Cinderella stories across different cultures / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the similarities and differences in Cinderella stories from various cultures. They will create their own version of a Cinderella story, reflecting what they learned about cultural elements.

Materials and Prep

  • Paper
  • Pencil or pen
  • Colored pencils or crayons (optional)
  • Access to a quiet space for reading and writing
  • Basic knowledge of the Cinderella story (you can summarize it beforehand)

Activities

  • Story Reading: Start by reading different versions of the Cinderella story from various cultures. You can find summaries online or tell the stories from memory. Discuss the main characters and plot points in each version.

  • Character Comparison: Create a chart comparing the main characters in each Cinderella story. What are their names? What makes them unique? How do they change throughout the story?

  • Creative Writing: Now it's time to write your own Cinderella story! Use elements from the stories you read and add your own twist. Think about where the story takes place and what magical elements you want to include.

  • Artistic Expression: Illustrate your favorite scene from any Cinderella story you read. Use colored pencils or crayons to bring the scene to life!

Talking Points

  • "Did you know that many cultures have their own version of Cinderella? What do you think makes a story like this so popular?"
  • "In some stories, Cinderella is called something different! What names did you find in the stories we read?"
  • "What are some magical elements in these stories? How do they help Cinderella?"
  • "How does Cinderella's life change from the beginning to the end of the story? What lessons do you think she learns?"
  • "In some cultures, instead of a fairy godmother, there are other magical helpers. Can you think of any examples?"
  • "What are some challenges Cinderella faces in these stories? How does she overcome them?"
  • "Why do you think stories like Cinderella teach us about kindness and resilience?"
  • "What would you change in your own Cinderella story? How would you make it unique?"