All grades  Project 4 weeks

"Folktale Detective: Unraveling Story Secrets"

Melissa K
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.9
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.5
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse 2nd-grade students in the rich world of fairy tales and folktales, allowing them to explore cultural values and traditions through storytelling. By engaging in hands-on activities such as puppet-making, scriptwriting, and performance, students will develop a deeper understanding of narrative elements and character roles. This project encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, as students create original tales that reflect their community's unique characteristics, fostering a sense of cultural appreciation and empathy.

Learning goals

Students will explore cultural values and traditions through fairy tales and folktales, enhancing their understanding of storytelling elements. They will develop skills in analyzing narrative structures, character archetypes, and moral lessons, fostering critical thinking and creativity. By engaging in puppet-making and scriptwriting, students will apply art and narrative techniques to express their community's unique characteristics and values. Through performance and reflection activities, they will practice socio-emotional skills, empathy, and effective communication. The project aims to deepen students' appreciation for diverse cultural narratives and their timeless appeal.
Standards
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.2 - Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.9 - Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story (e.g., Cinderella stories) by different authors or from different cultures.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.5 - Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create puppets that represent characters from diverse folktales, incorporating art and design principles. By the end, students will produce a collaborative puppet script, reflecting their community's values, and perform it at the Folktale Festival. Additionally, students will develop story maps that visually represent the settings and characters of their tales, which will be displayed at the Folktale Exhibition.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Fairy Tale Scavenger Hunt' where students search the classroom for clues related to famous fairy tales and folktales. This activity will spark curiosity and encourage students to think critically about story elements and cultural connections. Follow this with a 'Story Creation Station' where students collaboratively invent a short fairy tale or folktale using prompts and props, allowing them to practice storytelling skills in a fun, hands-on way.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Folktale Festival' where students perform their puppet scripts in front of classmates and parents, showcasing their understanding of cultural values and storytelling elements. Create a 'Folktale Exhibition' where students display their story maps, puppets, and scripts, inviting peers to explore and discuss the cultural and narrative elements presented. Include interactive stations where visitors can engage with the stories through puppet-making activities and storytelling prompts, encouraging community participation and dialogue.