Advantages of Teaching with Short Works of Folklore

Here are some advantages of teaching with short works of folklore....

They are short! It is easy to distribute copies of short tales or rhymes to a whole class, discuss them during a class period, and compare a variety of examples relating to different topics, without needing time for extensive reading assignments.

They are fun! Many types of folklore are entertaining and most of us have fond memories of stories and rhymes we have known since childhood. Viewing illustrated versions or film adaptations can also add variety and enjoyment to class assignments.

They are memorable. Most tales and rhymes from oral traditions use patterns of language and plot that make them easy to retell and dear to the hearts of tellers and listeners

They are infinitely meaningful. Because folk and fairy tales represent human experience through symbols and archetypes, there is room for endless debate about how to interpret particular tales. They provide excellent examples of the complex interplay of realism, fantasy, and symbolism in literature. They can be analyzed in papers that do not require research, but there is also a wealth of recent research available on folklore, fairy tales and picture books. They can function as primary sources in complex research projects like any other literature

They unite children and adults. Many types of folklore have been reprinted and adapted in children's books in the past couple centuries, while older children and adults who don't read or hear folklore or picture books often lose touch with exciting parts of their own culture. Many recent storytellers, dramatists, and filmmakers endeavor to entertain the whole family, just as traditional storytellers have done around home or campfire for generations.