Tons of Tales (Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, Tall Tales, Nursery Rhymes, Fables, Legends, and Myths)

   Fairytales? Folktales? Tall Tales? Nursery Rhymes? Fables? Legends? Myths? Who knew there were so many different kinds of mini stories in the world! What are these categories? Do there have to be so many? Aren't all stories just...stories?

Your mission, lads and lassies, is to explore the wide world of tales and discover the unique qualities of each category provided above (7 in all). How are they similar? How are they each special in characteristic and intention/goal?

Your quest will answer these questions and will then ask you to delve far deeper into one of the genres into further study of its history and purpose. Finding some examples of stories within this genre will also be really important. Dive deep, guys, and have fun in the journey!

Let the quest begin!!

Welcome to your quest!

Your quest requires you to do a number of things. Be sure that you complete all the parts in the order that they are set. Each section will give you the understanding you need to complete the next section.

Task 1 (Google Slideshow): Research the definitions and the similarities/differences between a Fairy Tale, Folk Tale, Tall Tale, Nursery Rhyme, Fable, Legend, and a Myth. FOLLOW THE "PROCESS" SECTION!

Task 2 (Genre Poster): Choose one of the genres and do further research, including the important elements that make the genre, its history, purpose, and general popularity. FOLLOW THE "PROCESS" SECTION!

Task 3 (Tale Storyboard): Pick a story from this genre and read it. Be able to explain how your choice fits into the genre. Then, create a storyboard version of your story to share. FOLLOW THE "PROCESS" SECTION!

***Make sure your heading information and ALL group member names appear on ALL elements of this quest for credit! :)

Task 1: Research the definitions and the similarities/differences between a Fairy Tale, Folk Tale, Tall Tale, Fable, Legend, Nursery Rhyme, and a Myth.

1. Create an 9 slide Google Slide presentation that includes a Title Slide, a Slide containing a definition of each of the genres, their unique characteristics, and images that will help an audience understand your description, and a final Slide for your Source Citations.
   • Try the following websites for just a STARTING POINT:  
   • Fairy Tales: http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/index.html
   • Folk Tales: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-8030
   • Tall Tales: https://examples.yourdictionary.com/what-is-tall-tale-common-elements-explained
   • Nursery Rhymes: https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/
     • https://www.karlfranklin.com/the-nursery-rhyme-genre-with-examples/
   • Fables: https://www.juicyenglish.com/blog/what-is-a-fable
   • Legends: https://literaryterms.net/legend/
   • Myths: https://www.britannica.com/topic/myth
2. READABILITY and QUALITY of visual design is key here. INTEND for the Slideshow to look professional and creative, not just basic! Use color and design and images throughout. (Research some style techniques for making your presentation good and visually appealing.)
3. URL source citations for information and images used REQUIRED on the final slide of the presentation!!!

TIPS FOR MAKING IT LOOK GOOD: https://visage.co/11-design-tips-beautiful-presentations/

Task 2: Choose 1 of the 7 genres identified and do further research, including its history, purpose, and general popularity.

1. Create a POSTER (teacher will supply paper): On the poster, show the characteristics of the genre found in your further research. A TITLE and an IMAGE that correlates should feature prominently. Indicate any unique structure and provide a little bit about the genre's history. Make sure you research the following questions:

• What makes this unique from the other types of stories?
• What basically happens in the orientation, complication and resolution (the plot structure) of this genre? Is it always that way?(Example: A fairy tale generally begins with "Once upon a time..." and always ends with "And they lived happily ever after.")
• What are the essential elements of this genre? In other words, what does this type of story have to include?
• How long has this genre been around?
• Name a few famous stories that fit this genre                                                                                                                                                                                       

Task 3: Choose an example story FROM the genre on your poster. Be able to explain why your choice fits into the genre.

1. Search the web for stories within this genre. (***NOT allowed to choose Cinderella)
2. Choose one of the stories that is interesting to you. 
3. Read the story and highlight the structural elements that you learned about in your research.
4. Be able to explain why your story fits into this genre. Think about the way it is put together (the structure) and whether it contains the essential elements.
5. Create a cartoon strip version of your story (see teacher for paper). It should be carefully planned first, drawn, and colored with your best effort to visual quality and clarity of the story coming through.
6. Prepare to share with the class.

Grades for each piece are as follows:

• Google Slide Show= 100 total points (Info-50, Design-50)
• Poster= 100 total points (Image and Design- 75, Information- 25)
• Storyboard= 100 points total (Story clarity and structure- 50, clear display of genre- 20, color and visual design- 30)

Well, you've done it! Congratulations!!

Your quest is over, and you have mastered a new topic. I think you are ready for the next step in your literary journey.

What's something else these various tales often have in common? Well, many of them have been rearranged, parodied, adapted, mixed up, mismatched, musicalized, and other various forms of taking on new forms! :) Some of these tales have been "messed with" hundreds or thousands of times....

NEXT UP...the WORLD of ADAPTATIONS and PARODIES! Buckle your seatbelt!

***All content of the webquest written and curated by Melissa Brown.

Image URL Citations:

Introduction- https://www.kotobee.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/main-1.png

Task- https://www.brightcarbon.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Blog-Illustration-02.png

          https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d96eAbmLL._AC_SX425_.jpg

          https://sbt.blob.core.windows.net/storyboards/gabrieldeicaza/the-tall-tale-story.png

Process- https://i.etsystatic.com/9703085/r/il/383820/1566364529/il_794xN.1566364529_cior.jpg

               https://i.etsystatic.com/9703085/r/il/2044f9/1566363879/il_794xN.1566363879_empw.jpg

               http://web.mit.edu/2.744/studentSubmissions/storyboardDesign/juliawon/images/StoryB_Full.jpg

Conclusion- https://www.quirkbooks.com/sites/default/files/u1720/2020/geekerella_1.jpg

Mrs. Melissa A. Brown

English Teacher

MHS- Texas

• 17 years of teaching experience (grades 7-12)
• Fan of Shakespeare and all things language
• Loves all types of tales and the fun you can have with them! :)