Waldorf Library Folktale Animal Study: Read, Research, and Write FLEX

This class will deeply enter into the study of an animal of the student's choice.  Students will find the behaviors, habitats, enemies, and adaptations that make each animal unique.  The research will be teacher-led (Lion) and students may also choose to do outside research on their own animals if they would like to.   We will also take a look into the folktale genre and what elements make up a folktale and a Pourquoi tale.  Once we have our research and have read a folktale together (Coyote by Gerald McDermott), we will then begin the amazing task of using our animal research to write a folktale of our own.  How did the Coyote get its black-tipped tail?  By almost falling into a fire, of course! How did the hawk get its red tail?  How did the raccoon get its mask?  Students will write a tale about their own animal of choice and share their stories with the class.  

Students should be comfortable with writing sentences for this class, as there will not be individual writing support during class.  You may schedule an individual writing support class in addition to this class if you feel your child needs help writing.  

This FLEX class will include one instructional video posted each week in the classroom where Ms. Jodi will lead the students in research and read Folktales.  We will also play an adaptation game in the classroom where Ms. Jodi will leave a prompt (what is the adaptation of a skunk? a kangaroo?) for students to answer during the week.  Students will also be given assignments to finish each week.  

Week One
Instructional Video: create a research template, research Lions together, fill in information, read Coyote by Gerald McDermott
Adaptation Game posted
Assignment Posted (research an animal of your choice using the template we created)

Week Two
Instructional Video: create a storyboard for your folktale, read Jabuti by Gerald McDermott
Adaptation Game posted
Assignment Posted (fill in storyboard that we created with your own drawings, character names, setting, etc.)

Week Three
Instructional Video: Discuss writing structure, read Zomo by Gerald McDermott
Adaptation Game posted
Assignment Posted (Write your story, create a drawing and share final project in the classroom)

Week Four: 
Instructional Video: Read First Fire by Nancy Kelly Allen
Adaptation Game posted 
Assignment Posted (create a storyboard for another animal folktale)

I will offer access to my Epic library classroom for students to research online books for their animal.  You do not need a subscription to access this library.  Students may also choose to use books from the library or books from home for their projects, if you do not wish for your student to use online books.