Eatonfolklore: September 2013

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

September 26, 2013 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Ladies - form one group. Gentlemen - form another.

In your group, describe what you consider to be qualities you would hope girls in our 21st century world would develop. For example, is kindness important? If so, why? Continue until you have at least 10 important qualities listed and explained.

Sharing . . .

Now, describe what you consider to be qualities you would hope boys in our 21st century world would develop. For example, is courage important? If so, why? Continue until you have at least 10 important qualities listed and explained.

Sharing . . .

Are the characteristics and qualities that need to be developed the same for both genders? If so, why? If not, why not?

2. Look at those qualities that you feel are important for boys to develop. Are these qualities anything like the qualities possessed by Prince Charming or any Fairy Tale prince?

3. Let's talk about heroes of yester-year . . .
Name some:
Think Greek and Roman
Think Biblical
Think Ireland???? Yes, Ireland.

4. You will be reading "The Thirteenth Son of King Erin" and "The Birth of Fin Mac Coul" in the Folklore book. pp. 245-264. This is homework. Look for similarities to stories of Greek and Biblical heroes. On Canvas, explain what you like and/or dislike about the two Irish heroes.

In addition, you need to know something about Moses, Perseus, Odysseus and the Cyclops, Theseus, Hercules, and Jason.

Join a group. Check the Internet for a brief overview of your group's assigned hero.

Make a group PowerPoint presentation of 6-10+ slides to tell the story to the class. Each group member should create at least one slide. There is a space on Canvas to post. Please include the names of all group members on the "title" slide.

Here are some suggested sites. Feel free to check other sites.
Theseus: http://greece.mrdonn.org/theseus.html
Odysseus: http://www.mythweb.com/odyssey/
Jason: http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/GreekMyths/Jason/
Moses: http://www.topmarks.co.uk/judaism/moses/index.htm
Perseus: http://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Heroes/Perseus/perseus.html
Hercules: http://www.pantheon.org/articles/h/hercules.html

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

September 24, 2013

Class Work

1. Let's hear about the African Cinderella.
2. Is Disney's Cinderella dated, or does it still speak to "little princesses" in our society and time? Discuss.

Something new is coming!

http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/first-look-disney-strong-sexy-cinderella-195313961.html

What prince or princess did you "study" over the weekend? How well did he or she reflect the boys and girls in our society?

If you were to update the character, what changes would you make?

3. Is Cinderella a good role model for young girls? What about Prince Charming?

4. Not everybody is in love with the idea of the perfect princess . . .

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/magazine/24princess.t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Today, you will receive a part of the essay. You need to read the part you have been given and prepare to share the information with others in the room. In addition, you will be given a "note sheet" where you will record what you learn from others about the article.

For homework, please write a one-page reaction to the article. Read the entire article first. Look back at your notes. This is a paper where you will agree or disagree with the author of the article. Clearly show what you think. Record the one-page essay in Canvas. Due: Thursday, September 26th.
(50 pts.)

Thursday, September 19, 2013

September 19, 2013 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Return to your "Cinderella" group. You have 15 minutes to practice and polish your presentation of the story. Please involve everybody. Remember to use good vocal inflection and facial expression. Sound effects are OK! Involve the class if possible with a "chorus" or repeated phrase. (You may make one up if you wish!)

In addition to the "telling" of the story, be ready to share how your tale compares and contrasts to the French or Disney version. You may write on the board or create a PowerPoint slide or two. Just e-mail them to me so that I can share with the class or save on a jump-drive.

2. What suggestions for Princesses and Princes do you have for future study?
Consider Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Pea, Repunzel (Tangled), Snow White, Aladdin,Sleeping Beauty, Mulan, Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Tarzan, The Princess Bride, etc...

For homework - watch a Disney or other video version of your chosen prince or princess. Then, write a character sketch of the prince or princess. What does he or she say and do? How does the prince or princess look? How do others feel about the prince or princess? What are your thoughts?

Write in paragraphs. Post in Canvas. Be sure to include the name of the prince or princess!

3. A week ago, you were to post a Three Little _________________ story. We did not get to share those stories. At your table, share your story!

Group sharing to follow.

4. This weekend, please get caught up with your homework. Many of you have missing assignments! Now is the time to take care of those.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Tuesday - September

Class Work

1. Who is Cinderella? How faithful was Disney to the original French tale?
2. What are some common elements?
3. What is different?
4. What are the qualities of the Prince in the story?

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Cinderella today...If Cinderella came to our day and time, what would she need to change? What should remain the same?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRYU4cqUAUs

What about Prince Charming today? What qualities should remain the same? What would he need to change?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLgodxO8L0k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLgodxO8L0k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywnS8sUYD6Q

What about a Fairy God Mother????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQmQQYWBmo0

What other "magic" does a princess need? How about a little help with the work?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAsG__XjU8Q

And then... you need an evil "queen", "step-mother", "dragon"...

