Fairy Tales and Folktales

Once upon a time, life was not as it was now. Modern conveniences did not exist, and common people had to work hours on end each and every day just to survive. These constant domestic tasks may have occupied their bodies, but not their minds. While spinning wool, sewing new clothes, and mending the old, they passed the time by telling stories. Strange stories. Stories full of wonder and violence, magic and monsters. Stories where a simple peasant could become a king or queen—leaving a life of drudgery far behind. In these stories wishes are granted. Lives are changed. They are deceptively simple and deeply psychological. These are fairy tales.

Below you will find resources for teaching fairy tales and folktales in your classroom:

"Little Red Riding Hood" (Reader's Theater Script-Story) Possibly the most famous fairy tale, the story of a little girl stalked by a deadly wolf is a story everyone knows. This adaptation adds humor to the story while keeping all the plot points intact.

"Little Red Cap" by the Brothers Grimm This is the original version of "Little Red Riding Hood." After reading the script-story version, your students can compare the original to the adaptation.

Jack and the Beanstalk (Reader's Theater Script-Story) This humorous adaptation of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale is perfect for grades 4-8.

Rumpelstiltskin (Reader's Theater Script-Story) This humorous adaptation of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale is perfect for grades 4-8.

Aesop's Fables The classic fables attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop are some of the greatest moral stories ever told.

Hero Tales from Around the World This collection of folktales from around the world are a great multicultural look at human storytelling.