This first unit presents material in which various challenges are met by the characters involved. The three themes include: “Challenges in School”, “Playing to Win” and “Understanding Others”. Among the values demonstrated are persistence, hard work, flexibility, and understanding. Many folktales feature these themes. I suggest the following.
“King of De World”—Zora Neal Hurston—
Talk That Talk
Jack successfully defends his claim that he is king of the world against the reigning lion. This African American tale is short enough to copy or read to the class. Besides discussing Jack’s approach to the challenge, the tale invites an investigation of Zora Neal Hurston’s contribution to the collection and perpetuation of African American folktales.
“Anansis’ Riding Horse, A Jamaican Folktale”—Adapted and retold by Marian E. Barnes—
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Anansis, the spider, the ultimate trickster, is both a hero and a villain in many African folktales. Though he demonstrates negative traits, especially greed, he is also a likable rascal. He illustrates the many strengths and weaknesses we all possess. He is both magical and human. His name is spelled in many ways: Anansi, Anansis, Anancy, Brer Nancy, and Ananse, but he always remains the tricky spider. Children seem to be intrigued by him. He’s fun.
In this tale Anansis tricks Brer Tiger into becoming his riding horse in order to best the tiger in their competition for Linda’s affection. While investigating Anansis’s tactics, pupils might examine the historical role played by Jamaica in the development of slavery in North America.
Grandma’s Latkes
—Malka Drucker
Besides relating the story of Antiochus, Mattatheas, and the Maccabees, this story illustrates the process of oral transmission, as Grandma tells Molly the traditional story of Hanukkah while they prepare potato pancakes for the holiday meal. Though there is a challenge within the defiance of Mattatheas and the Maccabees, the main value seems to relate to increasing an understanding and appreciation of Jewish customs and culture. A further investigation of Hanukkah and the Jewish people could be a natural outgrowth. There is an actual recipe for latkes which pupils might follow. Collecting their own family recipes and perhaps sharing them or the finished product could be a positive related activity.