Since ancient times, humans have sought explanations for the mysteries of nature's beauty and variety. Like other kinds of folk stories, pourquoi tales can be considered parables about how humans and animals originated or why they look or behave the way they do. Pourquoi tales have high appeal, are generally simple and straightforward in…

Describes a psychologist's encounter with a classroom teacher as he attempts to explain how children remember fairy tales. (MKM)

Describes 21 activities for a unit on tall tales intended for use with young children in seven content areas: language arts, social studies, science, math, block activities, creative movement/dramatics, and art. (SR)

Describes how a study of folk literature at the beginning of the year is an enjoyable way for children to develop an appreciation for individual differences. Offers several suggestions for classroom use. (MG)

Provides annotations for 25 books containing stories from and about countries that are now part of the Soviet Union. Suggests that they can help children become aware of cultures other than their own. (FL)

Discusses some of the best of the vast amount of folklore that has been published in 1989 and early 1990. Identifies and annotates 45 children's books and 10 poetry collections. (MG)

Describes the procedures for writing "Jack Tales," adaptations of the familiar folktale "Jack and the Beanstalk." Discusses how this writing activity integrates reading and writing across the curriculum and effectively heightens multicultural awareness as students try to apply the basic plot structure to diverse cultural settings. (MG)