This is a Cornish tale from England that would be a great way to introduce a social studies topic on English cultures. It will also show them that their can be many variations to a story. Some other good fairytales from England include:
After you have given them a preview of the lesson, read them the story. Ask them questions that recall what they have heard. Also ask the children, one at a time, to tell a better or different way that a part of the story could be told.
Next, the students will be ready for their own telling of the tale. Have them take out a sheet of paper and number it from one to twenty. Proceed to tell them to write a word down of their choice as you tell them to do so. Each word will be either a noun, verb, letter, name, etc. If the students ask you what you are doing or think that they know, simply tell them, "You'll see!" When they are done with the list, hand out a sheet of paper to them with the shortened, retold version of Betty Stoggs' ______. Have them fill in the blanks and share their new version of the story with the class.
Title: Betty Stoggs' Baby
To read the original story, CLICK HERE.
Lesson Topic
The topic of this lesson is basic grammar creative writing. It is geared toward students who are in fourth grade. The activity will take approximately thirty minutes.
Objectives
The students will learn about fairy tales from England. They will also practice writing creatively, without even knowing it!
Development
To begin the lesson, you must build the students' interest in the activity. Start by asking them questions such as, "Who can locate England on the map?", "Have any of you ever heard a fairytale that was written in England?" Then proceed to tell them that today they are going to hear a story called Betty Stoggs' Baby.
Assessment
You can assess what the students have learned by looking at the words that they have chosen. If the words coincide with the category that they fall under, then the students have shown an understanding. The creativeness of their retold stories are also important. Look to see that they used different words from ones that they themselves, and other students used.
For some other great ideas, visit Wacky Web Tales