by Michael Deiter, Park Elementary
This webquest engulfs students in all that is fantastic in the world of fairy tales. Students will be able to identify fairy tale characteristics, point of view, and theme. Several authors have developed a keen style while be able to "spin" the original tale which uniquely differs from the first. You will read several original fairy tales and delve into numerous varriances of these tales using modern picture and chapter books. An author study will allow deeper understanding of the fairy tale differences while they maintain the appropriate fairy tale structure. Students will be reading a classic fairy tale from Brothers Grimm or Charles Perrault and comparing and contrasting the classic tale to a modern, retold, or fractured version of the same tale. Students will produce a piece of writing that is fractured from the original they have chosen, just like the modern authors. A reader's theater play will culminate this unit. Groups will develop a script, props, and costumes to perform the play.
Introduction
Welcome to all that in magical in fairy tales. What do Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White all have in common? We can even throw in the more modern and grown up Hook, Ella Enchanted, Princess Diaries, and Ever After, and Hilary Duff's Cinderella Story. The answer: they all come from classic fairy tales written by Hans Christian Andersen and Brothers Grimm dating back to the late 1700s. Believe it not not, Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia could be considered fairy tales. Fairy tales have magic and wonder that both girls and boys alike can enjoy. Click the task button so you can start this project. Have fun!
