The following schedule will span 30 sessions occurring within a six week period or, as in my case, over the duration of a full academic year. These time periods are approximations: each group should follow it at a pace that is comfortable as the unit is primarily process oriented.
Week 1 (September): Preparing the class for the Unit
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-Discuss some major differences and similarities between humans and animals. (physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional and behavioral)
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-Why did humans start to tell each other stories? Why do we still tell stories and how do we do it?
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-What is a folktale?
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Week 2 and 3 (Oct, Nov, Dec) Presenting Folktales and Activities
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- Occasionally using audio and visual tapes of storytellers may be helpful
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- How does this story make you feel ? In one word.
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- What colors do you see in this story or in this character?
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- What in this story stands out for you the most?
Week 4 (Jan, Feb, Mar)Researching and Collecting Folktales
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-Students will be responsible for collecting at least three family or personal stories that they feel could be the “stuff” of folktales.
Week 5 (Mar, Apr)Telling Folktales!
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-Students will focus on effective presentation skills. Working in pairs and small groups is most effective.
Week 6 (May, June)Sharing Events
There are a variety of options for organizing special occasions where students can share what they’ve learned and accomplished in class. Here are a few suggestions:
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1) Small groups would visit the classrooms of younger children and tell or dramatize a selection of stories.
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2) A series of presentations would be arranged within the community, for example, hospitals, convalescent homes, hospice, libraries, etc. where interested students would tell and dramatize folktales.
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3) Story Slam! During class or on an evening occasion participating students would be selected by lottery to tell a folktale. Those who are comfortable with the idea could compete to see who is most able to engage the audience in their presentation of a tale.
