Investigate, Inquire, and Imagine

Recall

1a. What does the father promise the lion he will do?

2a. What does the youngest daughter think that causes her to climb up to the sun for help?

3a. What kind of spell did the strange princess cast over the prince?

Interpret

1b. What causes him to promise this?

2b. Why might she think this?

3b. How could the wife's voice break the spell?

Analyze

4a. From the youngest daughter's point of view, tally the approximate number of times supernatural events and magic move the folk tale in a positive direction. Do the same for the number of times they move it in a negative direction. Which is greater?

Synthesize

4b. Think about the early German people who created this story and began telling it orally to others. Why would they include supernatural events and magic in the story? From where would they have gotten their ideas? What do you think was their purpose in creating such a tale?

Evaluate

5a. Evaluate the use of the supernatural in this tale. Is it believable? Is it supposed to be believable? How does it add to the mood of the story?

Extend

5b. Think about the obstacles that couples face in real life. How do people overcome these obstacles?

Understanding Literature

Personification. How might personification in folk tales—such as the talking sun—be viewed and understood by early listeners of the story?

Folk Tale and Fairy Tale. What well-known fairy tales can you think of that include magical creatures and supernatural events or situations?

Writer's Journal

1. Imagine you are the singing, springing lark, and write the words to a song you've been singing to the lion under the tree you are in.

2. Imagine you are a cook in this tale. Write a recipe, to be given to the bridegroom's servant, for your best sleeping potion. Be sure to include the name of the potion, the amount of each ingredient, and instructions on how to combine them.

3. Imagine you are a mortal in this tale and you happen to see the lion and dragon regain their human form and fly off on the griffin. In a letter to the king, write about what you saw, felt, and did.

Skill Builders

Vocabulary

Writing Sentences. Use each of the following vocabulary words in a sentence.

1. compel

2. console

3. forsake

4. oblige

5. penetrate

6. plight

7. ploy

8. procession

9. splendor

Language, Grammar, and Style

Adding Suffixes. Review the Language Arts Survey 3.91, "Using Spelling Rules 1." Add the suffix, as indicated, to make a new word.

1. try + ed =

2. come + ing =

3. play + ed =

4. tricky + est =

5. immediate + ly =

6. hair + less =

7. care + less =

8. happy + ly =

9. sloppy + ness =

10. crave + ing =

Study and Research & Collaborative Learning

Studying Traditional Tales: Fairy tales (and some folk tales) from different countries and cultures are often similar to one another. To find evidence that supports that statement, form small groups to research and compare fairy tales. First, using resources from the media center, a public library, or the Internet, collect fairy tales or folk tales from around the world. You may want to pick a subject on which to focus your search, such as dragons, giants, princes and princesses, or magic objects. Each group member should select a tale to read carefully. Then research to find additional information about the people in the time and place where the tale was developed. Investigate the geography of the region and the traditional beliefs and values of the people. Take notes on any information that might connect with your tale. In another class period, rejoin your group and take turns reading the tales and presenting the information in your notes. Discuss the similarities and differences of the tales.
Research Log. Use this log to keep track of the sources you use, the information you find, and your reactions to what you learn.

Internet sources:

Books and other print sources:

Notes: