Why do we love to teach Fairytales in the Classroom?
There are several reasons why we teach fairytales in the classroom:
There is a sense of wonder and magic. Fairytales allow us to believe in magic, miracles, and extraordinary possibilities. The whimsical and enchanting elements of fairytales captivate our curiosity and invite us to believe in something beyond the ordinary.
They are nostalgic and create childhood memories. Fairytales evoke a sense of comfort, warmth, and nostalgia. Revisiting fairytales can bring back cherished memories and a sense of connection to our past.
Fairytales create emotional engagement. Fairytales evoke emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and sadness. They allow us to experience a wide spectrum of feelings in a safe and controlled way.
We can escape into an imaginary world. Fairytales are filled with enchanting characters, fantastical creatures, and extraordinary adventures. They are an escape from reality and allow our imaginations to soar.
Reading and sharing Fairytales can highlight moral guidance and wisdom. Fairytales often contain moral lessons and wisdom passed down through generations.
We connect with shared experiences. Fairytales have been passed down through generations, and shared among families, communities, and cultures. Discussing and retelling fairytales can foster a sense of community and shared cultural heritage.
Why are Fairytales valuable in the classroom?
Reading and using Fairytale activities promotes Language and Literacy Development. Fairytales expose students to a variety of vocabulary, sentence structures, and literary devices. Reading and discussing fairytales in the classroom can enhance students’ reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and critical thinking skills. It also encourages creativity in storytelling and writing.
Fairytales allow for emotional and social development. Fairytales can help students navigate and understand emotions and social situations. Characters in fairytales often face challenges, conflicts, and feelings that students can relate to. Analysing and discussing these emotions and social dynamics can enhance students’ emotional intelligence, empathy, and social skills.
Moral and Ethical Discussions – Fairytales often contain moral lessons and ethical dilemmas. They can serve as starting points for discussions about values, ethics, and personal decision-making. Students can engage in thoughtful conversations about the character’s choices and their consequences, fostering moral development and critical thinking skills.
Literary Analysis: Fairytales provide rich material for literary analysis and discussion. They often have well-defined story structures, characters, and themes that can be explored and analysed. Studying fairytales can help students understand narrative elements, symbolism, and the development of characters and plot.
Creativity and Imagination: Fairytales encourage students to engage their creativity and imagination. They inspire students to think beyond the ordinary, explore different possibilities, and create stories and narratives. Fairytales can be used as prompts for creative writing, and storytelling.
Fairytales teach us many things – so many reasons to teach them in a classroom
Morality and Virtues: Fairytales often emphasize moral values such as kindness, honesty, bravery, and perseverance. They teach us the importance of doing the right thing, even in the face of adversity.
Consequences of Actions: Fairytales often depict the consequences of characters’ choices and actions. They show that good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds have consequences. This teaches children about responsibility and the impact of their choices.
Problem-Solving and Resilience: Fairytales frequently feature characters who face challenges and obstacles. They encourage problem-solving skills and demonstrate the value of resilience and determination in overcoming difficulties.
Inner Beauty and Character: Many fairytales teach us that true beauty lies within a person’s character rather than external appearances. They emphasize qualities such as kindness, generosity, and compassion as more important than physical beauty.
Facing Fears: Fairytales often involve characters facing fearsome creatures or daunting situations. They teach us about courage and overcoming our fears, showing that bravery can lead to personal growth and triumph.
Wait there are more reasons…
Hope and Optimism: Fairytales often have a theme of hope and optimism. They show that even in the darkest times, there is always a possibility for a happy ending. This builds a sense of optimism and resilience in children.
Equality and Fairness: Fairytales sometimes address themes of equality and fairness. Fairytales challenge social hierarchies and promote the idea that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves respect, kindness, and justice.
Cultural and Social Lessons: Fairytales often reflect cultural norms, traditions, and societal values. They can provide insights into different cultures and foster understanding and respect for diverse perspectives.
It’s important to note that while fairytales can impart valuable lessons, they should be approached with critical thinking and balanced with discussions about real-world complexities and nuances.
There are so many reasons why we teach fairytales in our classroom.
Resources that may help you to explore Farytales in your classroom
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