Pinna has a large and growing collection of original and reimagined fairy tales.
Fairy tales have offered a way for families and communities to connect over the power of storytelling since the beginning of time.
Podcasts and audiobooks on Pinna make it easier than ever before to listen to a fairy tale at a moment’s notice. Beautifully narrated, the classic stories on Pinna are perfect for the classroom and at home.
Fairy tales also offer many opportunities for discussion and learning. Below, we’re sharing 5 ways to incorporate Pinna fairy tales into a classroom unit study.
Let’s get started.
Fairy Tales in the Classroom
1. Create a Story Map
Story maps are graphic organizers that help break down the different elements of a narrative. For younger kids, start small by identifying the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Older kids can move on to learning more about the plot, characters, setting, and themes in the fairy tales you are reading or listening to. For an overview of how to use story maps in the classroom (and some printable templates!), check out this helpful resource on the Reading Rockets website.
2. Discuss Elements of the Story
Creating a story map helps to more easily identify the characters, plot, setting, and themes in a story. Once you complete the activity above, you can take the opportunity to talk more in depth about each character, where and when the story was set, what was happening in the story, and what the author wants you to take away from their writing.
3. Write Your Own Fairy Tale
A fairy tale unit is the perfect time to include a little creative writing in your lesson plan. For younger kids, writing as a group might be easier. Together, you can brainstorm the different parts of the story — characters, setting, the conflict and resolution, etc. Kids can even act out the story like a play. Older kids can write their own stories and present them to the class.
4. Compare and Contrast the Original vs. the Retelling
Many of the fairy tales on Pinna are retellings of classic stories. Grimm, Grimmer, and Grimmest is a perfect example of retellings that are really well done. Adam Gidwitz is a storyteller extraordinaire. The original Grimm fairy tales that Adam narrates can be quite gruesome, so it might not be a good idea to read them to your class. But, you can discuss which parts Adam changes and maybe talk about why the authors would write such scary stories meant for kids.
5. Identify Life Lessons Taught Through Fairy Tales
Fairy tales are thought to be an essential part of the childhood experience. They’ve been around since the dawn of time, passed down through generations. Kids internalize the stories and learn moral lessons by watching the characters make mistakes and then feel the repercussions of said mistakes. Fairy tales can teach kids (and adults!) how to handle relationship conflict in a healthy way. Take some time after listening to your fairy tale picks on Pinna to discuss the life lessons present in the story.
The Wrap-Up
Pinna is an excellent tool for screen-free learning and fun all year round. Keep your kids engaged and entertained with Pinna’s comprehensive and growing library.
We’re all ears!
What is your favorite fairy tale on the Pinna app? We’d love to hear from you! Find us on all our social platforms – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest – or email us at contact@pinna.fm.
