Folk Tales Come Alive!
A Web Quest for 8th Grade Cultural Studies
Kelly Oliver
Introduction|Task|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion
Folktales are meant to be told, meant to be shared and enjoyed with others. In this web quest, you will "bring to life" a folk tale through storytelling, one of the oldest art forms. Through our study of folk tales and this web quest project, we will come to learn not only of different folk tales, but of the cultures from which the folk tales originate.
The task before you is to present to the class a "storytelling experience" by bringing a folk tale to life. Groups of four will be completing assignments both individually and collectively. The group members will divide into four individual roles: the historian, the literary expert, the technopro, and the storyteller. Separately, you each have a job to do in order to bring your folk tale to life. Together, you will combine your efforts in a class presentation that combines storytelling and multimedia. Ready to get started? Let's go!
To accomplish this task, you will have to complete the following steps:
1. Go to Folklore and Mythology Electronic Text.
2. Select a folk tale from this internet resource, or follow the links provided to any of the other folk tale resources, to find a folk tale that you like.
3. Print your chosen folktale.
4. Print the Compare and Contrast Chart.
5. Share your folk tale with other members of your group. Each group should read four tales. As you read the four folk tales, individually complete the Compare and Contrast Chart that you have printed out.
6. After every member of the group has shared their folktale and completed their compare and contrast chart, decide, as a GROUP, on ONE folktale to analyze for the remainder of the assignment.
7. After reaching consensus on which folktale to choose, decide which of the following individual roles is best suited for you.
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analyzes the selected folk tale for its literary value. |
researches facts about the culture from which the folk tale originates. |
creates a power point presentation of the story itself. |
theatrically presents the folktale to the class. |
8. Based on your individual role, click above to find your assignment.
9. After you have completed your individual tasks, return to your group to share your findings/creations.
10. In a formal class presentation, the group will "bring to life" the chosen folk tale by theatrically performing the story with the aid of a power point presentation, presenting folktale's literary elements, and then by giving the history of the folktale. As an option, decide how you want to jazz up the story by adding characters (other group members), costumes, or props.
Elements of StorytellingHow to Create a Power Point Presentation
There will be three parts of the evaluation, as outlined in the rubric below, for a total of three hundred (300) points.
| Excellent 90-100 |
Good 80-89 |
Average 70-79 |
Poor 60-69 |
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| You completed the Compare and Contrast Chart | You completed all 4 stories on the Compare and Contrast Chart completely and accurately. | You completed 3 out of four stories on the Compare and Contrast Chart completely and accurately. | You completed at least 2 of the stories on the Compare and Contrast completely and accurately. |
You failed to complete at least two of the stories on the Compare and Contrast Chart completely and accurately
|
| You completed an individual task as a part of the group assignment. | You expertly completed your task and performed the requirements. You helped you team by pitching in even when you weren't asked. | You willingly completed your task and performed the requirements. You worked well with your group. | You completed your task and performed the requirements somewhat to the group's satisfaction. | You did not complete all the requirements for your task. |
| Your group presented a multimedia, storytelling class presentation and "brought to life" a folk tale. (Same grade for each group member) | Your group presented a folk tale that included multimedia, literary techniques and historical and cultural context. The class enjoyed an excellent theatrical presentation. Power point slides were effective and worked well. | Your group presented a folk tale that included historical value and literary techniques. The class enjoyed a good theatrical presentation. Power point slides were good with smooth transition from one point of the story to the next. | Your group presented a folk tale, outlined some historical and literary value. You theatrically performed the story and your power point worked fairly well. | Your group chose a folk tale and presented it to the class with minimum historical and literary context. The storytelling and power point presentation was acceptable, but not really effective or enjoyable. |
Congratulations!!! You have successfully brought to life an old folk tale and provided an educational and enjoyable experience for the entire class!! I hope you have learned something valuable about folk tales, through the process of working together as a group to achieve a goal, and about the wonderful experience of teaching others. Through your enthusiastic involvement in this project, you have made brining folk tales to life an experience I hope you won't soon forget. Great Job!
Credit:
This Web Quest was divinely inspired and adapted from Finding Forgotten Folktales by Jennifer Johnson, www.catawba.k12.nc.us/webquest/johnson.