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 - Activity
2:
- Trickster
Tales
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Throughout the novel Watership Down,
there are several trickster tales that the rabbits tell to
each other. They are included to explain where the rabbits
come from and also to motivate the rabbits when times are
tough.
Task
To write a trickster tale. Create a
picture book from the trickster tale that can be shared with
the elementary students.
Process and Resource
- During the novel there are several
trickster tales told by the rabbit Strawberry. Review one
of the tales and identify the characteristics of a
trickster tale.
- Select a trickster tale
(http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/5292/rabbnesc.htm)
(http://cityoftakomapark.org/library/children/trickste.html)
and read it, noticing the characteristics of
it.
- Make an outline of the trickster tale
that was read.
- Writing these types of tales require
certain traits and formulas. Go to http://www.lcet.doe.state.la.us/laintech/trickste.htm
to find out how a trickster tale is written. Review its
elements.
- Write your own trickster
tale.
- Once written, trade with a classmate
and check the tale to see if the trickster elements are
included in the written tale.
Project Guidelines
Use the following guidelines for
completing your project:
- Brainstorm as a class the kinds of
animals used in trickster tales and what traits these
animals exhibit. Create a plot outline of your tale,
making sure to include the elements found in Process and
Resource #4's website. Review the elements of a story:
characters, plot with a beginning that has a n inciting
incident, complications, and a climax, dialogue, and a
setting.
Conclusion
How will the project conclude? Will you
remind learners about what they've learned or encourage
learners to extend the experience? Create a picture book
of your trickster tale and take it to one of the elementary
schools to read.
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Developed by Kris
Smyth, 4/00
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