Note to the Teacher

This lesson can have a variety of uses. It can be used as something fun to do or an art project. It can also act as an introduction to Chinese culture or literature. The students are able to learn about stories from China and can even compare them to fairytales that they are accustomed to. Some other Chinese fairytales include:

• The Bright Pearl
• The Four Dragons
• The Jewel Sea
• Natural Enemies
• The Superior Pet
• We Are All One

Natural Enemies

Lesson Topic

This lesson is for students who are in the fourth grade. It is designed to let the kids be creative. The activity should take approximately fourty-five minutes to an hour.

Objectives

The students will learn about a fairy tale that is from China. They will also make puppets.

Development

The day before you do the lesson, ask the students to bring in a sock that they do not need anymore (preferably clean!).

To begin the lesson, build the students interest by asking a student if they can point out China on the map. Then ask them if they have ever heard a Chinese fairytale before. Then tell them that they are going to hear a fairytale called Natural Enemies.

Next, read the Chinese fairytale to the students. After you do so, ask the students questions that recall what they have heard.

Then split the kids up into groups of three or four and tell them that they are going to make puppets that portray the characters in the fairytale. Then they will put on a show for their classmates when they are done. They can decorate their puppets with magic markers and can cut wholes in them.

Assessment

The results of this activity can be assessed simply by the creative results that the children display in their puppet shows. Encourage them to add their own twists to their play and see what comes about!