Don't you hate how a story changes ever so slightly as it is passed
from one person to another? Will you ever know the real story?
It is up to you to search the world for the true story. Children
all over the continents are relying on you to find the real Cinderella,
the real princess who lived happily ever after or not. Can you do
it? Will you help the real Cinderella find her happy ending?
The Tasks:
As you visit different countries in search of the real Cinderella you
will be asked to do the following:analyze
how various versions reflect ethnic and cultural values, infer how
social dialect has changed from early versions to modern versions, compare
and contrast Cinderella versions with the United States' version, create a
version with your peers and perform this version, and induce a
modern day conclusion that would likely follow events of a fairy tale.
The Process:
During your quest to find the real story of Cinderella, it is important
to complete each step in the order I have designed for you. Thank
you for taking this challenge.
1. The
Annotated Cinderella contains unknown terms used in the familiar Cinderella
fairy tale version to be viewed. This story will clear any misunderstanding
of word use common in Charles Perrault's French tale. Explanations
as to why certain words are included in this version are given.
2. We are
all familiar with the ever so popular Princess and the glass slipper.
To spruce up that same commonly known United
States Version perhaps a Musical
Version would bring the familiar tale to life with animation and sound.
3. Cinderellas
of the World Information Sheet is used to assist you in following the
details and elements of the Various
Cinderella Versions and the 1857
Grimm's Version. As you read the various versions take note of
the cultural influences the author includes in each story. With the
use of the Venn
Diagram you will be able to compare and contrast Cinderella elements
of at least five versions. If you dared to cross
the India version in your reading, challenge your memory of the story.
Remember to print a copy of the information sheet and diagram for each
version you read. Be prepared to present an oral and graphic record
of your findings to the class.
4. Sometimes
mice have a different perspective on the way events actually occur.
Oscar the Mouse
sees things in more modern and unique times. His smaller mind will
lead you on an intimate journey through Cindy's
Diary. If Cindy's thoughts are not enough, what about her actions
as she tries to Match
Her Shoes for a spectacular event to a Fairy
"Tail" Unscramble party. Don't forget to focus on the modern
day terms and elements used in at least five versions. Modify a Cinderella
version of your choice and include modern settings and current locations
of the 21st century. Place a completed copy of your version in your
fairy tale portfolio to be presented..
5. Giving
Cinderella
Color can play a huge role in brightening up her boring life of all
work and Little
Play. Sometimes Cinderella may need a Polite
Greeting from other Colorful
Characters in the story. Perhaps this rugged Paper
Doll would have chosen a different fairy tale ending or moved to a
New
Castle. Maybe you could choose a better ending. With your
peers, combine at least three versions giving Cinderella a happily ever
after or not so happy life. Allow that dramatic mind to work as you combine
versions into your own play and perform for your family and friends.
.
The Evaluation:
You will be evaluated on your independent and group work. Your
hard work will be rewarded with a letter grade of A
for exemplary performance. The chart below will explain the expectations
of you to successfully complete the Cinderella WebQuest.
Beginning
1
Developing
2
Accomplished
3
Exemplary
4
Score
Compare
and Contrast Cinderella versions using Venn Diagram and Information Sheet
Student does not compare any Cinderella stories. Presentation
is not given.
Student reads and compares two Cinderella versions. Graphic
or oral presentation given to class.
Student reads and compares three or four versions. Graphic
and oral presentation given to class.
Student reads and compares five or more versions. Graphic
and oral presentations given effectively.
Inference of cultural and social influence in Cinderella versions.
Student can not make cultural or social connection in any version.
Student can make connections with cultural or social influence
in two versions. Provide one example
Student can make connections with cultural and social influence
in three or four versions. Provide four examples.
Student can make connections with cultural and social influence
in five or more versions. Provide four or more examples.
Creation and performance of combined Cinderella versions.
Student is unable to create combined Cinderella versions.
Student replicates and performs one Cinderella version.
Student creates play with peers combining two versions.
Performance is appropriate. Pronunciation clear nearly all of the
time.
Student creates Cinderella play with peers combining three versions.
Performance is creative and pronunciation clear.
Modification of Cinderella version incorporating current values
and location in written presentation.
