Classic American Folk Tales
What’s inside...
A collection of classic American legends includes the stories of Paul Bunyon, Davy Crockett, Pocahontas, Johnny Appleseed, John Henry, and Pecos Bill, as well as tales of Brer Rabbit and Coyote.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What lessons can we learn from the characters in these folk tales?
How do the challenges faced by the characters relate to challenges we face today?
Which character did you admire the most and why?
Can you think of a time when you acted like one of the characters in the stories?
What different emotions did you feel while reading these tales?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before you start reading, provide a brief background about American folk tales and their significance in cultural history.
Pause at key moments in the story to discuss the decisions characters make and ask your child what they would have done in that situation.
Relate the morals and themes of the tales to your child’s everyday life experiences to make the stories more relevant and engaging.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the tales to foster creativity and critical thinking.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, which can be a great way to deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Many folk tales like 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' highlight the consequences of lying. The boy repeatedly tricks the villagers into believing a wolf is attacking his flock, and when a wolf truly appears, no one believes him, leading to a disastrous outcome.
Real-World Application: Children learn that honesty builds trust, and being truthful is vital to forming reliable relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: The value of hard work
Explanation: In stories such as 'John Henry', the protagonist demonstrates incredible determination and work ethic by taking on a steam-powered hammer. Despite the challenges, his efforts are portrayed as heroic and admirable.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand that perseverance and dedication are key to achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: The strength of cleverness and wit
Explanation: Tales like 'Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby' showcase Br'er Rabbit outsmarting his foes using his sharp wit, rather than physical strength, to escape tricky situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their intellect and creativity to solve problems and navigate through difficult situations in school or while interacting with peers.
Example Lesson: The impact of kindness
Explanation: In 'Stone Soup', villagers each share a small amount of their food to make a meal that everyone enjoys. It illustrates how small acts of kindness can lead to greater communal benefits.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sharing and how collective contributions can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Example Lesson: Respecting nature
Explanation: Several Native American tales emphasize living in harmony with nature and respecting the earth. These stories teach about the interdependence between humans and nature.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to care for their environment, understanding that their actions impact the world around them and future generations.