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. Adapted by JoDee Scissors

  • Grades 6-8
  • Folklore
  • Myths, Legends, & Folktales

Writing Folktales
What are the key characteristics of a folktale?

In this 6-8 lesson, students will analyze the characteristics of traditional folktales to write an original tale. They will use elements of folktales to develop their story and strengthen work through the writing process.

 

 

Lesson Content

Learning Objectives 

Students will: 

  • Ask and answer questions about classic folktales.
  • Recall details from a text and illustrations.
  • Identify, examine, analyze, and evaluate folktales.
  • Incorporate the elements of traditional folktales in original folktales.
  • Write for literary purposes and for a variety of audiences: peers, teachers, parents, school-wide community, and beyond.
  • Prewrite, draft, revise, and proofread as part of the strategic approach to effective writing.

 

Standards Alignment

Recommended Student Materials

Editable Documents: Before sharing these resources with students, you must first save them to your Google account by opening them, and selecting “Make a copy” from the File menu. Check out Sharing Tips or Instructional Benefits when implementing Google Docs and Google Slides with students.

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Websites

 

Teacher Background

Teachers should be familiar with traditional folktales and be able to identify common elements. Preview and familiarize yourself with the digital tools related to the lesson. Display an example folktale text around the room or visit for digital text examples. Explore and

Book Recommendations:

Cole, Joanna. Best Loved Folktales of the World. Wilmington, NC: Anchor Publishing, 1983.

Mallet, Jerry and Keith Polette. World Folktales. Fort Atkinson: Alleyside Press, 1994.

 

Student Prerequisites

Students should have an understanding of the peer editing process. They should be familiar with basic story elements including characters (flat versus round), characterization, plot, setting, and dialogue. 

 

Accessibility Notes

Modify handouts and give preferential seating for visual presentations. Allow extra time for task completion.

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  • Original Writer

    Kathy Cook

  • Adaptation

    Andria Cole

  • Editor

    JoDee Scissors

  • Updated

    November 1, 2021

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Collection Storytelling

Lesson plans, activities, and other resources that focus on telling stories through theater, music, dance, writing, and visual arts.

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Kennedy Center Education Digital Learning

Eric Friedman 
Director, Digital Learning

Kenny Neal 
Manager, Digital Education Resources

Tiffany A. Bryant 
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement

JoDee Scissors 
Content Specialist, Digital Learning

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