tradition is the collection of songs, stories, and poems that are passed from generation to generation by word of mouth.

4. Quickwrite: Folk tales such as “The People Could Fly” have been told for years within families and from one generation of people to the next. List at least three reasons why families tell stories to each other.

5. About the Selection…
In “The People Could Fly,” long ago in Africa, people knew how to fly. When they were captured and enslaved, the people lost their wings and their will to fly. Toby whispers magic words to help them fly. He finally flies away himself.

6. Time to Read
Turn to page 918 in your literature book. Draw the chart located for number 8 at the bottom of the page.
Turn to page 914 in your literature book. Begin reading “The People Could Fly” with your group. Each member of your group must read part of the story. As you read, complete the chart giving examples of the elements of folk tales that you find in the story.

7. Page 918
Answer the questions on this page on your paper. You may discuss them with your group, but each one must write them on their own paper.

8. Short Essay
Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast “The People Could Fly” with another myth you have read. Then, write a short essay including details about setting, plot, and characters from both stories. You may talk with your group, but each member must have his or her own essay.