Introduction
We will be reading tall tales this week. One defining feature of a tall tale is the use of hyperbole. Hyperbole is an exaggeration that helps the reader to make pictures in his or her head. Hyperbole brings the story to life for the reader and it can make us laugh!
For example, in Babe the Blue Ox, Babe's size is described this way: "Whenever he got an itch, Babe the Blue Ox had to find a cliff to rub against, 'cause whenever he tried to rub against a tree it fell over and begged for mercy." When a reader reads that descriptive hyperbole, he or she can picture how huge the ox would be if it could make a tree fall over just by rubbing against it.
Task
Can you find exaples of hyperbole in tall tales?
Process
1. With your partner, go to the website listed below. Watch the Paul Bunyan video.
http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Video.aspx?VideoID=8196&CategoryID=2596
2. Write the title of the video and the name of the website on your WEBQUEST form. Then write down two examples of hyperbole that were in the video.
3. With your partner, go to the website listed below. Select ONE tall tale to read. Read the tall tale together. Be cooperative!
NOTE: If you are not sure what tall tales to try, Pecos Bill Rides a Tornado, Davy Crocket and the Coonskin, and Mississippi Mosquitoes were some favorite tall tales from last year's students.
http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/tall-tales/
4. Write the name title of the tall tale that you read on your WEBQUEST form. Write down two examples of hyperbole that were in the tall tale.
Evaluation
As always, I will be looking for neat and complete work. Work that is less than your best will not receive full credit.
Conclusion
To show your understanding of hyperbole, try writing a few of your own!
Work with your partner, be creative, and have fun. Make me laugh!
It was so hot that...
He was so thin that...
I was so hungry that...