Fairy Tales and Disney Adaptations
In this Semester Literature Class, learners will compare classic stories to their enchanting Disney adaptations in a fun, discussion-based course with minimal homework.
The Marvelous Mrs. Olson
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(115)
Star Educator
What's included
10 live meetings
8 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
Each week, your homework will be designed to be enjoyable and not burdensome. It consists of the following: Movie Viewing: Watch the Disney movie adaptation for the upcoming class (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Be prepared to discuss the movie's portrayal of characters, themes, and how it compares to the original story during our in-class discussions. Reading: Read a very short original fairy tale, which I will provide (usually just a few pages) before the corresponding class. This will prepare you for our discussions about the source material and its Disney adaptation. The goal of this homework is to enrich your understanding of the material and make our in-class discussions more engaging. I believe that learning should be enjoyable, and my homework assignments are designed to enhance your learning experience without causing stress. Remember, there are no formal assessments or grades in this course. The focus is on exploring, discussing, and understanding the world of fairy tales and Disney adaptations. 📚🎬🤓Assessment
In this course, my primary focus is on learning for the sake of learning. There are no formal assessments, quizzes, or grades. Instead, I assess your progress through ongoing class discussions and participation. I encourage you to engage actively in our in-class conversations, share your thoughts, and ask questions. Your understanding of the material and your ability to contribute to the group's learning experience will be the key indicators of your progress. The course's success lies in fostering a love for storytelling and critical thinking. I believe that a pressure-free, enjoyable learning environment promotes a deeper and lasting understanding of the subject matter. Your feedback, thoughts, and enthusiasm for the course are highly valued, and they contribute to our shared learning journey. 📚🗨️🧡Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
This course aims to introduce students to the world of traditional fairy tales and how they have been adapted by Disney, helping them develop critical thinking and analytical skills while exploring the evolution of storytelling. **Week 1: Getting Started and Intro to Fairy Tales and Disney 🌟** - No movie viewing or prep required. - Discussion: What is a fairy tale? 📖 - Introduction to Disney adaptations. 🎬 - Group discussion on the course's goals and expectations. 💬 **Week 2: Snow White ❄️** - Students watch Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" before class. - Read the original "Snow White" fairy tale before class. - In-class discussion on similarities and differences between the movie and the original story. 🎥🍎 **Week 3: Beauty and the Beast 🌹** - Students watch Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" before class. - Read the original "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale before class. - In-class discussion about the portrayal of characters and themes in both versions. 🎭🗣️ **Week 4: The Little Mermaid 🧜♀️** - Students watch Disney's "The Little Mermaid" before class. - Read the original "The Little Mermaid" fairy tale before class. - In-class analysis of the differences in plot and themes. 🌊🤔 **Week 5: Aladdin 🕌** - Students watch Disney's "Aladdin" before class. - Read the original "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" fairy tale before class. - Discussion on the cultural differences between the original and Disney's version. 🧞🌍 **Week 6: Sleeping Beauty 👸** - Students watch Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" before class. - Read the original "Sleeping Beauty" fairy tale before class. - In-class discussion on the interpretation of classic fairy tale motifs. 🌹🐉 **Week 7: The Jungle Book 🌿** - Students watch Disney's "The Jungle Book" before class. - Read the original "Jungle Book" fairy tale before class. - In-class discussion on the adaptation of folklore in storytelling. 🦁🌄 **Week 8: Mulan 🌸** - Students watch Disney's "Mulan" before class. - Read the original "Hua Mulan" fairy tale before class. - In-class discussion on cultural adaptation and gender roles in storytelling. 🏹🪖 **Week 9: Tangled ✨** - Students watch Disney's "Tangled" before class. - In-class discussion on the evolution of fairy tales in the digital age. 👑🏰 - Read Rapunzel's original fairy tale before class. **Week 10: Final Reflection and Discussion 🤩** - Reflect on what they've learned about the adaptation process. 🤓 - Discuss whether Disney's adaptations stay true to the original stories or not. 🗨️ - Share their favorite fairy tale adaptation and why. 📢 **Course Expectations:** I understand that students and families lead busy lives, and I want to emphasize that in this course, the primary goal is learning for the sake of learning. I won't be giving formal grades or assessments. Instead, I encourage a love for exploring stories and discussing the magic of storytelling. Each week, your "homework" will consist of watching a Disney movie and reading a very short original fairy tale. I aim to make your learning experience enjoyable and stress-free. **Note:** This extended 10-week course is designed to be engaging and discussion-based, with no homework or movie viewing required before the first session. Students should watch the Disney movies and read the original fairy tales before each class to participate in discussions and activities. 🌈📚
Learning Goals
Course Learning Goals 🌟
📚 Develop a deeper understanding of classic fairy tales.
