Stories with a message

Explore the following book cover. What comes to mind? What is your favourite fable? Create a list of all of your favourite fables. You can record your ideas using a method of your choice.

Fable elements

Every fable has important information that readers need to know. These are called “elements” or parts of a story.

Fable elements are:

• title
• characters
• setting
• problem
• solution

Consider the fable, The Tortoise and the Hare written by Aesop.

It tells the story of a hare who felt he was the fastest runner. He said that the tortoise was slow, and it would take him days to get anywhere. They decided to have a race and find out who was the fastest. They both started at the same time, but the hare raced out ahead of the tortoise. He was so far past the tortoise that he decided to have a snack and a nap. When he woke up, he realized that the tortoise was close to the finish line. He ran quickly to catch up. But when the hare arrived, the tortoise had already crossed the finish line and was waiting for him. The hare realized that he wasn’t being kind to the tortoise and apologized.

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

Complete the Elements organizer. Record your thoughts by completing the Elements Organizer document in your notebook, on the computer or using the following fillable activity document. You can also record your thoughts in an audio clip.

First, let’s decide on the “Characters.” Can you think of the names of the characters in the fable?

If possible, continue to add information with a partner.

Press the Activity button to access the Elements Organizer.

Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Time to become the author

Test Your Skills!

It's your turn to write

Now that you have had a chance to explore the elements of a fable, it’s time to become the author!

Choose your favourite fable and rewrite the ending. You can use the graphic organizer from the last task to organize your ideas or choose a method you prefer.

These elements stay the same:

• title
• characters
• setting
• problem

The only part of the fable that you will change is the way that it ends. Have fun!

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

I have an excellent understanding of the concepts I have a very good understanding of the concepts I have some understanding but need to review some more my understanding of the concepts needs a lot more work

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.