Vasilissa the Beautiful: A Russian Folktale
What’s inside...
A retelling of the old Russian fairy tale in which beautiful Vasilissa uses the help of her doll to escape from the clutches of the witch Baba Yaga.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think helped Vasilissa succeed in her challenges?
How did the help from the magical doll influence Vasilissa's story?
Why do you think the author chose a witch as the antagonist? What traits make her scary or interesting?
How do you think the story would change if Vasilissa had made different choices?
What lessons can we learn from Vasilissa's bravery and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story, enhancing their creativity and understanding of narrative consequences.
Discuss the historical and cultural elements of the Russian folktale to provide a richer context to the story.
Identify moments in the tale where Vasilissa shows courage and relate them to real-life scenarios, making the discussion personally relevant to your child.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene, which can spark conversation about specific story details and character motivations.
Compare and contrast the characters' decisions in the story with choices your child makes daily, promoting critical thinking and self-reflection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Vasilissa shows bravery as she confronts challenges and dangers, including dealing with the menacing Baba Yaga.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and overcoming obstacles, which helps them deal with difficult situations in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and resilience
Explanation: Despite being placed in dire situations by her stepmother, Vasilissa uses her wits and the magical doll her mother gave her to find solutions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of thinking creatively to solve problems and bouncing back from setbacks, equipping them with a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: Vasilissa's helpful nature wins her favor with Baba Yaga, who rewards her instead of punishing her.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being kind and helpful can lead to positive outcomes and better relationships with others.
Example Lesson: Obedience and responsibility
Explanation: Vasilissa follows her mother's instructions carefully and takes her responsibilities seriously, which ultimately leads to her success.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of listening to guidance and being diligent in one’s duties, skills vital for personal development and success in educational environments.