Janet Balletta, AWA

  Why use fables, folklore, and legends to teach culture in the classroom? These stories are excellent resources to teach children about morals, traditions, and other cultures. Aesop’s Fables’ The Tortoise and the Hare and The Lion and the Mouse are laden with moral lessons. Grimm’s classic stories were written as fairy tales and folk tales inspired by local folklore. So what is folklore? People have used folklore through oral storytelling to explain history, traditions, culture, and human struggles since the beginning of time. Stories were passed down from generation to generation for posterity. Oral storytellers often worked in the king’s court as entertainers for their royal banquets. Some storytellers even used musical rhythm and repeated beats which was the beginning of ballads. Every country has its own unique folklore woven into its culture. Aesop’s Fables originated in Greece and Grimm's folklore started in Germany. The Legend of Robin Hood is from England, Romeo and ...

  Mermaids on a Mission to Save the Oceans   won   the International Latino Book Award for Best Educational Themed Book and 1st place in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards for Best Green/Environmental E-book  in 2018.   Th e  story teaches a strong message on environmental awareness, water pollution, and conservation of our blue planet. It also motivates children to care about the ocean as a habitat and natural resource for people, animals, and plants. For Ages 5-12 Mermaids on a Mission to Save the Oceans Book Activities: ​ - Ocean Oil Spill Clean Up Experiment:  https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/oil-spill-experiment/ -Story Map: https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/migrated/pdfs/storymap_complex3.pdf -Character Compare & Contrast: ​ https://teachingmadepractical.com/free-compare-contrast-printable/ -Mermaid Coloring Page:    https://yaycoloringpages.com/mermaid-coloring-pages/

  The Duckling in Boots:El patito con botas written by Camelia Kuhn is an amazing tale of friendship and acceptance. Ducky lives on a big farm with his family and friends. Ducky has a little problem, he has big shiny feet, and his peers tease him. Ducky’s mother gives him boots to disguise his big shiny feet. The teasing continues until there a big storm and they lose power. Now everyone is stranded in the dark except for the bright light from Ducky’s feet illuminating the way forward. Alas, Ducky saves the day, and he’s accepted by his peers! As a retired bilingual K-2 teacher, I want to commend the author for writing such an adorable story. The story teaches a strong message of friendship, tolerance, and acceptance. It also teaches children to embrace their differences as strengths. It’s perfect to incorporate into social and emotional lesson plans. An added bonus is the book is bilingual and great for an ESOL classroom library or anyone who wants to learn Spanish. Five Shiny St...

  The Legend of Robert Cofresi — A Puerto Rican Hero won the International Latino Book Award for Best Latino Focused Children’s Book in 2016 . It was translated into Spanish as La Leyenda de Roberto Cofresi — Un héreo de Puerto Rico by Ana Morris. In September 2017, it won 1st place in the International Latino Book Awards for the best translation. It teaches a strong message of generosity, loyalty, and cultural traditions. P.R. Pirate Book Activities: Pirate Teacher's Guide (Vocab & Reading Comp Questions): https://www.wrigglyreaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pirate-teachers-guide.pdf Story Map: ​ https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/migrated/pdfs/storymap_complex3.pdf Character Compare & Contrast: ​ https://teachingmadepractical.com/free-compare-contrast-printable/ Roberto Cofresi Coloring Page: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/325033298088699610/ Pirate Cinquain Poem: https://pinterest.com/pin/325033298088699577/