Welcome to Stories and Tales. We'll provide five days of reading lessons designed to engage your child in an exploration of traditional tales. Check back every day for the new day's lesson.
Day 1 Activity
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Let’s Watch: A Poor, Defenseless WolfWatch the video A Poor, Defenseless Wolf to learn more about traditional tales and characters. |
Discuss the Video
What's your favorite story? What traits do you admire most in your favorite characters?
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Let’s Read: Hofus the Stonecutter
Hofus is a stonecutter who lives in Japan. He meets the spirit of the mountain who can grant his wishes. But sometimes getting what you wish for teaches you a lesson you didn't expect. Download Hofus the Stonecutter |
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QuizHow much do you know about Hofus the Stonecutter? Take the quiz. Then, check your answers to the quiz. How did you do? |
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Family SupportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional Review & Extend activities together. |
Day 2 Activity
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Let’s Learn about Traditional TalesLook at this chart about traditional tales. Which characteristics of traditional tales apply to Hofus the Stonecutter? What is the moral of the story? |
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Let’s Reread: Hofus the Stonecutter
Hofus is a stonecutter who lives in Japan. He meets the spirit of the mountain who can grant his wishes. But sometimes getting what you wish for teaches you a lesson you didn't expect. Download Hofus the Stonecutter |
Take It Further
Choose an activity to extend the fun.
Project: Make a Story Wheel
- Draw a circle. Divide the circle into five spaces by drawing lines from the center to the edge.
- Draw one thing Hofus turns into in each part. Make sure your drawings are in order!
- Use your story wheel to retell the story.
Response Writing: Write a Letter
- Write a letter from Hofus to a friend. Tell why you realize now that it’s great to be a stonecutter.
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Family SupportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional Review & Extend activities together. |
Day 3 Activity
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Let’s Watch: The Ten SunsWatch the video The Ten Suns, a Chinese legend about a great archer and ten suns. |
Discuss the Video
Why was it bad for the Ten Suns to travel together in the sky? What happened to the Suns at the end of the story?
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Let’s Read: Fractured Tales
Once upon a time. . . You remember all those tired fairy tales you heard when you were little? Well, forget them! We'll tell you what really happened behind the scenes in Fractured Tales. Download Fractured Tales |
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QuizHow much do you know about Fractured Tales? Take the quiz. Then, check your answers to the quiz. How did you do? |
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Family SupportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional Review & Extend activities together. |
Day 4 Activity
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Let’s Reread: Fractured Tales
Once upon a time. . . You remember all those tired fairy tales you heard when you were little? Well, forget them! We'll tell you what really happened behind the scenes in Fractured Tales. Download Fractured Tales |
Take It Further
Choose an activity to extend the fun.
Hands-On Activity: Find the Secret of Success
- Work with a partner to present a reporter’s interview with Goldi. Try to learn the secret to her success.
- Decide what the reporter will ask and how Goldi will answer.
- Practice your interview. Then perform it.
Research Connection: Learn about the Midas Touch
- The story of King Greedus is based on a Greek myth about King Midas. Use print or online sources to learn his story.
- What does King Midas wish for? What problems arise when his wish is granted?
- Share your findings in a brief report or presentation.
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Family SupportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional Review & Extend activities together. |
Day 5 Activity
Let's Review
This week you've read some traditional tales. Today, read a short play based on an African folktale about the crafty spider Anansi.
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Let’s Read: Anansi and the Pot of Beans
Greedy Anansi loves Sabah’s delicious beans, but she is saving them for winter. What will Anansi do? Download Anansi and the Pot of Beans |
Take It Further
Extend the fun with an activity.
Activity Type: Make a Mural
- Make a mural to show a scene from Anansi and the Pot of Beans.
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Family SupportReader’s theater plays are fun to read aloud! Help children build oral reading skills by having them read Anansi and the Pot of Beans aloud with a partner or small group. If they made a mural, encourage them to use it as a backdrop for their performance. Performance Options
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