Traditional Literature

Chapter 6

"Often the only way to look

clearly at this extraordinary

universe is through fantasy,

fairy tale, and myth."

Madeleine L'Engle

Background

Traditional Stories . . .

• written form of a culture's oral tradition

• mirror the values and mores of culture

• preserve significant events

• explore human consciousness

• entertain

Intertextuality

Literary Elements• Plot

• Setting

• Characters

• Style

Literary Elements• Themes

• Motifs

• Variants

• Cultural influences

Guidelines for Selection

Guidelines

• Cultures

• Contemporary Standards?

• Awards

Building a library

• Various formats

• Complement curriculum

• Variety in forms & literary elements

Building a library

• Considerations for very

young children

• Considerations for middle school students

Using Traditional Literature in Class

Suggestions for Use

• Respectful reading

• Multiple encounters

• Guard against trivializing

• Consider content and community

Sharing and discussing traditional

literature

Discussions on value or purpose

Compare different versions

Compare different versions

Compare different versions

Word Play

Storytelling & Drama

Writing

• Original folktales

• Fractured fairy tales

• Traditional tale newspaper

• Family folklore

• Playwriting

See the CD-ROM which came with this text for:• Searchable database of children's literature• Author and illustrator profiles• Bibliographies• Sample projects and teaching ideas

Visit the COMPANION WEBSITE for:• Related websites • Awards for traditional literature