Teaching English in the Elementary Grades through Literature

BEEd 3

What is fairy tales?

Fairy tales are traditional stories that often feature magical elements, fantastical
creatures, and enchanting settings. These tales typically involve characters facing
challenges or conflicts and often end with a moral lesson or a happily-ever-after
resolution. They have been passed down through generations orally and in written form,
captivating audiences of all ages.
There are numerous famous fairy tales that have captured the imaginations of people
worldwide for generations. Here are some well-known examples:
1. "Cinderella": A classic story of a young girl living with her cruel stepmother and
stepsisters who, with the help of a fairy godmother, attends a royal ball and
captures the heart of a prince.
2. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs": The tale of Snow White, a kind-hearted
princess who is forced to flee from her wicked stepmother and finds refuge with
seven dwarfs in the forest.
3. "Little Red Riding Hood": This story follows a young girl who encounters a wolf on
her way to her grandmother's house, teaching lessons about trust and caution.
4. "Beauty and the Beast": A tale of a young woman, Belle, who falls in love with a
beast under a curse. The story highlights the importance of inner beauty and
kindness.
5. "The Little Mermaid": A mermaid princess named Ariel dreams of living on land
and falls in love with a human prince, making a deal with a sea witch to gain legs.
6. "Hansel and Gretel": Siblings Hansel and Gretel are abandoned in the woods and
encounter a house made of sweets belonging to a witch, showcasing themes of
resourcefulness and bravery.
7. "The Sleeping Beauty": A princess is cursed to sleep for a hundred years after
pricking her finger on a spindle. She is awakened by a prince's kiss.
8. "The Three Little Pigs": The story follows three pigs who build houses of different
materials and face a cunning wolf. It teaches lessons about planning and hard
work.
9. "Rumpelstiltskin": A story about a miller's daughter who is forced to spin straw
into gold and makes a pact with a magical imp named Rumpelstiltskin.
Teaching English in the Elementary Grades through Literature
BEEd 3

These tales, among others, have been retold, adapted, and reimagined in various forms
of literature, theater, film, and other media, showcasing their enduring popularity and
timeless appeal.
Importance of Fairy Tales to Pupils:
1. Imagination and Creativity: Fairy tales spark imagination by transporting children
to magical worlds and introducing them to fantastical characters, encouraging
creative thinking.
2. Moral Lessons: These stories often carry moral messages, teaching important
values like kindness, perseverance, bravery, and the consequences of actions.
3. Cultural Understanding: Fairy tales come from diverse cultures worldwide,
offering insights into different traditions, beliefs, and societal norms. They foster
cultural appreciation and understanding.
4. Language Development: The rich language used in fairy tales introduces children
to new vocabulary, different sentence structures, and storytelling techniques,
enhancing language skills.
5. Emotional Development: Characters in fairy tales face challenges that mirror real-
life struggles. This allows children to explore and understand various emotions and
coping mechanisms.
6. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Fairy tales often involve characters
overcoming obstacles. Analyzing these stories encourages critical thinking and
problem-solving skills in children.
7. Entertainment and Enjoyment: Fairy tales captivate and entertain children,
fostering a love for reading and storytelling. They provide an enjoyable way to
learn important life lessons.
8. Resilience and Hope: Many fairy tales emphasize resilience in the face of adversity
and offer hope for a brighter future, instilling optimism and perseverance in young
minds.
Teaching fairy tales allows educators to tap into these benefits while creating engaging
and enriching learning experiences. By exploring different fairy tales, students can
connect with universal themes, develop empathy, and gain a deeper appreciation for
literature and storytelling.
Teaching English in the Elementary Grades through Literature
BEEd 3

Strategies and Activities in Teaching Fairy Tales

Teaching fairy tales to students in grades 1-6 can be a magical experience. Here
are some strategies and activities tailored to different age groups within this range:
Grades 1-2:
1. Read-Aloud Sessions: Begin with classic fairy tales like "Cinderella," "Little Red
Riding Hood," or "The Three Little Pigs." Use engaging voices and encourage
participation.
2. Story Mapping: Create simple story maps with pictures or drawings to help
children understand the story's sequence of events.
3. Role-Playing: Act out the stories with props or costumes to encourage imagination
and understanding of characters and plot.
Grades 3-4:
1. Comparative Analysis: Compare different versions of the same fairy tale from
various cultures or authors. Discuss similarities and differences.
2. Creative Writing: Have students rewrite the ending of a fairy tale or create their
own versions. Encourage them to change characters, settings, or outcomes.
3. Storyboard Creation: Ask students to create storyboards illustrating key scenes or
moments in the fairy tale. This helps in understanding sequencing and story
development.
Grades 5-6:
1. Critical Thinking Discussions: Engage students in discussions about the morals or
lessons in the fairy tales. Analyze the underlying messages and their relevance in
real life.
2. Fairy Tale Remix: Challenge students to create a modern-day adaptation of a fairy
tale, set in current times. This can involve writing, drawing, or even multimedia
presentations.
3. Research and Presentation: Assign different fairy tales to groups of students and
have them research the cultural origins of these tales. Let them present their
findings to the class.
Cross-Grade Activities:
Teaching English in the Elementary Grades through Literature
BEEd 3

1. Illustration Station: Set up an art station where students across grades can
illustrate their favorite scenes from various fairy tales. Display these drawings
around the classroom or school.
2. Fairy Tale Theater: Organize a collaborative play involving students from different
grades. They can work together to adapt and perform a fairy tale for an audience.
3. Fairy Tale Feast: Host a culminating event where students bring in food items
mentioned in different fairy tales. Encourage them to explain the significance of
each food item within the stories.
General Strategies:
1. Multi-Sensory Approaches: Use music, art, and movement to enhance
understanding and engagement.
2. Incorporate Technology: Use digital resources, videos, or interactive websites to
supplement lessons and make learning more dynamic.
3. Encourage Reflection: Regularly ask open-ended questions to encourage critical
thinking and reflection on the themes and messages within the tales.
Remember, adapt these activities based on the specific needs and interests of your
students, and always encourage creativity and active participation!