| by Alan Haskvitz
Folklore genres provide a great way to capitalize on a student's
imagination and stimulate creative thought, as well as developing
critical thinking skills. When in the folklore doctoral program
at Memorial University in Newfoundland, I quickly became aware
this subject area is an excellent way to reach students. To
this end, I have assembled an array of folklore-oriented sites
that offer a range of resources and plans. I have some resources
at Reach
Every Child History - Folklore.
Folklore covers a variety of topics such as: material folk
culture (folklife), humor, tall tales, myths and legends,
games, folk music, riddles, tattoos and even folk art. Collecting
oral tradition is another folklore activity that can stimulate
children. Finally, folklore extends to every culture and every
country, which makes it an ideal way to build global compare-and-contrast
units of study.
Because folklore covers a vast array of culture, it is best
to limit the materials you use. For example, the tooth fairy
is part of mythology, but so are the Greek gods and urban
myths. Great topics to stimulate learning, but it is easy
to get off the topic.
About Folklore
About
Folklore: What is Folklore?
American
Folklife Center of the Library of Congress
The American
Folklore Society
Folklore:
A Tapestry of Life
A definition of folklore and a listing of large agencies that
deal with it.
Island
Online
This interesting site explains the uses of folklore and examines
problems students have in the classroom.
Mythweb
Site with lesson plans shows the importance of art in recording
human history - visit the site overview.
Traditional
Literature Lesson Plans
Large, but in need of updating, lesson plan site
What
is Folklore?
[ Top of page ]
Collections of
Folklore
Aesop's
Fables
African
Folktales Unit
American
Folklore
By categories
The
Archetypal Hero
Aztec
Folk Tales
Classics
Technology Center
Ancient Greek mythology for advanced students
Encyclopedia
Mythica
Folk
Art & Lore Virtual Museum
For high school students
Folklore
and Mythology Electronic Texts
An incredible site, it lets you download texts from all over
the world to make interesting lessons. The only problem is
it's so full of materials you need to take your time.
Folklore,
Myth and Legend
A large link site from Canada
Mr.
Donn's Ancient History
Ancient history link site with Roman and Greek Gods
Mythology
Special
Topics in Folklore and Mythology
This is a worthwhile site, but make sure you visit more than
the opening page.
Stories, Folklore and Fairy Tales Theme Page
This page has links to two types of resources for studying
stories, folklore and fairy tales.
Story
Arts Online
Storytelling
. . . Tales to Tell
Storytelling as a tool for teachers
The
Unit on Chinese Mythology
Urban
Legends and Folklore
Urban Legends
Reference Page
Have students look up the latest urban legend and learn the
truth. Great fun and a way to teach students about the importance
of checking the stories' accuracy.
Weather
World Weather Folklore
[ Top of page ]
Smithsonian Resources
These are exceptionally rich, but advanced for student use.
However, the individuals who work here are very willing to
help.
Folklife
and Fieldwork
Smithsonian
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
A
Teacher's Guide to Folklife Resources
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