Chronicles: Animals and Folktales

My son, who would be in 3rd grade were he in public school, recently rose to the occasion of writing a folktale in an African style by trying to explain how an animal got a special feature that it has. It's funny that both of my boys asked: "Can I make it about humans?" They obviously recognize that human beings have many features that make them seem different, like hair, skin, and eye colors. Also, sizes of various body parts. I replied, well, since all humans basically have the same attributes, just different colors and sizes, let's focus on the larger variety of animals. They are really diverse. They agreed with me and chose two very different animals to write about.

Zeph - 8 years old

How Birds God Their Beaks

Once upon a time in the African rainforest there were millions of birds that had bald faces. Once bird bragged about his beautiful ears. Then one bird screamed, "Alligator!". All the birds ran for their lives. The bird that was bragging had an idea, but he needed an acorn. He chased after the one he wanted because he thought it looked the best for him. When he saw the acorn for real it was ugly. Then he bumped into a tree. His hands flew off and the ugly acorn sunk into its face. And when all the birds saw his new beak they laughed. That's how the bird got its beak.

Now, with a little time and a little more thought, he could deepen this story by adding details and continuing the story line about the alligator, but I think he rushed it a little so he could finish the rest of his work. That's one caveat to home school, there's always something else to do. Oftentimes, it seems like it would be so much more fun.

Zol - 6 years old (uses dialogue, but is not aware of how to use quotation marks yet)

How Lions Got Their Tail

Once a lion stood on its porch. I want a tail he said and pulled himself off his porch. He went to get one. He took his jam and put it on his back. He climbed up a palm tree. Then he took leaves from the palm tree and stuck it to the back. It was so hot the leaves were changing yellow. Hooray. 

He went the easy route, rather than have the lion have to tussle with any other animal. He also got the seasons confused. One thing about living in Phoenix is that there is no distinction in seasons. It's Sweltering, Hot, and Warm. That's about it. But, overall, I am glad they took on the challenge. As their teacher I clearly see the areas where they need improvement and instruction, but as a mom I'm amused at their imagination and sense of adventure.