Fairy Tale Autobiographies
This is a several day study of fairy tales that is designed for 5th grade or higher. Students will explore multiple fairy tales, identify the components of fairy tales, and finally publish their own fairy tales. Students work together in small groups to read, discuss, and analyze fairy tales. After compiling a list of common elements, students collaborate on their own original fairy talesu2014based on events from their own lives or the lives of someone they know. Each student decides what kind of experience to write about, composes and revises a fairy tale, and then presents their story to the rest of the class. The lesson follows a process method that includes peer review and encourages using picture books from a variety of cultural backgrounds as models. Students share their stories with the class, and the project concludes with individual reflection on the group project and fairy tales.
