Introducing different versions of "Cinderella"

Summary

In this lesson, students explored fantasy through an author study on Crispin Augsburg, analyzing elements like characters, setting, plot, and theme in his books. They delved into literary elements, focusing on language and structure. The class then turned to Cinderella, analyzing different versions of the story as a key anchor text. They explored diverse global adaptations of Cinderella, such as the Irish 'Cinder Lad,' African 'Navarro's Beautiful Daughters,' Mexican 'Adelita,' Turkish 'Prince Cinders,' and Alaskan 'Salmon Princess,' highlighting the variety and universal appeal of this fairy tale across cultures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The lesson on Cinderella began with an author study of Crispin Augsburg, focusing on fantasy and its mix with science fiction.
• 😀 Students studied literary elements such as characters, setting, plot, and theme while reading books by Crispin Augsburg.
• 😀 The study emphasized understanding literary elements and language to analyze the stories in depth.
• 😀 After the author study, the class shifted to exploring fantasy literature, eventually focusing on the character of Cinderella.
• 😀 The class explored various versions of Cinderella stories across different cultures and settings.
• 😀 The chosen Cinderella book would serve as the anchor text for comparison with other versions of the tale.
• 😀 The focus was on learning about the character of Cinderella through a close reading of one version, followed by comparisons with others.
• 😀 Students explored approximately 1,500 different versions of Cinderella, highlighting the diversity of the story.
• 😀 The class would read multiple Cinderella variations, such as Irish Cinder Lad, Navarro's Beautiful Daughters, and others from different countries.
• 😀 Some Cinderella stories, like Prince Cinders and Bigfoot Cinderella, offered unique twists, such as gender reversals or humor.
• 😀 The lesson plan also included international Cinderella versions like the Sunni retelling from Turkey and the Salmon Princess from Alaska.

Q & A

What was the focus of the author study by Crispin Augsburg?

The focus of the author study by Crispin Augsburg was on fantasy, which also included elements of science fiction. The study involved examining literary elements in four different books by Crispin Augsburg.

What literary elements did the students explore during the study?

During the study, students explored various literary elements, including characters, setting, plot, theme, and language in the books by Crispin Augsburg.

Why was Cinderella chosen as the anchor text for the lesson?

Cinderella was chosen as the anchor text because it allowed the students to study the character in depth and compare different versions of the Cinderella story from around the world.

What did the students learn about the different versions of Cinderella?

The students learned that there are many different versions of the Cinderella story, with over 1,500 versions worldwide. Each version has its own unique elements, such as setting, characters, and plot.

Can you list some of the different versions of Cinderella mentioned in the script?

Some of the Cinderella versions mentioned in the script include 'The Irish Cinder Lad' from Ireland, 'Navarro's Beautiful Daughters' from Africa, 'Adelita' from Mexico, 'Prince Cinders' (a male version) from an unspecified location, 'Turkey Girl' from Turkey, 'The Salmon Princess' from Alaska, and 'Bigfoot Cinderella.'

How did the study of literary elements help with understanding the Cinderella stories?

By studying literary elements, the students were able to analyze how characters, settings, plots, and themes in each version of the Cinderella story shaped their understanding of the tale and its cultural variations.

What was the significance of comparing different versions of Cinderella?

Comparing different versions of Cinderella allowed the students to recognize cultural differences in storytelling and identify common themes and elements that make the Cinderella story universally recognizable.

How did the inclusion of the Irish 'Cinder Lad' version differ from the traditional Cinderella story?

The 'Cinder Lad' version is unique in that it features a male protagonist instead of the traditional female Cinderella character, offering a different take on the classic narrative.

What was the purpose of looking at the language in the books by Crispin Augsburg?

The purpose of examining the language in Crispin Augsburg's books was to help students understand how language contributes to storytelling and enhances the reader's experience, especially when analyzing literary elements like character development and theme.

How were the various Cinderella stories presented to the students?

The various Cinderella stories were presented to the students through reading materials, and the students were encouraged to compare these stories based on their settings, characters, and themes. The lessons emphasized understanding the differences and similarities across cultures.