Characters in folktales invariably encounter conflicts that require them to make difficult decisions and take action to resolve a conflict. Over time, folktales subtly incorporated character traits like caring, resourcefulness, trust, or courage into the fabric of the stories.įolktales also model the elements of effective decision-making. Hopefully, the person at fault would then recognize the parallel between their actions and a character’s mistakes in the story.Īs folktales were passed down over generations, they modeled behaviors and helped reinforce expectations about how to live a meaningful life.

As a result, stories were often shared to intentionally clarify how a transgression had occurred. Typically, only the chief, a high priest or a shaman could confront someone over committing an offense. When people belonged to a tribe or lived in a small village, by necessity they needed to be able to get along well under a variety of circumstances and minimize conflict.

Folktales were often employed to share a common history, to reinforce cultural values, or highlight important traditions. These classic stories are not only highly entertaining, they also play an important role in passing along core values or character traits.

Not surprisingly, working with folktales can also help children develop the critical reading skills of phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension needed to meet the requirements defined in the Common Core Standards for Reading. As a result, folktales make it easier for children to differentiate characters, follow a plotline or recall a sequence of events. Since folktales have been passed down through the oral tradition, they were honed for listening, so they were easy to remember and share.

Folktale stories