Submitted by Connie Nelson, Tony Kienitz
Objectives:
Content:
Students will:
- read for understanding 'Haensel und Grethel' in the original version
- analyze content of the original fairy tales
- explore the relationship between the original fairy tales and modern-day versions
Cultural:
Students will:
- activate own knowledge about the fairy tales' role in transmitting cultural information
- learn some of the cultural and historical background that will allow students to understand the content differences between the original and modern-day versions of the fairy tales they read
Language: Content Obligatory
Students will:
- learn key vocabulary that allows access into the original text
- review / learn the past tense structures used in written and oral narration (imperfect, present perfect, past perfect)
Language: Content Compatible
Learning Strategies / Social and Skills Development:
Students will:
- practice reading strategies
- practice narrating (both in writing and speaking)
- work cooperatively with partner and small group
- create idea/association webs
Time Frame:
2-3 days
Materials Needed:
- "The Brothers Grimm and the Evolution of the Fairy Tale" from German Life Magazine. February/March 1996.
- "The Brothers Grimm" from National Geographic Magazine. December 1999.
- reading tasks sheet for pairs (see "Attachments")
- transparency sheets and overhead pens for pair work
Description of Assessment (Performance Project):
Part 1
In pairs or small groups, students create 2 ideas webs. The first web has Fairy Tales at its center and students are given 3-4 minutes to brainstorm as many ideas as they can come up with related to fairy tales. Each group records their webs on an overhead transparency. The teacher then calls on each group to present their webs briefly, recording the common ideas that groups share.The same process is followed for the second web, which has the fairy tale 'Hansel and Grethel' at its center.
After each pair or group has shared their web, they will use it to act out a condensed version of the tale. This may be done in English or in German depending on the ability level of the students. The focus here is not on the grammatical structure but rather on the retelling of the tale. Props, costumes, and 'acting' are encouraged.
Part 2
Students then read the articles (see Materials section) about the Grimm Brothers either in class or as homework. As students read the articles they should compare them to their own fairy tale webs and take notes recording the similarities and differences they notice.The teacher should then lead a short debriefing session to discuss the articles, focusing on these questions:
- Who were the Grimm Brothers writing for?
- Where did they get their tales?
- How did the culture in which they live affect their retelling of the tales?
The purpose of these articles is to give the students background information on the Grimm Brothers but also to prepare them for the next lesson which is to analyze 'Haensel und Grethel.'
Assessment:
This is more of a checklist than assessment. The students receive five points per completed task. You may or may not need this depending on your classroom environment and grading system.
__ completion of fairy tale idea web
__ participation in class discussion about background articles on the Grimm brothers
References and Resources:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/grimm/index2.html
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/grimm/Bettelheim, B. (1977). The Uses of Enchantment: the Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales. Alfred A. Knopf: New York.
Darnton, R. (1985). Peasants tell tales... In The Great Cat Massacre and Other Episodes in French Cultural History. First Edition Vintage Books: New York.