Ms. Casassa 6-8 Language Arts: March 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Grade 7: Introduction to Oral Tradition and Folktales

We are beginning a new unit! We will be studying Oral Traditions and storytelling, starting with the study of American Tall Tales and Folklore. Today you will learn about some of the New Hampshire folklore and some legendary heroes in American Folk history. Complete the questions on the handout and enjoy learning about some bigger than life heroes!

Quizlet- Oral Tradition Flashcards. Study the definitions of important terms you need to know during this unit.

Complete the worksheet on Folk Heroes (Go to Google Classroom for a copy or click here for a copy of the worksheet)- Use the sites below to find the information.

American Folklore- Use this site to find tall tales from different parts of the country
Tall Tales -the basics A lot of good links to different tall tales
American Tall Tales- good site with some videos to watch
Animated Tall Tales- a fun, interactive site to learn more about tall tales
Myths, Folklore and Fairy Tales- Read different myths and legends from around the world
Aesop's Fables- online collection of Aesop Fables

Here are some good resources to learn about American Folk Heroes

"Tall talk, or exaggerated storytelling, began in the 1800s as a way for Americans to come to terms with the vast and inhospitable lands they’d come to inhabit – thick, dark forests filled with bears and panthers; treeless, arid deserts and plains; towering mountains; and uncharted seacoasts. The heroes and heroines of the tales were like the land itself – gigantic, extravagant, restless, and flamboyant. Their exaggerated feats of courage and endurance helped the backwoodsman face the overwhelming task of developing such a land." --American Tall Tales, by Mary Pope Osborne, 1991.

Tall Tale Heroes --Links to information and resources on many American Folk Heroes (see left side of page)
Fact Monster- information on Tall Tale characters