Three Magic Oranges Is it a myth or a folktale, you decide.  Using A Piece of Straw as an example.

 

Grade:  7th Grade English

 

Duration: 40 min

 

Objectives:      Students will be able to describe how folk tales are different than Greek myths.

Students will be able to use the definitions of myths and folktales to classify a

story. 

 

Assessment:     Students will decide based on the definitions whether or not Three Magic Oranges is a myth of a folktale.  They will write a paragraph defending their choice using three fats from the story.  

 

  1. Spelling test (10 min)
  2. As a class review the definition of folktales. (5 min)
  3. How is this definition different than definition of a Greek myth?
    1. Create a list of characteristics for each

Folk Tale                                                         Myth

Told by people                                                Told my writers

Individual story                                               Collection of story

Practical enjoyable people                   Explain how the world works

How everyday people live life                        natural events, people traits

Life lessons: how to outwit bad

neighbors                                                         Celebrations and ceremonies

Collection of belief, customs, and

traditions                                                          Adventures of gods

Often include magical marvoulous Considered true stories of past

            events

Show way of life through simple

plots and Good humor

Considered not truthful

 

  1.   Using the man in A Piece of Straw as an example, find the facts of the story that make it a folktale. (5 Min)

                                                              i.      Extra Questions:  In case of extra time

1.      Discuss who has the power in the story.  Who makes the man rich?  Is it the man in control or is the goddess is this source of power different than in the Greek myths, where does their power come from? 

2.      How does the old man different than the heroes in the Greek myths?

  1. Have students read Three Magic Oranges.  Cue them to read the story thinking of the how the story, plot, main characters and purpose are characteristics of a folktale are found in the story. (20min)
  2. Assign paragragh explain

 

  1. If time:  As a class talk about Three Magic Oranges. (10 min)
    1. What characteristics of a folktale are found in the story
    2. What characteristics of a myth are found in the story.

                                                              i.      Does the witch act like the Greek gods in the story?

                                                            ii.      What metamorphosis takes place?

                                                          iii.      What is this folk tale teaching the listener?

    1. If you didn’t know, would you classify this as a myth or folklore?  Why? 

 

Assignment for tomorrow: 

            Choose whether or not you think this story is a myth or folktale.  Write a paragraph defending your choice.  Use the definition of myth and folktales we came up with and support from the story.