NOTE: Please be aware that there may be potentially objectionable material in some traditional myths. In order for ancient cultures to make sense of their worlds, which were often hostile, they sometimes incorporated violent elements in their stories. You may wish to preview the myths before assigning them to students.

The "Myths, Folktales, and Fairy Tales" project is designed so that you may choose any one or all of the three sections to explore depending on available class time and desired teaching focus. Since each of the sections is aimed at a different grade level, modifications of the activities are advised.

Students will: 

1. Appreciate diverse cultures and traditions through folklore and folktales
2. Compare historic world cultures with contemporary ones
3. Demonstrate understanding of the genres by responding to questions
4. Follow the writing process to create writing in different genres
5. Identify unique characteristics of the genre: myth, folktale, folklore, and fairy tales
6. Produce written work to show evidence of knowledge of the different genres
7. Read and listen to genre examples to increase knowledge of genre characteristics
8. Read myths and folktales to increase knowledge of world cultures and traditions
9. Respond to questions about the folktale genre to demonstrate understanding
10. Tell an original folktale to class members using appropriate fluency skills
11. Use Web tools to access information about different cultures
12. Use Web tools to write and publish original myths, folktales, and fairy tales

Lesson 1: Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales for Grades K-3

Lesson 2: Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales for Grades 4-6

Lesson 3: Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales for Grades 7-9

Lesson 4: Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales for Grades 10-12

Supporting Books

Books and Resources about Myths, Folktales, & Fairy Tales