Comparing Cinderella Stories from Around the World with Picture Books

Comparing Cinderella stories? In these activities, the class reads fairy tales from around the world, as well as parodies. Then they analyze elements and discover similarities between folktales in different locales.

Note: No stories are included in this resource. Activities use picture books from your library.

Open the preview to take a closer look. Although lesson plans state that the teacher will read books aloud, materials may also be used for independent reading.

First, the teacher reads several traditional Cinderella stories from different places around the world. Afterward, the class discusses elements common to the three fairy tales.

Second, the teacher explains the difference between a folktale and a parody. Kids complete a worksheet to discriminate between examples the two.

Third, the teacher reads a Cinderella parody. Then the kids compare and contrast it with the folktales.

Fourth, the class agrees on a final list of common Cinderella elements.

• These are written across the top of a comparison table. Then the class analyzes each of the stories that have been read and lists elements on the table.
• As an alternative, you can use a table with elements already provided.

Now kids can continue reading more Cinderella folktales and parodies on their own. As they read, students list elements.

Additional activities ask students to do more comparisons.

• They may compare stories that originated on the same continents.
• Venn diagrams let them find similarities and differences in two, three, or four stories.

Files include:

• Lesson plans
• Two lists of Cinderella picture books – one for folklore and the other for parody
• Folklore or parody worksheet (with answer key)
• Comparison tables table (two versions)
• Venn diagrams (for two, three, or four stories)
• Cinderella Around the World (two sheets – one for listing fairy tales by continent, the other for finding similarities between stories from same continents)

Two options are included: printable and digital.

• PDF
• Easel Activities

Your third, fourth, or fifth grade students will love it – and you will too!

• Activities let you read fun-filled picture books aloud to older readers.
• Increased engagement lets you work on higher level thinking as a class.
• They address the intent of your standards. For example, if you teach CCSS RL.4.9 or RL.5.9, your students will compare and contrast elements of folktales.

Looking for more? The Cinderella bundle also includes stories, reading worksheets, writing, and enrichment activities!

Enjoy teaching!

Brenda Kovich