Phat Folktales!

 

Introduction:
You have been hired by Green Dragon Books to create and illustrate an American folktale.  If you are successful, your story will be published for everyone in the world to read! Your job is to brainstorm within your group and write a fabulous, fantastic, phat folktale and maybe become famous.






Task:
In teams, you will write the Great American Folktale!



 

Process:
Step #1	Read the story you have been given. Print out and complete the Story Web This should take one class period.
Essential Question #1 What is the lesson or main idea of your folktale?
Step #2	Get into teams according to the country from which your stories orginated.  Read the descriptions and decide on jobs for team members. In your team, discuss the story elements of  the tales read by all teammates. As a team, complete the Compare & Contrast Chart. Make a list on the back of the paper of things that most of the stories had in common.  This should take 1-2 class periods.
Essential Question #2 What is the same in every story and what is different?
Step #3	Assign different jobs for team members. Together, research the culture, history and geography of the country.  Use encyclopedias and books from the library, Encarta and online resources.  Complete the questions listed below. Write an answer to Essential Question #3 for your tale. This should take two class periods.
Essential Question #3 How is your folktale affected by  the culture, history and geography of the country it is from?
Step #4	Regroup with classmates that have read stories with similar characters, morals or endings. Read the descriptions and decide on a Phat Folktale Writing Task for each team member. Compare answers to Essential Question #3 and construct a list of similarities in each of your stories. Brainstorm  ideas for your Great American Folktale. Make a list of story elements you think your American tale must contain. Write, edit, illustrate and publish your Fabulous, Fantastic, Phat Folktale. Print out and complete the "Writer's Rubric" as a group for your new folktale. Report scores to teacher. This should take 3 or more class periods.
Essential Question #4 How is your story a folktale?  What makes it like the others and what makes it different than the other tales we have read?
Step #5	Print out and complete a rubric for your team. Report scores to teacher.




 

Resources: To read more folktales	Aesops Fables Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts Absolutely Whootie Tales of Wonder Folklore Links	Myths and Fables From Around the World Fables and Animal Stories Grimm's Fairy Tales Kids.com Tales
Resources: sources: To read more about folktales	Fables Folktales, Folklore Fairy Tales, Fables, Myths and Legends	All About Folktales Folktales Quiz Tradtitional Literature
Resources: To read about the countries	France      Greece  China	Germany    Africa      Russia

             Folktales and morals: (partial list)

Conclusion:

You have learned a lot about a very old form of literature, the folktale.   These tales can help us  understand a lot about ourselves by learning about other people and their cultures. They were developed to explain the wonders of nature, the seasons, stars and animals and human nature.  Do you see yourself in some of these stories? In what ways are you like some of the characters?  Why do you think this folklore has survived for so many years?   Will your folktale last the test of time?  Check out some other student tales!

Evaluation:

You will be evaluated in many different ways:  Your team participation, according to the group rubric The finished forms (Story Web, Compare & Contrast sheet, questions, answers to all Essential Questions and rubrics) you turn in for completeness and accuracy Your completed story according to the Writing Rubric Peer and self evaluation Teacher observation

 

TEAM JOBS
All team members will be expected to participate fully in all discussions and projects.  Jobs can be changed from one session to the next.  Team members will take turns being the the "Internet Surfer".
Scribe	You will fill out the compare/contrast form neatly, including teammates' names.  You may also take notes for the questions in Step #3.
Messenger	You are the only person who can contact the teacher for supplies, group questions or comments.
Moderator	You will coordinate all discussions by keeping team members on task. You will also set time limits for computer use by team members.
Researcher(s)	You will find information about your country with respect to the questions listed below on and offline.  You will also glean information you need from everyone's story.
Organizer	You will find and print all forms needed and keep them together to be turned into the teacher at end of lesson.  You will also keep track of where your group is in the "Process".

Return to Step #2
 

Questions to answer when researching your country:

1.  Are there any striking geographical features in the country?
            rivers, mountains, seas, barren terrain, forests
2.  What is the form of government of the country?
            kings and queens, president
3.  What is the weather like?
            hot or cold, rainy or snowy
4.  Have there been any big wars?
5.  Are there castles in your country?
6.  What language do the people speak?
 


 

Phat Folktale Writing Tasks All team members will participate in helping to write the team tale.  Everyone will participate in editing the rough draft and evaluating the team tale.  Time on the computer will be equally shared.
Gopher	You are the only person who can contact the teacher for supplies, group questions or comments.
Storyboarder	You will layout the team tale in correct order of events.
Illustrator(s)	You will draw the pictures to go with your team's tale.
Recorder	You will copy down the tale as it is created.
Evaluation Reporter	You will fill out both rubrics, complete with names and make sure that all papers to be turned into teacher are complete.

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