Humorous and lighthearted, this unit’s themes include: “Going Buggy”, “Moonlight”, and “Unforgettable Performances”. Any tale that is fun will fit well here. These are three I have chosen.
“The Leaf Monster”—Spanish-American Folktales
Another trickster, Coyote, playfully outwits two farmers and a rancher. A very likable character, Coyote’s antics should be enjoyed by children. Set in New Mexico near the Rio Grande, this fable gives pupils a feel for the Spanish and Pueblo flavor of this rural area, fitting well into our United States studies. Classes might enjoy comparing Coyote with Anansi.
“Bush Got Ears, A Tale from Guyana”—Naomi Clark—
Talk That Talk
As with the characters in this unit’s “Unforgettable Performances”, Buru Tiger’s ability to at last successfully imitate Mals voice requires much skill and persistence. When he carries off and devours the mother’s two pretty daughters, she gradually comes to see the beauty in the daughter she has neglected to this point because of her supposed ugliness.
The lessons of this tale provide easy discussion. There is also a short introductory piece by Naomi Clarke in which she discusses how this story moved with her ancestors from their home in Nigeria to slavery in Guyana, suggesting more specific examination of the routes covered during the period of slave trade in the Americas.
“Spread the Word: A Story Teller’s Rap”—Linda Gross—
Talk That Talk
Though this is not a folktale, this piece extols the virtues of the storyteller in the popular rap form. Mentioning a number of modern day rap groups, the storyteller asks them to step aside for what has always been around.
Pupils should have no problem relating to this piece and by now should recognize some of the folktale characters mentioned. Discussion of rap as a form of storytelling could easily follow the initial readings. Investigating the relationship between the African griot and the modern rapper should be fruitful. Pupils might present the rap orally in their individual style along with their own rap versions of family stories.