Fairy Tale Autobiographies

This is a several day study of fairy tales that is designed for 5th grade or higher. Students will explore multiple fairy tales, identify the components of fairy tales, and finally publish their own fairy tales. Students work together in small groups to read, discuss, and analyze fairy tales. After compiling a list of common elements, students collaborate on their own original fairy talesu2014based on events from their own lives or the lives of someone they know. Each student decides what kind of experience to write about, composes and revises a fairy tale, and then presents their story to the rest of the class. The lesson follows a process method that includes peer review and encourages using picture books from a variety of cultural backgrounds as models. Students share their stories with the class, and the project concludes with individual reflection on the group project and fairy tales.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • listen to and read fairy tales, focusing on comprehension and analytical skills. 
  • analyze the fairy tales for common elements and genre characteristics. 
  • collaborate to gather information and complete prewriting activities. 
  • compose an original fairy tale, based on personal experiences. 
  • use graphic organizer to develop characters, settings, conflict, and resolution for their fairy tales. 
  • bind, publish, and share fairy tales.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China by Ai-Ling Louie
  • Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young

References

Contributors: