Our unit on Folk tales was a lot of fun! However, explaining that while all folk tales have similar characteristics, there are elements that define them into different categories. To make this visual, I developed this wall display in our classroom. At the top of the pyramid is listed what all folk tales have in common. Below are the specific types of folk tales that have more identifiable elements. The students were able to use this pyramid as they read various types of folk tales to determine the specific type. Great visual...glad I made it.
Additionally, I printed each of these on small labels, which students then adhered into their reading journals. As we read various stories, they had to determine which type of folk tale it was and write the title of the story next to the sticker. This gave us a great way to chronicle all of the stories we had read.
Based on the Common Core Standards this is the guiding question we read every day. At the end of each lesson students are asked to write an answer to the question on their 'ticket to leave'. As the days progress, so do the responses to the same question. This method allows for students to add to their learning and allow multiple opportunities to answer the same question. It is also a great way to do some quick formative assessing.
Additionally, our Essential Question guided our thinking throughout the unit: "What life lessons can we learn through folk tales?"
