Using Folk Literature in the Classroom : Encouraging Children to Read and Write

Now educators for grades K-6 can use rich, varied, and entertaining sources of folk literature as a vehicle for literature-based teaching methods for use in the library or language arts curricula. The authors, two professors of childhood education, have fashioned a comprehensive guide that provides: Valuable descriptions of the literary transaction process; i.e. how children interact with what they read and how teachers can encourage these interactions. Summaries of 54 stories from 20 countries representing 13 subgenres of folk literature, from nursery rhymes and ballads to fables and tall tales. Story summaries and source descriptions are arranged by theme and units (such as magical animals, overcoming odds, epic heres, etc.). Instructional strategies and high-interest activities designed to improve reading and critical thinking skills.