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/enchanted-2007/

The magical ball...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfpiATTT7OY

And they lived happily ever after...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtghn3v5zg0

How does Cinderella "play" around the world?

Native American "Cinderella"
http://www.aaronshep.com/stories/046.html

African Cinderella
http://talesoffaerie.blogspot.com/2010/09/african-cinderella.html

Chinese Cinderella
http://www.myseveralworlds.com/2007/08/02/yeh-shen-the-chinese-cinderella/

Irish Cinderella
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/st-patricks-day/short-stories/fair-brown-and-trembling.html

Indian Cinderella

http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/india/literature/cinderella.htm

or

Your group can pick a culture and do a bit of research to see if there is a Cinderella story!

Directions:
1. Join a group of no more than 5.
2. Select a Cinderella story.
3. Read it.
4. Compare and contrast it to the Cinderella stories already discussed in class.
5. Prepare to share the story with the class. You may read it, act it out, or present it as a news story.
6. All must participate.

Homework
Read a Cinderella story different from the one selected by your group. Read it. Conduct a bit of research about the country of origin.

In a paragraph or two, explain how this Cinderella differs from the French Cinderella and from the Disney Cinderella. Post in Canvas.

Also, be thinking about a different "princess" or "prince" to explore in story and movie. Bring suggestions to class on Thursday.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

September 12 - Thursday

Class Work

1. What did you find out about the Number Three? Walk around the room. Share your three most interesting facts with three others in the room. Add to your list if you hear something unique or new!

2. Let's look at some "3" stories:
Why are there three critters? Is it a simple matter of "good, better, and best?" Or, is it something else? Consider

Knowing what you now know about the number three, is there special significance of the three characters in these stories?

3. More tales with numbers:

"The Three Wishes" from England - p. 220
"The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey" from Ancient Greece p. 179
"The Wolf and Seven Little Kids" from Germany p. 109
"Thousand-Furs" from Germany p. 126
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" from Germany and Disney p. 53
"The Three Hares" from Turkey p. 497
"The Two Old Women's Bet" from Southern United States p. 671
"Three Magic Oranges" from Costa Rica p. 760
"The Five Brothers" from Chile p. 776

Join one of the nine groups.
First: Research the number. Is it special in any way. If you have the number "3", share the information with the group and quickly move on.
Next: Read the story. See if the number is important to the tale.
After that: Consider the story again. What if there were a different number? How would that change the story? Discuss as a group and write down your ideas.
And then: Discuss if the culture from which the story sprang would be receptive because of the number within the story? Is that number important in the culture? (Use the Internet to help you here!)
Finally: Outline the events of the story and be prepared to share the story with the class - outline and all. Also, be ready to share the significance of the number within the story.

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How well do you know Cinderella? For homework, read or watch a version of Cinderella - the French version. Disney's version is based on the French version. Either will do. Be ready to participate in a class discussion of the princess and her tale!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Class Work

For homework, you are to write yet another version of the Three Little Pigs. Instead of pigs, use the animal you researched. The plot will be somewhat the same, but you may add a twist. Be sure you have a message for the readers and listeners. If wolves do not live where your animal is found, what predators do live there? Use that character for the "villain" in the story. Have a bit of fun. Post in Canvas. Be ready to share your story with a group on Tuesday. This is worth 50 points.

You should be able to post Just the Beginning now. Take a moment to do that. I do apologize for the delay.

1. Let's share the beginnings of the story. Your table needs to join another table. Share your beginnings. Vote for the top two best beginnings to share with the entire class.

2. Return to your "Three Little Pig" reading groups. Take about 10 minutes to practice. You will be sharing with the class. You earn 25 points for doing your part well!

3. Why are there three critters? Is it a simple matter of "good, better, and best?" Or, is it something else? Consider

What do you know about the number three? Do some research. Why is that number important? Does it have the same importance across cultures? Share your findings on CANVAS. Be sure to give credit to your sources - at least two.

In addition, explain in what way the information is associated with the story of the "Three Little Pigs."
4. If time permits... we will play Story Cubes. You get to be the story creator!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Update to the Three Little ???? Homework -

You only need to begin your story. Do the following: 1. Identify the animals you will use. 2. Start writing. Tell what the first two animals will do and say. This is like the first two pigs who build their houses of straw and sticks. 3. Create a sing-song or nonsense line to repeat throughout. 4. Describe your "wolf". Post in Canvas under Story Beginning.

