This Month's Genre Project: Tales

December’s Genre: Tales

            The literary genre “tales,” also known as folktales, includes any traditional, usually anonymous, story handed down orally among a culture.  The stories might be fairy tales, tall tales, or fables.  Legends and myths also fall into this category.

            Your genre project this month is to read at least two folktales and create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the two tales.  Remember, a Venn diagram uses two interlocking circles where similarities go in the middle and differences go in the outer circles.  Your Venn diagram may be on paper of your choice but please not larger than half a sheet of poster board.

You must read both of the tales that you use, and you may NOT use the Disney versions of either tale.  (You also may not use tales read aloud in class as one of your two choices.)  They do not have to be in your Lexile level.  You need to read two stories that are of the same type, such as two tall tales, two different myths about the same general idea (for example, why the sun and moon are not in the sky at the same time), two different versions of the same fairy tale, etc.  You may read a traditional fairy tale and then compare it to its “fractured” or “modern” version. 

Please get your two tales approved no later than 12/9 before you begin your Venn diagram.  Be sure to have the book(s) at school when you get approval.

To earn an A on your folktale genre project, you must include the origin of each of your tales, any author or illustrator listed, the title of each tale, and at least 8 excellent comparisons in each of the three sections of your diagram.  Consider character traits, elements of the plot, setting, and theme as you compare the tales.  Neatness, including correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar, are very important.  Feel free to illustrate your project.  Your Venn diagram must be turned in by Friday, December 19.  The project will count as two test grades.  Below is the rubric that will be used to determine your score. 

Tale # 1:                                                   Tale #2

title of tale                              ____/3        title of tale                     ____/3

author or illustrator                  ____/2        author or illustrator         ____/2

origin of tale                           ____/2        origin of tales                 ____/2

at least 8 excellent differences   ____/24       8(+) excellent differences ____/24

at least 4 excellent similarities    ____/12       4(+) excellent similarities ____/12     

illustration                               ____/2        illustration                      ____/2

overall correct spelling,            ____/5        overall neatness              ____/5

punctuation, and grammar                 Bonus points                  ____

                                             TOTAL:                        ____/100