National Tell a Fairy Tale Day is February 26th!
Tell a Tale That Is ‘Outta the Books’
National Tell a Fairy Tale Day is February 26th.
Here are some ideas get kids’ creative juices flowing:
Why are fairy tales important? Are the characters in classic fairy tales still relevant to today’s kids? When a child tells a fairy tale, how does it help them grow and develop?
We all know that kids love to hear a favorite story told over and over (and over) again. They hang on to every word. And when they have internalized a story enough, it comes out with their own unique interpretation.
As a child retells a story, it’s easy to see their language skills developing. And, as educational experts tell us, these storytelling skills grow, it becomes easier for children to tell the stories of their own lives.
Communications skills are not the only reasons to return the old stories. The life lessons embedded in classic tales explain why they have endured through the years. As internationally acclaimed author and professor Dr. Jack Zipes has worked with thousands of students to develop their storytelling and cultural literacy skills. He asserts that fairy tales can “offer a utopian alternative to the deplorable real conditions of our times.”
Strong stuff! But it certainly could apply to our current situation, right?
With National Tell a Fairy Tale Day coming up on February 26th, now might be a good time to dust off your old collection of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and dig out your favorite Aesop’s Fables. The world of princesses and ogres, witches and big bad wolves can find a way to translate into real life. In addition to Grimm’s and Aesop, there are wonderful fairy tales to be found in non-European traditions as well, so take a look around!
It is important to think about your own child’s needs and anxieties. Some kids may just be too young to hear a tale about a scary troll under a bridge. Wait. Another story may be better right now. But delving into deep and dark fears can be a positive thing. The Waldorf Library offers advice about choosing fairy tales for different ages.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children offers some tips for how to judge whether a story is “too scary” for your child. Your child’s own teacher will have other suggestions.
A new place to find a fresh take on classic stories is Outta the Books. This acclaimed multi-platform family entertainment project reimagines favorite fairy tales and takes kids on musical journeys into the Land of Once Upon a Time. The series, originally set to debut as a children’s theatrical show at the 2020 Edinburgh Fringe Fest, features an amazing cast of actors (some from the West End production of “Hamilton!”) and an award-winning production and creative team.
Outta The Books harnesses the power of music, the most universal of communicators, to tell simple, time-tested and meaningful tales, one StorySong at a time. Characters inspired by familiar fairy tales and fables come to life as they keep stories alive through song. These stories can help us all answer basic human questions: What is right? What is fair? How can I be a good person? Why do I feel bad today?
All seven episodes of season 1 of Outta the Books are available for viewing HERE. The Outta the Books cast recording will be available to stream everywhere on Friday, February 26th, which also happens to be National Tell a Fairy Tale Day.
Dr. Zipes recommends Outta the Books, saying, “This fabulous show brings the classical fairy tales of the past back to life and reminds us how wonderful humanity can be.” Visit www.outtathebooks.com to learn more.
For more ideas about how to engage children in stories, national Association for Library Services to Children presents several great activity ideas for celebrating National Tell a Fairy Tale Day.
