Grade 6: Lessons Between the Lines

During class, students participated in a group discussion moderated by Mr. Masters, building off one another’s ideas and sharing their observations. Together, they explored questions such as: What common themes appear across folktales? What patterns do storytellers tend to follow? How do static and dynamic characters help teach different lessons? Students also discussed the importance of setting, considering how storytellers choose locations and time periods, why different settings support different messages, and why familiar openings like “once upon a time” or “a long time ago” are often used instead of something more specific like “yesterday.”

As part of the discussion, sixth graders identified lessons they noticed across the stories, including ideas such as “what goes around comes around,” “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” “give credit where credit is due,” “honesty is the best policy,” and “give, and you shall receive.” 

After analyzing these patterns and themes, students wrote their own original folktales, intentionally applying what they had learned. Each story included purposeful characters, a thoughtful setting, and a clear lesson. Students then brought their writing to life by acting out their folktales in short skits for the class.

Through reading, discussion, writing, and performance, Grade 6 students strengthened their understanding of folktales and the role storytelling plays in sharing ideas and values across cultures.