Creator: Yale University | visit site
Grade Range: 6 - 7
Students analyze Native American, European, Puerto Rican, African, and American folk tales while strengthening vocabulary development, reading and writing abilities, interpersonal skills, and creativity. Folktales chosen as the basis for this unit explore the universal theme of using strength and intellect to accomplish great feats.
In the Classroom
Discuss what qualities heroes share. After going through the lessons students are asked to write their own folk or fairy tale about present day life. Have them write their modern-day version of a heroic tale. Discuss who modern heroes are, and what characteristics they share with the classical ones.
At Home
Read these heroic folk tales as a family with your middle-school-aged children. Discuss what qualities the different heroes share. How can your children develop these qualities in their own lives? Have them write their modern-day version of a heroic tale. Discuss who modern heroes are, and what characteristics they share with the classical ones.