Elements of folktales
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/2212/
A lesson plan for grades 5–8 English Language Arts and Theater Arts Education
In this ARTSEDGE lesson, students explore the common elements of folktales and tall tales while learning how these tales built the spirit of American people. Students read traditional folktales and view filmed versions of those stories. They discuss the differences between the literary and media versions by comparing, contrasting, and analyzing the elements of each.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
English Language Arts (2004)
Grade 5
- Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
- Objective 2.03: Read a variety of texts, such as:
- fiction (tall tales, myths).
- nonfiction (books of true experience, newspaper and magazine articles, schedules).
- poetry (narrative, lyric, and cinquains).
- drama (plays and skits).
- Objective 2.04: Identify elements of fiction and nonfiction and support by referencing the text to determine the:
- plot development.
- author's choice of words.
- effectiveness of figurative language (e.g., personification, flashback).
- tone.
- Objective 2.05: Evaluate inferences, conclusions, and generalizations and provide evidence by referencing the text(s).
- Objective 2.03: Read a variety of texts, such as:
Grade 6
- Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives drawn from personal or related experience.
- Objective 1.02: Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
- monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
- analyzing the characteristics of expressive works.
- determining the effect of literary devices and/or strategies on the reader/viewer/listener.
- making connections between works, self and related topics.
- comparing and/or contrasting information.
- drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
- determining the main idea and/or significance of events.
- generating a learning log or journal.
- creating an artistic interpretation that connects self to the work.
- discussing books/media formally and informally.
- Objective 1.02: Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
Grade 7
- Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
- Objective 1.02: Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
- monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
- summarizing the characteristics of expressive works.
- determining the importance of literary effects on the reader/viewer/listener.
- making connections between works, self and related topics.
- comparing and/or contrasting information.
- drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
- determining the main idea and/or significance of events.
- generating a learning log or journal.
- maintaining an annotated list of works read/viewed.
- creating an artistic interpretation that connects self and/or society to the selection.
- constructing and presenting book/media reviews.
- Objective 1.02: Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
Grade 8
- Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
- Objective 1.02: Analyze expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
- monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
- reviewing the characteristics of expressive works.
- determining the importance of literary effects on the reader/viewer/listener.
- making connections between works, self and related topics.
- drawing inferences.
- generating a learning log or journal.
- maintaining an annotated list of works that are read or viewed, including personal reactions.
- taking an active role in and/or leading formal/informal book/media talks.
- Objective 1.02: Analyze expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
Theatre Arts Education (2001)
Grade 5
- Goal 8: The learner will understand context by analyzing the role of theatre, film, television, and electronic media in the past and present.
- Objective 8.02: Discuss the role of film and television.
Grade 6
- Goal 7: The learner will analyze, critique, and construct meaning from informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions.
- Objective 7.03: Develop verbal, visual and written responses to works of informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions from various cultures.
Grade 7
- Goal 7: The learner will analyze, critique, and construct meaning from informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions.
- Objective 7.03: Analyze, critique and express meaning perceived from works of informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions from various cultures.
Grade 8
- Goal 7: The learner will analyze, critique, and construct meaning from informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions.
- Objective 7.04: Write and discuss analysis of informal and formal theatre, film, television, and electronic media productions from various cultures.