🧚♂️ Explore the magic and wonder of Disney adaptations.
🤔 Enhance critical thinking skills by comparing original stories and their adaptations.
💬 Engage in lively class discussions and share diverse perspectives.
📝 Develop effective communication and reflection through written assignments.
🎭 Foster an appreciation for storytelling and its evolving nature.
🎥 Embrace the joy of learning without the pressure of formal assessments.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
As we explore classic fairy tales and their Disney adaptations in this course, it's important to be aware of certain content warnings Disney has added to address cultural sensitivity in some of their older movies. While Disney movies are generally family-friendly, it's essential to consider the age and sensitivities of your child. Here's a brief overview of each story's content, including any related content warnings:
- **Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs:** This classic fairy tale may include scenes where the wicked queen, the movie's villain, takes actions to harm Snow White. It's always a good opportunity for discussions on kindness and resilience.
- **Beauty and the Beast:** The story touches on themes of love and inner beauty. Some scenes depict the Beast in a menacing light initially, but the movie ultimately conveys important messages about transformation and acceptance.
- **The Little Mermaid:** The original "Little Mermaid" story by Hans Christian Andersen has some darker elements, including the idea of the Little Mermaid losing her voice and experiencing pain. The Disney adaptation is more family-friendly, but it's important to be aware of potential cultural sensitivity issues regarding portrayal and stereotypes.
- **Aladdin:** The story is set in a fictional Arabian setting and includes elements of magic and adventure. Disney has added a content warning to acknowledge cultural sensitivity issues and stereotypes. It's an opportunity to discuss cultural differences and the importance of respectful and accurate representation.
- **Sleeping Beauty:** This classic tale includes elements of magic, enchantment, and a battle between good and evil. There are no specific content warnings for cultural sensitivity in this movie.
- **The Jungle Book:** The story features animals and jungle adventures. Disney has added a content warning to address cultural sensitivity issues in the portrayal of certain characters. It's an opportunity to discuss cultural representation and stereotypes.
- **Mulan:** Mulan is a story of empowerment, gender roles, and bravery. There are no specific content warnings for cultural sensitivity in this movie.
- **Tangled:** The story features themes of freedom and self-discovery. There are no specific content warnings for cultural sensitivity in this movie.
As a parent or guardian, you may want to watch these movies with your learner and discuss any questions or themes that arise. It's a great opportunity to bond with your learner and help them process and understand the stories in a way that aligns with your family values and your child's age and maturity level. Your active involvement can make the learning experience even more meaningful.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
115reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from LeTourneau Univeristy
🌟 Hello, fellow Disney enthusiasts! I'm your guide on this exciting adventure into the world of fairy tales and Disney magic. 🏰
🧙♂️ As a lifelong Disney lover and an experienced educator, I'm thrilled to share my passion for these timeless tales with your young learners. 🎥❤️
📚 With years of teaching experience, I've seen firsthand the power of stories to inspire, spark creativity, and ignite imaginations. 📖🌈
🌈 In this Outschool course, I aim to make learning an enjoyable, interactive, and engaging experience for your child. We'll explore, discuss, and appreciate the magic of storytelling in a friendly and supportive environment. 🤗
🎉 Get ready for a magical learning journey where fun and curiosity are at the forefront. Let's embark on this adventure together! 📚🏰✨Reviews
Live Group Class
$150
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-8 learners per class