Day 6 - Wolves, Pigs, and Stories

Class Work

1. Finish Peter and the Wolf
2. Read a little bit about the story and performance: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/peter-the-wolf/essay-prokofievs-peter-the-wolf/27/
3. Discuss the movie and the music: http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0oGdSEVryhSOxoARz2l87UF;_ylc=X1MDOTU4MTA0NjkEX3IDMgRjc3JjcHZpZANXMGx0NkVvR2RFZFhSYXhrVWlQYjRRcDdTTk93bFZJb3J3SUFDbW5mBGZyA2llOARmcjIDc2ctZ2FjBGdwcmlkA3NzaXVoMy5IUTFlN3RCM2t4Y3N5YkEEaXQDZ3AEbl9ncHMDMTAEb3JpZ2luA3N5YwRwb3MDMQRwcXN0cgNQZXRlciBhbmQgdGhlIHdvbGYEcXVlcnkDUGV0ZXIgYW5kIHRoZSB3b2xmBHNhYwMxBHNhbwMxBHNlYwNyZWwtc2EEc2xrA3RleHQEdG9TdHJpbmcDW29iamVjdCBPYmplY3Rd?p=peter%20and%20the%20wolf&fr=ie8&fr2=sg-gac&pqstr=Peter%20and%20the%20wolf
4. Think back to what we learned about wolves on Tuesday. Is the wolf in Peter and the Wolf anything like the real creature?
5. What is the message in the story? What can we, the viewers, learn about human nature from the story? What is your "take-away?" Would you like the children you know to see the movie or listen to the music? Explain. (After table discussion, this will be an in-class writing exercise. Please post in Canvas. This is a group discussion, but it is an individual writing exercise. Please use complete sentences and paragraphs. You have up to 15 minutes to complete the work.) (20 pts.)

3. The Three Little Pigs

Story time: http://homepages.uni-paderborn.de/odenbach/wwwmath/pigs/pig3.html
Movie and music time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olo923T2HQ4 (Disney Version)
Group Activity - the story grows ...

You will be getting into one of three groups. No more than 10 people may be in any one group.
Count off by 2s.
Even #s will be responsible for the first half of the story
Odd #s will be responsible for the last half of the story.

Read through the story. Figure out how to get EVERYBODY in your sub-group to take part in a reading for the class.
The ultimate goal is to entertain us with a reading. Use vocal inflection. Music/singing is OK. Beat out a rhythm. Chant. Be creative! Create some sort of sound-effect for each character. (Remember Peter and the Wolf?)

4. For homework, you are to write yet another version of the Three Little Pigs. Instead of pigs, use the animal you researched. The plot will be somewhat the same, but you may add a twist. Be sure you have a message for the readers and listeners. If wolves do not live where your animal is found, what predators do live there? Use that character for the "villain" in the story. Have a bit of fun. Post in Canvas. Be ready to share your story with a group on Tuesday. This is worth 50 points.
4.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Day 5: Tuesday

Class Work

Be sure to post your homework assignments in Canvas!

1. What did you find out about wolves?
Share the facts at your table - then be ready to share the top three facts with the class.
2. How does what you found out about wolves relate to the Little Red Riding Hood story?
3. Do you have a favorite color? What does that color say about you? Why do you prefer that color? Are there others you know or to whom you are related who also favor that color?
4. Colors - is RED really all that was described in the article you read for homework?
http://www.helium.com/items/1697244-little-red-riding-hood
5.As a group, select a color other than RED. Do a bit of research. Find out the symbolism of the color. Does it stand for one thing in one country and another somewhere else? Why would one choose or avoid your color? This is YOUR color. Find out all you can. Has your color appeared in famous art? Is it part of a country's flag? Is this the "it" color for fall? Spill the beans. Tell all.

You have 15 minutes to conduct research. Then, be ready to share with the class.

Colors come up in stories all the time. See if the symbolism relates to the story in any way.
6.Homework: Select an animal other than the wonderful wolf. Take a look at the table of contents of our book. There are many animals to choose from - to name a few:

Tiger
Parrot
Fish
Lizard
Fly
Monkey
Platypus
Spider
Coyote
Snake
Bird
Tortoise
Deer
Jaguar

That's just a sample! Select a story that features an animal. Read the story. List the qualities that are exhibited by that animal. Now, conduct research on your animal. What is the real animal like? Where is it found? Explain if it is or is not like the animal in the story. Post in Canvas.

Qualities of the animal in the story.
Summary description of the real animal - 2 paragraphs
Credit to the sources. (2 sources)
Comparison of the real and story animal (1 paragraph)

7. Watch Peter and the Wolf. Discussion to follow -
If your chosen animal were a musical instrument, what instrument would it be? Explain