Fractured Fairy Tales: Literature and Writing

In this class we'll be looking at modern-day stories based on traditional fairy tales.  We'll learn about important literary devices such as point of view, plot, characterization, and types of characters. Learners will also practice using various writing styles to create their own fairy tales.

Week 1: 
We'll explore fairy tales that use different characters, but have a parallel plot to the traditional fairy tale. An example is The Three Little Fish and the Big, Bad, Shark. Next, learners will choose a fairy tale to rewrite in this style.
Topics and skills covered: understanding plot and parallel plot, characterization, creative writing 

Week 2:
We'll explore fairy tales that have reversed the traditional protagonist and antagonist. An example is The Three Little Wolves and the Big, Bad Pig. Next, learners will choose a fairy tale to rewrite, reversing the protagonist and antagonist.
Topics and skills covered: characterization, protagonist, antagonist, creative writing

Week 3:
We'll explore fairy tales that are written from the antagonist's point of view. An example is The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Next, learners will choose a fairy tale to rewrite from the antagonist's point of view.
Topics and skills covered: characterization, protagonist, antagonist, point of view, creative writing

Week 4
We'll explore fairy tales that introduce a new character.  An example is The Gingerbread Girl. Next, learners will choose a fairy tale to rewrite from this point of view.
Topics and Skills covered: plot, point of view, characterization, creative writing

Week 5
We'll explore fairy tales that feature characters similar to their traditional counterparts, but have a plot that diverges from the original. An example is Red Riding Hood: A Prairie Tale. Next, learners will choose a fairy tale to rewrite in this style.

Assessment and Grading:
All learners will receive feedback on their writing in the form of personalized comments. My goal here is to highlight areas where they successfully utilized the given style for the week. I will also point out areas of effective and interesting writing and ask questions to help learners further develop their pieces.
Learners can choose to take this course for a letter grade if they wish. Learners who choose this option will receive feedback on their writing in the form of a rubric as well as the personalized comments mentioned above.
All parents will receive a course summary at the end of the course.