Introduce
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Introduce:
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In Lesson 4 we introduced the idea of a landscape of children's literature represented by different genres. In this lesson, we will take a look at one of those genres, Traditional Fantasy.
Be sure to read Chapter 7, pp. 66-76 in our text, in addition to working through this lesson. You can click here for a printable version of this lesson.
Once, a long while ago, I taught a preschool class of 4 year olds. My favorite time of the day was story time. I believe I enjoyed it most because the act of storytelling freed me to try out different voices and characteristics. I could be both Beauty and the Beast. I also know that I was amazed that the kids were so enthralled with the sound of my voice and the rhythm of the story. I remember fifteen pairs of eyes glued to my face as I began---"Once upon a time....." It was a powerful feeling!
Can you think back to a time when someone TOLD you a story? Not read you a story but told the story to you, with all the energy and skill it takes to hold your attention? If you can remember that occasion you'll probably also remember that it was a powerful experience, one which amazed and delighted you.
Listen to a storyteller, Amy Atwell, tell the story, The
Emperor's New Clothes. This is a video file of 2.7Mb. It could
take several minutes to start playing if you are using a 56k (or less)
modem.
This
is an audio-only version of Amy's reading (420k).
Open a transcript of Amy's reading of The Emperor's New Clothes
.
It is no accident that storytellers are revered and respected all over the world and that they share a tradition which goes back to our shared human roots. Storytellers, such as the griots of Africa and the Ohlone in our Bay Area, were the essential link to the history and ritual of a community. They had the power of tradition and imagination and the ability to share these mysteries in ways which moved and delighted their audiences.
Even now in our high tech age, storytellers can hold our attention with the tone of their voice. Storytelling festivals are sold out all over the world.
So storytellers still link us to our pasts and to our cultural heritages and the medium through which they do so is traditional fantasy.
Just a note, you can check out the Storytelling Optional Assignment in the Assignments section of our website. There you'll find information about a local storytelling group.
In our text, pp.66-76 describe the characteristics of this favored genre of children's literature.
Open a transcript of Luna's introduction.
Objectives:
Students will be able to ...- recognize the distinguishing characteristics of traditional fantasy
- describe how the characteristics of folktales reflect their oral roots
- name the categories of traditional fantasy and give an example of each
- identify and describe the most common folktale archetypes
- demonstrate an understanding of folktale motifs
- describe how folktales reflect the cultural values and rituals of their countries of origin and give examples of stories showing this
- analyze two folktales, comparing their interpretation of folktale archetypes, motifs and cultural indicators
Study Questions:
As you work through this lesson, you should keep the following key questions in mind to focus your studies:
- In what specific ways do the characteristics of traditional fantasy reflect its oral roots? Name at least three.
- What are the categories of traditional fantasy (e.g. myth)? Give an example of each of them.
- In what ways has traditional fantasy been viewed as both valuable and perilous?
- Describe six of the most common folktale archetypes. Give an example of each.
- What are folktale motifs? Give examples of some of them. Can you think of some examples where the same motif is found in different cultures?
- In what ways do folktales reflect the cultural values and rituals of their countries of origin? Name several of the cultural indicators.
Assignments for this Lesson:
- Assignment
5a: Build a Folktale
In this assignment you will Build A Folktale so you'll have first hand experience with folktale motifs, characteristics and archetypes. See the expanded assignment in the Assignments section of our website.
- Assignment
5b: Pinocchio: Collodi vs. Disney
In this assignment you will compare the Collodi version of Pinocchio with the Disney verson and you'll post your comments in the Forum.
Books Referenced in this Lesson:
- The Napping House by Audrey Wood
- The Stonecutter : A Japanese Folk Tale by Gerald McDermott
- Arrow to the Sun by Gerald McDermott
- Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
What next?
Go on to the Learn section of this lesson. To get there, click the Next button below or the Learn link at the top of the page.