Article Beyond Food & Fiestas
Practical ideas for creating authentic cultural experiences for your students.
In this 3-5 lesson, students will compare and contrast culturally distinct variations of the fairy tale, Cinderella, from around the world. Students will explore storytelling traditions and make comparisons between cultural versions of Cinderella. Students will also research the cultures represented in the fairy tales and create a visual art piece.
Students will:
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Additional Materials
Teachers should be familiar with fairy tale story elements, the story and theme of Cinderella, and cross-cultural Cinderella stories. Review the . It is highly encouraged to familiarize yourself with the plot, language, and cultural elements of the books before sharing them with your students. This lesson can be adapted to K-2 standards with modifications to the research and visual art project portions.
Students should be familiar with a few folktales and the story of Cinderella.
Adapt or modify art activities to meet student learning needs. Many of the books selected can be found as a read-aloud on YouTube or other digital book applications.
Examples should include:
-An unspecified time and place for the setting (“once upon a time”)
-Characters who are either good or evil (kind or cruel)
-The presence of magic (powers, events, beings)
-A happy ending for the good characters
-Justice for the evil characters
-Theme
Original Writer
Diane Messina
Adaptation
Rebecca Haden
Editor
JoDee Scissors
UPDATED
July 27, 2021
Practical ideas for creating authentic cultural experiences for your students.
Lesson plans, activities, and other resources that focus on telling stories through theater, music, dance, writing, and visual arts.
From the weather patterns of the Kapiti plain to the history of the Mexican corrido, travel across the globe to explore world cultures and the art they produce.
Greek and Egyptian mythology, the story of the Lion King, and the legend of King Arthus are just some of the ways these resources explore the different cultural interpretations of heroes. Then learn the stories of Cinderella, as well as American legends Paul Bunyan, John Henry and Pecos Bill.
Eric Friedman
Director, Digital Learning
Kenny Neal
Manager, Digital Education Resources
Tiffany A. Bryant
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement
Joanna McKee
Program Coordinator, Digital Learning
JoDee Scissors
Content Specialist, Digital Learning
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