Modernize a Fairy Tale
Grades: 3-5
Modernize a Fairy Tale
Students learn about key elements of a fairy tale, such as setting, characters, problems, and resolution, as well as themes like magic, threes and sevens, fairies, forests, royalty, and castles as they retell and recreate a fairy tale in modern times.
Engage
Read a fairy tale, like Hansel and Gretel, to your students. Discuss the key elements of the story, such as setting, characters, problems, and solutions.
Ask students to share names of other fairy tales they know. Work together to identify common elements between the stories. You might find commonalities like princes and princesses, forests or woods, threes and sevens, and magic.
Create
Have them choose the tale they want to modernize, read it and create a list of characters, setting, and plot.
Assign the Past and Present Venn Diagram to help them come up with specific ideas to make their tale more modern.
As they start to identify things specific to the past, ask them questions like:
- How are the character's clothes different from today's?
- Do the characters have similar toys?
- Would you want to live in this time period?
As a class, discuss how things are different now. For example, few students live deep in the woods or are allowed to walk long distances by themselves. Prompt students with questions like:
- How is this time period different from modern times?
- How would the story be different if it were written today?
You can also help students pre-write by asking the to create a list of character traits for the main character and villain, as well as complete a plot diagram.
Using the ideas from their Venn and plot diagrams, students can begin by writing a single paragraph for the beginning, middle, and end.
Have students translate their written story into a project storyboard. This will help them determine how best to convey the story using individual pages or scenes.
Students should add text and conversations to individual pages, or scenes, in their project. They can use paint tools and clip art to illustrate characters, setting, and action. Have students practice reading the story and then record narration for each page.
Share
Have the students present their stories to the rest of the class. You might also consider inviting the school librarian or media specialist to help evaluate the final products. They may be interested in posting student work to a station in the school’s media center or eBook library.
Share the stories and animations on your school web site, during morning announcements, or in your school or community library. You may also be able to share them on your local access television station as a celebration of student learning. You could even turn this project into a parent night or community storytelling event!
Standards
Common Core Anchor Standards for for English Language Arts - Grade K-5
Reading Theme
Craft and Structure
4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
Writing Theme
Production and Distribution of Writing
4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Speaking and Listening Theme
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
4. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