Student is unable to modify version in written form.
Student has difficulty applying current situations into Cinderella
story in written form.
Student modifies new version with current values or locations
in written form with little errors.
Student modifies new version with current values and location
in written form with no errors.
Conclusion:
I hope you have now become aware of the many different points of
view people can have on one topic. Through the process of reading,
working with other students on projects, and searching for similarities
and differences in fairy tales, you can see everyone has a common thread
of hope in living happily ever after. Put your analyzing experience
to use and compare or contrast other fairy tales around the world.
Credits &
References:
I would like to give thanks to Dr. Lewis and Stan for their patience.
I credit abcteach.com for their creative
ideas with fairy tales. I am most grateful to Disney.com's
interactive website for young minds. I also wish to thank my partner
Cristi and my co-workers for their help.
Teacher Advice:
The Happily Ever After or Not WebQuest is designed for sixth grade Language
Arts. However, this lesson could be used in Social Studies or Geography.
The student should be familiar with the Cinderella tale. The
Cinderella WebQuest involves students evaluating several fairy tale versions
as to how the versions compare or contrast with the United States version.
Students will analyze the versions and decide why one version may involve
certain characters or magical elements that are not evident in every version.
Students will use logical thinking and elaborate to form their own conclusion
of the Cinderella tale. This WebQuest allows students to shift categories
of thinking by assuming a different point of view as they re-enact the
play and write their own versions. The WebQuest contains an annotated
version of Cinderella which provides explanation to the student why certain
words are used in the tale.
This multidisciplinary lesson can be taught in several periods.
A one or two week time period should be expected to successfully accomplish
all tasks.
Students may find cultural or ethnic influences difficult to find
until they research the country from which the story is written.
The teacher should assist and guide the process. The teacher
may need to divide students into certain groups to create the play.
The lesson is adjusted for novice teachers.
Students could be divided into groups of six. Each student
would be given a focus to accomplish in their own version of Cinderella.
Students might want to print out versions they are combining.
One teacher can successfully accomplish the lesson. However,
a social studies, geography, or drama teacher could give insights of their
knowledge. Parents could be asked to provide costumes for the play.
The participating class could entertain the class, school, or community
with their own play versions for donations.
analyze
how various versions reflect ethnic and cultural values,
1. The Annotated Cinderella contains unknown terms used in the familiar Cinderella fairy tale version to be viewed. This story will clear any misunderstanding of word use common in Charles Perrault's French tale. Explanations as to why certain words are included in this version are given.
2. We are all familiar with the ever so popular Princess and the glass slipper. To spruce up that same commonly known United States Version perhaps a Musical Version would bring the familiar tale to life with animation and sound.
3. Cinderellas of the World Information Sheet is used to assist you in following the details and elements of the Various Cinderella Versions and the 1857 Grimm's Version. As you read the various versions take note of the cultural influences the author includes in each story. With the use of the Venn Diagram you will be able to compare and contrast Cinderella elements of at least five versions. If you dared to cross the India version in your reading, challenge your memory of the story. Remember to print a copy of the information sheet and diagram for each version you read. Be prepared to present an oral and graphic record of your findings to the class.
4. Sometimes mice have a different perspective on the way events actually occur. Oscar the Mouse sees things in more modern and unique times. His smaller mind will lead you on an intimate journey through Cindy's Diary. If Cindy's thoughts are not enough, what about her actions as she tries to Match Her Shoes for a spectacular event to a Fairy "Tail" Unscramble party. Don't forget to focus on the modern day terms and elements used in at least five versions. Modify a Cinderella version of your choice and include modern settings and current locations of the 21st century. Place a completed copy of your version in your fairy tale portfolio to be presented..
5. Giving Cinderella Color can play a huge role in brightening up her boring life of all work and Little Play. Sometimes Cinderella may need a Polite Greeting from other Colorful Characters in the story. Perhaps this rugged Paper Doll would have chosen a different fairy tale ending or moved to a New Castle. Maybe you could choose a better ending. With your peers, combine at least three versions giving Cinderella a happily ever after or not so happy life. Allow that dramatic mind to work as you combine versions into your own play and perform for your family and friends.
