1. WHAT IS A FOLK TALE?Third Grade

2. WHAT IS A FOLKTALE? A folktale is a story which began with oral storytelling Passed down through the ages Teaches a lesson Explains why things are as they are 3. CHARACTERISTICS Simple and straightforward Includes magic powers Characters represent human qualities such as good, evil, wisdom,foolishness, laziness Problems are clear Ending usually happy or satisfying Good usually rewarded, evil punished 4. TYPES OF FOLKTALES Trickster tales Fables fairytales 5. TRICKSTER TALES One character is clever and devious Causes problems for another Is usually unpunished Different cultures have specific tricksters 6. FABLES Short stories Teach a lesson Animal characters with human characteristics Stress themes such as: the value of cooperation, looking at problemsfrom different viewpoints Morals are not stated directly Listener must find their own moral in the tale 7. FAIRYTALES Include a good and bad character A hero or heroine Magic or fantasy Includes predictable beginnings and endings: Once upon a timehappily ever after Problem which is usually over come through kindness, courage,intelligence 8. T H E F OX A N D T H E S I C K L I O N 9. THE END Essential question? Can you read a story and tell if it is a folktale? What is the message or lesson of the story?