Have your class explore Buddhist Jataka Tales to compare and contrast them to European fables. After defining fables, Jataka tales, and the elements of each, learners identify themes and patterns for both types of narratives and the...

Kamishibai (paper drama), is a Japanese form of storytelling that uses emakimono (paper picture scrolls), to relay a moral lesson. As part of a series of resources that examine Japanese art and artists, learners watch a video...

Young scholars use a chart to show how gaining interest is a beneficial part of having a savings account. In this banking lesson plan, learners also learn about the workings of an ATM and a checking account.

Students investigate Aesop's Fables and how they influenced the culture of Ancient Greece. They research five different fables and reflect upon the morals of the stories and state how they influenced the practices of the Greek in writing.

Third graders discuss the work of Cesar Chavez. In this multi-cultural lesson, 3rd graders listen to the story Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull. They write a double-entry journal focusing on the rights of farm...

What does a philanthropist do? Help your class explore philanthropy using character development and literacy ideas. Learners will define and give examples of philanthropy, listen to The Lion and the Mouse, discuss how the characters help...

Students examine the Bible, one of the earliest written sources, as a compilation of narratives, and search the resources on the HERITAGE DVD-ROM for historical "proof" as well as create their own stories and scripts based on ancient...

Young scholars are introduced to the topic of legends. Using the text of Irving's novels, they gather information on different cultures. They practice using new vocabulary and their listening skills. They retell the stories in...

A simple text analysis activity, language learners transfer, order, and group information so that it is presentable. No apparent link to the five required worksheets.

Learners explore the elements of American folktales. They discuss how they are passed on from generation to generation, how they use exaggeration, and how they convey a message or make a point. Students identify common elements of tall...

Students make a book about kindness.  In this character lesson, students read a story about kindness and discuss how it applies to life.  Students complete a kindness counts page and then assemble them into a book. ...

Students define elements of stories from around the world that include helpful animals. They explore animal character motivations and use graphic organizers to compare and contrast animal stories from different cultures.

Middle schoolers brainstorm the definition of honesty. In this honesty lesson, students read Ostrich Egg Wife and discuss events in the story relating to honesty and breaking a promise. Middle schoolers explore ways the main character...

Sixth graders compare their lives to trees and make connections between the two, consider how trees are metaphors for people, and draw and label trees to represent themselves. Students then read brief stories, fables or nursery rhymes,...

Students explore community service.  In this character development and community instructional activity, students sing a song based on the fable The Lion and the Mouse. Students participate in a discussion about kindness, and...

Learners examine the life of Louisa May Alcott. Using the Internet, they examine the types of books and plays she wrote. In groups, they compare and contrast the types of covers used on the various publishing's. They design and color...

After reading the Magic Tree House book Mummies in the Morning, learners talk about Ancient Egypt. They identify the plot, characters, setting, etc., explore vocabulary terms, and construct a pyramid. This will motivate your class...

Students explore the character trait of being humble. They read the story of "The Hare and the Tortoise" and discuss the hare's character. Afterward, students read, "The Sailor Man." They compare and contrast "The Hare and The Tortoise"...

Students use the internet to gather information about Greek Mythology. They discover the role of the snake and shamrock and the history of St. Patrick's Day. They compare and contrast their culture to another.

Expand on your students' knowledge of storytelling with this lesson plan on Russian folktales. Provides several links to examples, assessment criteria, and a short list of other sources.