Designed for young people, families, and educators, From Tails to Tales is an interactive journey into the heart of storytelling.  

Featuring traditional folktales from around the world—including an animal contest in the Cherokee hills of the USA, a cheetah's despair in the Zulu land of Southern African, and a polar bear Inuit tale from Greenland—this guide invites you to read, play, and create together. It equips aspiring writers with the practical tools to build their own worlds from the ground up.  

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Inside, you will discover:

• five international folktales paired with engaging questions to spark conversation and ideas, 

• games that relax, sharpen the mind and spark creativity,  

• writing activities to develop original characters, settings, and plots, 

• hands-on bookmaking projects, from animal-shaped accordions to hinged covers, to bring your stories to life.  

Read the tales, play the games, and publish your work. Your next great adventure is waiting to be written.

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Here’s what makes From Tails to Tales different from other books on reading and writing:

·      Self-directed, child-led approach, where random or repetitive use of activities leads to good results

·      Ideal for mixed age groups including intergenerational learning

·      International, multicultural awareness with folktales from around the world

·      Discussion guides for each tale with comprehension questions that elicit greater understanding and connection

·      Games to play before, after and during reading and writing, making the process fun

·      Wide range of learning styles accommodated by the variety of games and activities

·      Writing activities that relate to each tale and are open-ended, nonlinear activities

·      Nonjudgemental feedback guide that can be used by a group or lone student

·      Hands-on bookmaking that results in pride of project

·      Companion Guide for Parents and Teachers that includes a Table of Game Categories to help you choose which game to play and when to play it

·       More than 22 games that can lead to writing (a total of 36 games including variations and the extra games in the guide)

·      A curriculum bundle relating to the first folk tale that covers all major academic subjects

Read an Excerpt

How Deer Got His Horns (A Cherokee Tale) and Discussion Guide

The Guide for Parents and Teachers will help you get the most out of From Tails to Tales. In this guide, you will find tips for reading discussions and ways to highlight the multicultural aspects of each tale, including suggestions for music, foods and way to set a mood. Additional games are included here that can lead to writing and revision, as well as games that develop sensory skills. More easy bookmaking activities for kids with examples for use in animal science as well as literacy. The Table of Game Categories, including all games in the book and guide, informs the reader about different aspects of each game, and acts as a guide in choosing which game to play when. The activities in the book and guide can appeal to all ages and be used for mixed age groups and family fun!

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Contest for a Crown of Antlers, Curriculum Bundle with a Cherokee folktale and related activities in language arts, science, math, social studies, geography, and more. PDF (e-book only), geared for ages 7-12, adaptable for younger and older.

This curriculum bundle contains the first tale and discussion guide in From Tails to Tales, as well as a few writing sheets that relate to the story. The rest of the content is not in the book or guide: lessons in the major academic subjects, all relating to the deer story (of Cherokee origin) and to mammals.

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This curriculum can stand alone, but is best used when combined with the games and bookmaking activities in the book From Tails to Tales and the companion guide.