The second graders have just completed a several month study of Tall Tales. We read a variety of American Tall Tales ranging from Paul Bunyan and Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, to Mose, John Henry and Febold Feboldson.
Students talked about what makes a Tall Tale a Tall Tale? We figured out that in Tall Tales some things are true, but others are wildly exaggerated. Tall Tales are usually pretty funny, but there are instances where unhappy endings add a realistic edge.
At the end of our study, students developed their own Tall Tale characters. Some of them chose to take the tried and true format, and develop a character who is big in size, talent and personality while other students decided to develop a small tale character – who while small in stature, is big in talent.
Please feel free to explore the following links and take the opportunity to have your child teach you a little more about Tall Tales!