Welcome to Stories and Tales. We'll provide five days of reading lessons designed to engage your child in an exploration of traditional tales. Check back every day for the new day's lesson.
Day 1 Activity
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Let’s Watch: The Mouse and the LionWatch the video The Mouse and the Lion to learn more about storytelling. |
Discuss the Video
What lessons do you think these characters learn? How would this story change if Lion told it?
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Let’s Read: The Princess and the Pea
The Prince wants to marry a princess. But he can't find a real princess! One stormy night, someone rings the bell at the palace gate. Could this be a real princess? Download The Princess and the Pea |
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QuizHow much do you know about The Princess and the Pea? Take the quiz. Then, check your answers to the quiz. How did you do? |
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Family SupportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional Review & Extend activities together. |
Day 2 Activity
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Let’s Learn About Fairy TalesLook at this chart about fairy tales. What makes The Princess and the Pea a fairy tale? What is your favorite fairy tale? |
| Let’s Reread: The Princess and the PeaThe Prince wants to marry a princess. But he can't find a real princess! One stormy night, someone rings the bell at the palace gate. Could this be a real princess? Download The Princess and the Pea |
Take It Further
Choose an activity to extend the fun.
Project: Draw the Inside of the Palace
- Imagine the palace where this story takes place. Draw the outline of the palace on a large sheet of paper. Then draw the rooms inside the outline.
- Include the dining room, the living room with the fireplace, and the bedroom for the princess. Add details.
- Share your drawing.
Vocabulary & Language: Use Fairy Tale Phrases
- Fairy tales often start with once upon a time and end with they lived happily ever after.
- Write or dictate a short fairy tale using these phrases. Retell a story you know well, or create one of your own.
- Share your stories.
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Family SupportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional Review & Extend activities together. |
Day 3 Activity
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Let’s Watch: The Tortoise and the HareWatch the video The Tortoise and the Hare, an animated video of the tale about a classic race. |
Discuss the Video
How does Hare change from the beginning of the story to the end? If you could give advice to Tortoise about running the race, what would you say?
| Let’s Read: Why the Leopard Has SpotsLeopard didn't always have spots. How do you think he got them? Download Why the Leopard Has Spots |
| QuizHow much do you know about Why the Leopard Has Spots? Take the quiz. Then, check your answers to the quiz. How did you do? |
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Family SupportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional Review & Extend activities together. |
Day 4 Activity
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Let’s Learn About FolktalesLook at this chart about folktales. What makes Why the Leopard Has Spots a folktale? Can you think of other folktales you have heard or read? |
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Let’s Reread: Why the Leopard Has Spots
Leopard didn't always have spots. How do you think he got them? Download Why the Leopard Has Spots |
Take It Further
Choose an activity to extend the fun.
Research Connection: Research Leopard Cubs
- Search online or in nonfiction books to learn more about leopard cubs.
- Write three facts you learn that you find interesting about these baby animals.
- Print a picture to go with your research.
- Share what you learned.
Response Writing: Write a Folktale
- Think of another animal you can write a folktale about. Then decide what you would like your folktale to explain about the animal, such as why a tiger has stripes or why a dog barks.
- Plan your folktale, including the characters and main events.
- Write your folktale and draw a picture to go with it.
- Share your folktale and picture.
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Family SupportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional Review & Extend activities together. |
Day 5 Activity
Let's Review
This week you've read some traditional tales. Today, read a short play based on the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
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Let’s Read: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
While the Three Bears are out for a walk, Goldilocks enters their house in search of a snack. What happens when the bears find her? You decide! Download Goldilocks and the Three Bears |
Take It Further
Extend the fun with an activity.
Activity Type: Make a Mural
Make a mural to show a scene from Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
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Family SupportReader’s theater plays are fun to read aloud! Help children build oral reading skills by having them read Goldilocks and the Three Bears aloud with a partner or small group. If they made a mural, encourage them to use it as a backdrop for their performance. Performance Options
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