FolktalesFolktales

By Group StorybirdBy Group Storybird

What are FolktalesWhat are Folktales

This genre of literature grew form the This genre of literature grew form the oral tradition of story telling which oral tradition of story telling which have been there from for thousands have been there from for thousands of years.of years.

Most of these stories deal with issues Most of these stories deal with issues and problems that all children can and problems that all children can relate to no matter which part or relate to no matter which part or culture of the world they come from.culture of the world they come from.

Objectives for this LessonObjectives for this Lesson

TLW examine the four different types TLW examine the four different types of folktales, identify characteristics of of folktales, identify characteristics of each, and evaluate their importance in each, and evaluate their importance in the cultures in which they were told.the cultures in which they were told.

TLW use Storybird TLW use Storybird (www.storybird.com) to rewrite a (www.storybird.com) to rewrite a folktale, incorporating modern day folktale, incorporating modern day settings, characters, and terminology.settings, characters, and terminology.

Characteristics of Characteristics of FolktalesFolktales

Passed down through oral traditions of adultsPassed down through oral traditions of adults Stories about people’s livesStories about people’s lives Struggle with fear and anxietyStruggle with fear and anxiety Helped them cope with realityHelped them cope with reality Common and familiar settings, with no traditional Common and familiar settings, with no traditional

time/place limitationstime/place limitations Uses unusual events or humor to resolve Uses unusual events or humor to resolve

problemproblem Everyday people and/or animals are charactersEveryday people and/or animals are characters Usually have happy endingsUsually have happy endings

Types of FolktalesTypes of Folktales

FablesFables

FairytalesFairytales

Trickster talesTrickster tales

Why “Porquoi” storiesWhy “Porquoi” stories

Trickster talesTrickster tales

One character, usually the protagonist is One character, usually the protagonist is clever and deviousclever and devious

The protagonist causes problems for the The protagonist causes problems for the other charactersother characters

Usually goes unpunishedUsually goes unpunished Different cultures have specific trickstersDifferent cultures have specific tricksters Common “tricksters”—coyote, rabbit, foxCommon “tricksters”—coyote, rabbit, fox

Why “Pourquoi” StoriesWhy “Pourquoi” Stories

Explains WHY something is as it isExplains WHY something is as it is

Explains HOW things came to beExplains HOW things came to be Ex: The Epic of Gilgamesh contains Ex: The Epic of Gilgamesh contains

pourquoi stories. pourquoi stories.

FairytalesFairytales

Include good and bad charactersInclude good and bad characters Magic and fantasyMagic and fantasy Usually has a hero or heroineUsually has a hero or heroine Often begins with “Once upon a time”Often begins with “Once upon a time” Predictable endings “happily ever after”Predictable endings “happily ever after” Conflicts are resolved through kindness, Conflicts are resolved through kindness,

courage, or intelligencecourage, or intelligence Ex: Snow White, Cinderella, Hansel and Ex: Snow White, Cinderella, Hansel and

Gretel Gretel

FablesFables Teaches a lesson or moralTeaches a lesson or moral Short storiesShort stories Main characters are usually animals with Main characters are usually animals with

human characteristicshuman characteristics The moral is never stated directlyThe moral is never stated directly Stress themes such as: the value of Stress themes such as: the value of

cooperation, looking at problems from cooperation, looking at problems from different viewpoints, rewards if being different viewpoints, rewards if being satisfiedsatisfied

Ex: Aesop’s Fables are the most well known Ex: Aesop’s Fables are the most well known fables.fables.

Familiar FolktalesFamiliar Folktales

Jack and the Beanstalk Jack and the Beanstalk Babe the Blue OxBabe the Blue Ox Three Billy Goats GruffThree Billy Goats Gruff Paul Bunyan Paul Bunyan Pecos BillPecos Bill

Folktale WebsitesFolktale Websites World of TalesWorld of Tales

http://worldoftales.comhttp://worldoftales.com Folktales, Fables, and Legends for KidsFolktales, Fables, and Legends for Kids

http://www.pitara.com/talespin/http://www.pitara.com/talespin/folktales.aspfolktales.asp

Folktales from around the worldFolktales from around the world

http://www.unc.edu/~rwilkers/title.htmhttp://www.unc.edu/~rwilkers/title.htm

AssignmentAssignment Review the four types of folktales, and the elements that make up each.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 Explore the Folktale websites and find a folktale that you would like to

“modernize” by updating the setting, characters, and language.“modernize” by updating the setting, characters, and language. Log onto the Libs6960 Storybird page with the username “6960” and the Log onto the Libs6960 Storybird page with the username “6960” and the

password “storybird.” You will use Storybird to create your modern day password “storybird.” You will use Storybird to create your modern day version of the folktale you choose.version of the folktale you choose.

The title of your story should include your last name and the folktale you The title of your story should include your last name and the folktale you are rewriting (ex. Smith_Jack and the Bean Stalk).are rewriting (ex. Smith_Jack and the Bean Stalk).

The title page of your Storybird should include the following:The title page of your Storybird should include the following: First and Last NameFirst and Last Name Title of your Folktale (you may include an optional subtitle that describes your updated Title of your Folktale (you may include an optional subtitle that describes your updated

version)version) Type of folktale (Fairy tale, Fable, Porquoi, or Trickster)Type of folktale (Fairy tale, Fable, Porquoi, or Trickster) Country of OriginCountry of Origin

Your Storybird folktale should be enhanced with artwork.Your Storybird folktale should be enhanced with artwork. Review the Rubric to make sure your folktale includes all of the necessary Review the Rubric to make sure your folktale includes all of the necessary

elements.elements.

RubricRubricStandard Student Expectation 1 2 3 4 5

3. 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.

The EndThe End