© 2010 by American Reading Company®

Reader: _____________________________ Room: ___________

Read as many different traditional tales as possible. Use the guide below to discuss the tales you read and plan the tales you write.

Title:

Subgenre:

Country of culture of origin:

Main character(s):

Minor character(s):

Setting—time:

Setting—place:

Problem:

Resolution:

Lesson, moral, or truth taught:

Symbols used (colors, names, objects, time, etc.):

Figurative language used:

Patterns:

1. Rewrite one of the tales from the perspective of a different character.

2. Retell one of the tales to a partner or small group.

3. Find examples of personification, similes, metaphors, and idioms.

4. Create a graphic organizer to compare the tales you have read.

5. Identify patterns you find repeated in the tales.

6. Identify symbols you find repeated in the tales.

Genre Card

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Traditional Tale SubgenresFolktale: Passes on wisdom of ordinary people. Often uses animals.

Fairy Tale: Folktale with magic or supernatural elements.

Myth: Sacred story explaining why the world is the way it is. Usually involves gods, heroes, and supernatural events.

Fable: Short story with a clear moral; usually about animals.

Legend: Based on lives of real kings or heroes who lived before written records. Stories have been passed down and exaggerated over time.

Tall Tale: Has a larger-than-life hero, exaggerated details, and problem or conflicts that are solved in humorous or outrageous ways.

Creation Story: Explains the origin of the Earth, its life, and its people.

Pourquoi Tale: Just-so stories. Explains how things came to be the way they are.

Alternative Tale: Updated version of a traditional take with a twist.