World Awareness Through Fairytales and Folklore
We will visit nine different places around the world and learn about geography and cultures with the help of fairytales and folklore
Jessika O'Sullivan
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(1,162)
Popular
What's included
9 live meetings
9 in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. includedCertificate of Completion
If the student wishes they can request a Certificate of Completion with a summary of the class content and the learning goals.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Embark on an adventure across the globe, journeying through vast tundras, towering mountains, mystical landscapes, and arid deserts. Discover the legends of Baba Yaga in Russia, meet the magical beings of Nordic fjords, and hear tales of banshees and werewolves across Europe. Wander the Middle Eastern deserts filled with enchanting stories of genies, and explore Africa's landscapes, from the Sahara to the Congo, where spirits and animals come alive in folklore. Travel to China to find legendary dragons and tales from the Himalayas, and journey through North America, hearing myths of the Coyote and the Skeleton Woman. Venture into the lush Amazon and climb the Andes in South America to learn of pink river dolphins, or cross into Australia's Outback to hear the tale of Tiddalik, the thirsty frog. This journey will take you through the wonders of each region, capturing the magic and mythology that shape the stories of our world. Most children have incredible imaginations, and there's no better way to fuel their curiosity than with stories from around the world. In this class, we will explore how geography, culture, religion, and climate give rise to unique fairytales and folklore from different regions. Each session, we'll dive into the stories and beliefs that are as diverse as the landscapes that shape them. From snowy tundras to dense rainforests, we'll journey across continents, meeting witches, dragons, spirits, and giants along the way. What You'll Discover: How each region’s geography (climate, landscapes, wildlife) influences its folklore. Cultural expressions and mythical creatures from each part of the world. Fascinating fairytales, some of which are eerie, mystical, and full of wonder. Please Note: Some of the tales and mythical beings we encounter may be a little scary for younger children—but that’s all part of the magic of storytelling.
Learning Goals
Develop an awareness of the world and geographical terms like the tundra, the taiga, the desertLearn about folktales and folklore characters from all over the world
Syllabus
9 Lessons
over 9 WeeksLesson 1:
Russia
Learn about the tundra, the taiga, and the steppe, hear a Russian folktale, and meet folklore characters, including Baba Yaga. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Nordic Countries
Learn about the Nordic countries, from the fjords of Norway to the fields of Denmark. Hear folktales and meet the tomte, fairies, and giants. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Europe
Travel from Ireland through the Netherlands, France, Italy, Romania and Poland. Learn about the Screaming Banshee, the Loup Garou, and more. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Middle East
Let's journey from Turkey, through Israel and Jordan, hear folktales, and learn about genies and the desert. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please Note: Some of the tales and mythical beings we encounter may be a little scary for younger children.
Supply List
I will attach a world map to the classroom that you can print out for the student.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2016
4.9
1162reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up with dysgraphia, I encountered teachers who left me feeling uncomfortable, insecure, and inadequate. Those experiences shaped my commitment to creating an environment where every student feels welcome, confident, and supported. My goal is to build students up, ensuring they leave my classes with both knowledge and self-assurance.
As a teacher, I bring a wide array of subjects to life in my classes, ranging from creative writing and Swedish (my native language) to world religions, the Holocaust, and novel studies with a focus on folklore. Each subject reflects my passions and areas of expertise, offering students a rich and dynamic learning experience.
With a master’s degree in education and a double major in social and political science and world religions, my professional background equips me to guide students through diverse and complex topics. Having taught across various age groups in Sweden and now the USA, I also incorporate the principles of student democracy, encouraging students to take an active role in shaping their own learning journey.
On a personal note, I’ve always had a vivid imagination—perhaps a result of my Nordic upbringing. As a child in Sweden, I was fascinated yet terrified by the stories of fairies that pervade our folklore. Now, as an immigrant in the USA, I weave that sense of wonder into my own creative works, which have earned me awards for poetry and short stories.Reviews
Live Group Course
$14
weekly or $125 for 9 classes1x per week, 9 weeks
60 min
Completed by 184 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-11
3-8 learners per class
