Introduction
The original Cinderella story was written in 1889. Today there are more than 1,500 versions of the Cinderella story that have been written in countries and cultures all over the world; many of these variations have become popular in classrooms and homes of America today. As you get to know the people and places that set the backdrop for each Cinderella story, you will find that they all have several elements in common.
What makes a Cinderella story?
Task
Identify the characteristics that Cinderella stories have in common. Compare and contrast these characteristics in several stories from other cultures. Also compare these versions to the Original Cinderella Finally, write and publish on the class blog your own version of a Cinderella story that illustrates the culture in which you live.
Process
A. Read Cinderella stories from two (2) different cultures. You may choose any of the versions in the classroom (these copies may not leave the room). Find others at the local library, or read versions found on the web. Many suggestions are listed.
B. Fill in a chart for each story you read.
Grimms’ Fairy Tales: Cinderella
Fair, Brown and Trembling (Ireland)
The Story of Tam and Cam (Viet Nam)
Egyptian Cinderella (Egypt)
C. Using the charts you created compare and contrast the two stories you read with each other and the traditional Cinderella in paragraph form. Look at what the stories have in common and identify the major "ingredients" and themes of Cinderella stories. Include these in your paragraph.
D. Using the information you have gathered about what makes up a Cinderella story; write your own Cinderella story to illustrate the culture in which you live. Use the Graphic Organizer for your pre-writing organization. Once you complete your organizer, use your organizer to type your rough draft in Microsoft Word. Then revise and edit.