Fairytales & Fractured Stories Summer Camp
Do you love stories, but struggle with traditional reading assignments? In this fun and interactive summer camp, we’ll explore exciting, high-interest texts while using creative, project-based learning to build comprehension skills.
Courtney Runchey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(56)
Rising Star
What's included
5 live meetings
6 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursProjects
1 hour per week. 3-6 throughout the classCertificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Reimagine classic fairy tales with a creative, modern twist! Fairy tales are some of the oldest stories in the world, but what happens when we change the setting, alter the characters, or flip the perspective? In this week-long camp, students will read classic fairy tales, analyze their deeper meanings, and then reimagine them in new, unexpected ways. ✅ What we’ll do: ✨ Compare traditional fairy tales to their modern retellings ✨ Explore different cultures' versions of well-known tales ✨ Analyze symbolism, morals, and themes ✨ Rewrite a fairy tale from a villain’s perspective or in a modern setting 📌 No prior experience needed! Students can take this as a stand-alone week or combine it with others!
Learning Goals
Strengthen reading comprehension by analyzing different versions of a storyDevelop creative writing skills by crafting unique fairy tale retellings
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
The Evolution of Fairy Tales
🔹 Classic Fairy Tale Structure – Common elements (once upon a time, magical helpers, good vs. evil).
🔹Cultural Variations – Compare different versions of the same fairy tale across cultures (e.g., Cinderella in China, Germany, and Egypt).
🔹Oral Storytelling vs. Written Tales – How fairy tales evolved from spoken traditions.
🎨 Activity: "Cinderella Around the World" – Students compare versions of Cinderella and illustrate how details change based on culture. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Modern Retellings – How Do Authors Reimagine Fairy Tales?
🔹 Breaking Traditional Fairy Tale Rules – How modern authors twist old stories.
🔹Setting Matters – How changing the time or place transforms a story.
🔹New Perspectives – Exploring stories from the villain’s or a side character’s viewpoint.
✍️ Activity: "Time Travel Fairy Tale" – Students rewrite a fairy tale set in a different time period (e.g., "Little Red Riding Hood in the Future"). 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Villains Tell the Story!
🔹 Villain Motivations – Are villains truly evil, or do they have understandable reasons?
🔹The Power of Perspective – How viewpoint changes a story’s message.
🔹Sympathetic Villains in Pop Culture – Examples from books and movies (e.g., Maleficent, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs).
🖋️ Activity: "Villain’s POV Journal" – Students rewrite a short scene from a fairy tale in the villain’s voice. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Breaking the Rules – Experimental Fairy Tales
🔹 Gender Role Reversals in Fairy Tales – How changing gender expectations alters the story.
🔹Changing Endings – What happens when the princess doesn’t need rescuing?
🔹Fairy Tales Without Magic – Can these stories work without supernatural elements?
🎭 Activity: "Reverse Roles" – Students act out a short scene with flipped character roles (e.g., a brave princess saves the prince). 75 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class will explore various versions of fairy tales, including traditional, modern, and fractured retellings. Some original fairy tales (such as Grimm’s versions) may contain darker themes, but we will discuss them in an age-appropriate way, focusing on how stories evolve over time.
Additionally, students will rewrite and reimagine fairy tales, which may include role reversals, villain perspectives, and alternative endings. All discussions will be respectful and inclusive to honor diverse perspectives.
Accommodations for Neurodivergent Learners:
✅ Visual aids, discussion prompts, and written guides will be provided.
✅ Students can participate verbally, in writing, or through creative projects.
✅ Cameras are optional during discussions and presentations.
✅ Breaks and flexible participation options available upon request.
👨👩👧 Parental Involvement:
Parents are encouraged to help students gather fairy tale books (digital or physical) before class.
Supply List
📌 Materials List: 📖 Reading Materials: A book or online version of a classic fairy tale (e.g., Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel & Gretel). Free versions are available on: SurLaLune Fairy Tales Project Gutenberg Fairy Tale Archives 📝 Writing & Creative Supplies: Notebook or digital document (Google Docs recommended) Colored pencils or markers (for optional visual projects) Printed or digital copy of story planning templates (provided in class) 💡 Optional: Access to fractured fairy tale books, such as The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (Scieszka) or The Sleeper and the Spindle (Gaiman). Small props or costumes for final presentations (optional for students who enjoy role-play).
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Resources for Fairytales & Fractured Stories:
📖 Classic Fairy Tales: Project Gutenberg, SurLaLune Fairy Tales
📖 Modern Retellings: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (Scieszka), The Sleeper and the Spindle (Gaiman)
🎨 Fairy Tale Generator: Storywriting prompt tools for creative twists
Joined August, 2020
4.9
56reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
Hello! I’m Mrs. Runchey, an experienced ELA (English Language Arts) teacher who specializes in inclusive education, reading comprehension, and project-based learning.
👩🏫 My Background:
15+ years of experience teaching middle and high school ELA.
Special focus on neurodivergent learners—I create flexible, engaging, and accessible lessons.
Certified in differentiated instruction and literacy strategies.
Passionate about making reading fun and meaningful for all students!
📖 Why I Created This Course:
I believe that every learner deserves a reading experience that fits their unique strengths. This camp is designed to make reading comprehension fun, creative, and stress-free, while allowing students to express their understanding in ways that work for them.
I can’t wait to meet your learner and explore these exciting stories together! 🚀📚Reviews
Live Group Course
$75
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
75 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class
