Teaching with fairy tales
The fairy tale is a rich storytelling tradition — a source of inspiration for teachers and pupils that can be adapted to suit all ages and stages. The following is an introduction to the genre and its characteristics, with suggestions for activities based on the theme of fairy tales and myths. And there are numerous fairy-tale resources, from fun web sites to fairy tales with a twist.
Once upon a time...
A fairy tale is a wonder tale, involving marvellous elements and occurrences, although it is not necessarily about fairies. The term embraces such popular folktales as Cinderella and Puss in Boots, as well as fairy tales of later invention, such as The Happy Prince, which was written by Oscar Wilde in 1888. There are also many modern reworkings of traditional fairy tales.
Fairy tales function on a number of levels. Even very young children enjoy them as simple stories, while older children are able to appreciate, in a more complex way, their themes and symbols. Thematic and stylistic observations on fairy tales can act as a natural starting point for discussions and activities based on fairy tales, with reference to specific tales that are familiar to the pupils being taught.
Familiar fairy tales are the ideal starting point from which pupils can begin exploring issues such as character, as well as the plot, style and structure of a narrative. The study of fairy tales links literacy neatly to other curriculum areas — to PSHE and citizenship, RE, geography and history — and there is great scope for linking material familiar in the UK to stories from around the world.
An excellent story to begin with, particularly for younger pupils, is The Frog Prince. Other well-known stories such as Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast can offer a 'way in'. Or you could begin by discussing animated films that pupils are likely to have seen, such as Shrek. Many will have first encountered fairy tales via films such as Snow White, while the Disney Princesses, for example, may be a useful point of reference for stories such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Most familiar tales are widely available in print.
Fairy tale fundamentals
- Fairy tales at first glance seem simple but can be complex and may have happy or violent endings
- They often begin at a vague and unspecified point 'once upon a time' (Hansel and Gretel) but can also be based on historical events (The Pied Piper of Hamelin)
- Fairy tales have been relegated to children's literature, but are at the root of many narratives (older pupils could compile a list of Hollywood films and see how many plots are fairy tales retold)
- Fairy tales often depict opposites and extremes: good and evil; wealth and poverty
Common themes and motifs
- escaping mighty and evil enemies
- accomplishing difficult tasks
- wisdom through suffering
- generosity, selfishness and pride, triumph of humility over greed
- triumph of the youngest, weakest, most oppressed
- animals: changing into animals, talking animals, animal helpers, companions and bridegrooms
Characters
- Characters are often clear-cut (good and evil) and goodness is often defined by situation, not character.
- A character in a poor position (e.g. Cinderalla) is automatically defined as good.
- To be a hero/heroine often all you have to do is be at the mercy of someone more powerful and cruel.
- Villains often enjoy high social status (Queens in Cinderalla and Snow White) or size and strength (the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk; wolves in Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs).
- Characters are often aided by magic.
Plot, style and structure
- powerless underdog changes places with a more powerful person
- happy endings: good rewarded and wicked punished
- minimal description, and reliance on formulaic patterns
- conventional beginnings ('Once upon a time') and endings ('and they lived happily ever after')
Storytellers and storytelling
A simple but effective way of illustrating how stories may have changed through the ages is to play a version of the game 'Chinese Whispers'. Give one pupil a sentence or phrase which they then whisper to their neighbour, and so on, around the class. Each pupil is allowed to add or alter one detail that they believe improves the sentence, but they don't have to. Older pupils can follow up this activity by examining different versions of the same story, either in a group or individually.
A word of warning...
Some folk tales were originally intended for adults, but have subsequently been adapted for children. Sometimes stories were 'cleaned up' of violent imagery for children, but extra violence may also have been added to make them more effective cautionary tales for children. Certain folk and fairy tales contain 'adult' themes, such as adultery, incest and violence. Stepfamilies (and stepmothers in particular) tend to receive negative treatment in traditional folk tales. With some stories, or versions of tales, you may need to proceed with caution.
-
Delve further with fairy tale resources and books
Last updated: 21 April 2006
