Creator: Yale University | visit site
Grade Range: 6 - 7
By studying the folktales and myths of Africa and the Mayas, students understand the nature of myth and the variety of culture.
In the Classroom
Read some of these Mayan and African folktales as a class, discussing their similarities and differences. Demonstrate what the children learned by reading or listening by having them make a picture or rewrite a tale using aspects of American culture instead. After examining folktales, have students create and practice their own storytelling skills. Use plot diagrams and story maps to assist in the organization of their own stories. Use paper and pencil for the story map or a tool like StoryMap, <a href="/single.cfm?id=16818">reviewed here</a>. Have student finalize their stories using Book Creator, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17988">reviewed here</a>. Students can combine their books later as a class book.
At Home
Read some of these Mayan and African folktales as a family, discussing their similarities and differences. Demonstrate what the children learned by reading or listening by having them make a picture or rewrite a tale using aspects of American culture instead.