STORYTELLING

Additional Lessons - These lessons are directed toward grades 6 through 12, for use in the following subject areas: language arts, theater, history, social studies, multicultural studies, technology, and life science.
(Main Site : Circle of Stories - a PBS Site)

Activity 10:  Characteristics of Folklore Ideal for Retelling

The following are characteristics of folklore that makes it ideal for retelling:

-lots of conflict between good and evil characters
-characters are not well developed, they tend to be symbolic or flat rather than round
-the words sound good to the ear - may have repetition or rhyme that can involve the audience
-setting can be establish quickly because it tends to be symbolic (“Once upon a time…” or “Long long ago…”

(Norton, 1995)

The audience should respect the storyteller by listening patiently. Storytellers should not be interrupted.

Procedure:

1. Discuss the characteristics listed above. Ask students to talk about the characteristics that were part of the First Nations storyteller’s tales when he or she came the first day of class.

2. Have students select a story ideal for retelling.

3. Have students practice their retellings prior to performing them.

4. Have students form a circle and then go around the circle and let each child tell his or her tale.

Activity 11: Comparing Versions of the Same Tale

Many traditional tales have been adapted for children and the authors who are adapting the tales may make changes to the original version of the tale.  Some times the changes are small, other times a great deal has been changed or added to make the tale more appealing to children or for book format.  Some changes may involve removing the cultural information that made the story  distinctly “First Nations” in the first place.  Have students compare How the Sun Was Rescued  with the adapted tale entitled How Snowshoe Hare Rescued the Sun. Have the students discuss what they found.  Do they believe that the changes are good or bad?

Many adapted versions have source notes that indicate the original source.  Students or teachers may wish to select some of these other tales to analyze.

Bernhard, E. How Snowshoe Hare Rescued the Sun.  Holiday House: New York. (1993)

Riordan, J.  “How the Sun Was Rescued” in The Sun Maiden and the Crescent Moon: Siberian Folktales.  Interlink Books: New York.

Additional Lesson Plans & Projects

These lessons are directed toward grades 6 through 12, for use in the following subject areas: language arts, theater, history, social studies, multicultural studies, technology, and life science. (Main Site : Circle of Stories - a PBS Site)

• Lesson 1: It’s All Part of the Story (PBS Site) - Speaking is our primary way to communicate a powerful narrative. However, communication does not stop with the spoken word. All cultures have told stories enhancing them with body language, food, dance, art, music, storytelling, drama, crafts, literature and religious rites. Storytelling reflects our rich cultural and religious heritage of the generations before us, and it leads us to understand how our past has influenced our present. Use this plan to become a better storyteller and learn to share your story while learning to appreciate stories from others.
• Lesson 2: Our Small World (PBS Site) - Misunderstandings, persecution, and even wars have resulted from a lack of tolerance and respect for those who are different. Helen Keller once said, “The highest result of education is tolerance.” Use this lesson to educate your students about tolerance for other cultures and other ideas. Use this plan to open dialogue between your students of different cultures. Invite students to explore indigenous and First Nations cultures, and promote appreciation for the contributions from these cultures. Use this plan to teach your students about cultural conservation and to bring more understanding about the issues that tribes face today.
• Lesson 3: Record and Preserve Your Family Stories (PBS Site) - We each have personal recollections of past events, personal memories, and vivid, imaginative accounts of the events of our lives. These memories create a springboard for the stories that will provide us a precious link to our past. In this activity, students will learn the basics for and the importance of recording their own family history. Students will be the interviewers that seek to learn more about the past. Students will learn about the right questions that will provide insight to their family stories. Students will research, collect, and share stories that will bring them closer to their heritage while possibly spawning a lifelong interest in genealogy.