FRACTURED FAIRY TALES

Putting a New Twist on Old Favorites

WHAT IS A FAIRY TALE?

❖A fairy tale is a short story that includes fantasy and magical

characters like elves, gnomes, giants, mermaids, fairies, and other such

enchanted creatures.

❖Has a protagonist and an antagonist

❖Usually takes place in the past

❖Princes and Princesses

ELEMENTS OF A FAIRY TALE❖ Set in the past—usually significantly long ago. May be presented as historical

fact from the past.

❖ Include fantasy, supernatural or make-believe aspects.

❖ Typically incorporate clearly defined good characters and evil characters.

❖ May include objects, people, or events in threes.

❖ Focus the plot on a problem or conflict that needs to be solved.

❖ Often have happy endings, based on the resolution of the conflict or problem.

❖ Usually teach a lesson or demonstrate values

❖Goldilocks and the Three Bears

❖Hanzel and Gretel

❖Sleeping Beauty

❖Snow White

❖Cinderella

❖Three Billy Goats Gruff

❖Three Little Pigs

FAIRY TALES AND CHILDREN’S STORIES

❖Little Red Riding Hood

❖Princess and the Pea

❖Emperor's New Clothes

❖Rumplestiltskin

❖Elves and the Shoemaker

❖Jack and the Beanstalk

❖Gingerbread Man

WHAT IS A FRACTURED FAIRY TALE?

A fractured fairy tale takes a classic fairy tale or children’s story and adds a

twist, changes characters, or makes it more modern (Think: language and

setting).

FRACTURING YOUR OWN FAIRY TALE

❖Think about changing or more of the following elements:

• Time: Set the story in the present or future, instead of "once upon a time, a long, long time ago.”

• Location: Set the story in a different country, region, or city. Imagine Rapunzel set in Los Angeles or British Columbia or outback Australia.

• Gender: Change the gender of the main character for a new slant. Perhaps Rumpelstiltskin is a mischievous, grumpy female dwarf!

• Ending: Keep the original elements but change the ending.• Cast of Characters: Instead of sticking with just one character from one fairy

tale, have the characters from several fairy tales meet. • Background: Come up with the back story behind the fairy tale. (i.e. Why is

Goldilocks in the woods on that fateful day?)

YOUR ASSIGNMENTStep 1: Choose an original fairy tale. Make sure to carefully read the entire story.

❖Some good examples- Beauty and the Beast by the Brothers Grimm- Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm- The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson- The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson- Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by the Brothers Grimm- Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm- The Shoemaker and the Elves by the Brothers Grimm

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

❖Step 2: Brainstorm ideas for your fractured fairy tale. Remember to have differences, but don’t stray too far from the original story. Refer to slide 6 for ideas on ways to “fracture” your story.

❖Complete the Fractures Fairy Tale Planning Sheet. This will need to be handed in with your good copy of the story.

Your Assignment

Step 3: Rough Copy

Using your planning sheet, write the first draft if

your story. We will do editing work in class. Your

story must be at least 2 pages in length.

Your Assignment

Step 4: Editing

We will complete self, peer, and teaching editing to

check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Your Assignment

Step 5: Good Copy

After completing self, peer, and teacher editing, you

will complete the good copy of your fractured fairy

tale. Again, the story must be at least 2 pages in

length.

Your Assignment

Step 6: Title Page

You will need to design a title page for your fractured fairy tale. This must include a title, the author (you), and an image. It can be hand drawn on completed on the computer.

Final Copy: Title Page, 2 paged story, planning sheet