Stories and tales bring imagination to life, sharing lessons of wisdom and experiences of different people. Here are five days of reading lessons that explore the power of traditional tales.
Day 1 activity
 | Let’s watch: A Poor, Defenseless WolfWatch the video A Poor, Defenseless Wolf to learn more about traditional tales and characters. |
Discuss the video
What's your favorite story? What traits do you admire most in your favorite characters?
 | Let’s read: Hofus the Stonecutter |
 | QuizHow much do you know about Hofus the Stonecutter? Take the quiz. Then, check your answers to the quiz. How did you do? |
 | Family supportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional review & extend activities together. |
Day 2 activity
| Let’s learn about traditional talesLook at this chart about traditional tales. Which characteristics of traditional tales apply to Hofus the Stonecutter? What is the moral of the story? |
| Let’s reread: Hofus the Stonecutter |
Take it further
Choose an activity to extend the fun.
Project: Make a story wheel
- Draw a circle. Divide the circle into five spaces by drawing lines from the center to the edge.
- Draw one thing Hofus turns into in each part. Make sure your drawings are in order!
- Use your story wheel to retell the story.
Response writing: Write a letter
- Write a letter from Hofus to a friend. Explain why you realize now that it’s great to be a stonecutter.
| Family supportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional review & extend activities together. |
Day 3 activity
| Let’s watch: The Ten Suns |
Discuss the video
Why was it bad for the Ten Suns to travel together in the sky? What happened to the Suns at the end of the story?
| Let’s read: Fractured Tales |
| QuizHow much do you know about Fractured Tales? Take the quiz. Then, check your answers to the quiz. How did you do? |
| Family supportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional review & extend activities together. |
Day 4 activity
| Let’s reread: Fractured Tales |
Take it further
Choose an activity to extend the fun.
Hands-on activity: Find the secret of success
- Work with a partner to present a reporter’s interview with Goldi. Try to learn the secret to her success.
- Decide what the reporter will ask and how Goldi will answer.
- Practice your interview. Then perform it.
Research connection: Learn about the Midas touch
- The story of King Greedus is based on a Greek myth about King Midas. Use print or online sources to learn his story.
- What does King Midas wish for? What problems arise when his wish is granted?
- Share your findings in a brief report or presentation.
| Family supportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional review & extend activities together. |
Day 5 activity
Let's review
This week you've read some traditional tales. Today, read a short play based on an African folktale about the crafty spider Anansi.
| Let’s read: Anansi and the Pot of Beans |
Take it further
Extend the fun with an activity.
Activity type: Make a mural
- Make a mural to show a scene from Anansi and the Pot of Beans.
| Family supportReader’s theater plays are fun to read aloud! Help children build oral reading skills by having them read Anansi and the Pot of Beans aloud with a partner or small group. If they made a mural, encourage them to use it as a backdrop for their performance. Performance options
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Find more language arts activities for Grades 3-5.
This blog, originally published in 2020, has been updated for 2025.
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