Introduction:

A true sign of a classic story is that people will copy it and make it their own. This is true of The Three Little pigs. This WebQuest looks at some of the many versions of this classic tale between good and evil.

We will examine three stories to compare and contrast the versions. The objective of this lesson is that we will write our own version using different characters and a different setting.

Using the tasks and questions, the teacher will determine if the students understand the concepts of main character, setting, and fantasy or reality. The final project will be used to evaluate individual students understanding of the concepts.

cover art by Illustrator Jim Harris

 

The Three Little Javelinas

Arizona Author, Susan Lowell shares southwestern version of the classic tale. Instead of straw, houses are made of tumbleweeds. Sticks are hard to find in the desert, so the Javelinas make use of old Saguaro ribs. Adobe bricks make a house in the desert cool and protects the Javelinas from the hungry coyote.

 

Task: As a class, we will read The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell.

 

Questions:

1. Who are the main characters in this story?

2. What is the setting for this story?

3. Would this story be considered fantasy or reality?

  cover art by illustrator Helen Oxenbury

 

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

 Author Eugene Trivizas turns the tables on the traditional version of The Three Little Pigs. This time it is the big, bad pig that is chasing after the three little wolves. He huffs, and he puffs and he blows their houses down. What will the three little wolves do?

 

Task: As a class, we will read The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig written by Eugene Trivizas.

 

Questions:

1. Who are the main characters in this story?

2. What is the setting for this story?

3. Would this story be considered fantasy or reality?

cover art by Illustrator Lane Smith

 

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by A. Wolf

Author Jon Scieszka shares a version of The Three Little Pigs that few people have ever imagined. This version is told from the point of view of the wolf. Was the wolf guilty of murder or was he framed?

 

 

Task: As a class, we will read The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by a Wolf as told to Jon Scieszka.

 

Questions:

1. Who are the main characters in this story?

2. What is the setting for this story?

3. Would this story be considered fantasy or reality?

 

Final Project

Resources:

Susan Lowell

http://my.linkbaton.com/bibliography/lowell/susan/

Jon Scieszka

http://www.chucklebait.com/

http://my.linkbaton.com/bibliography/scieszka/jon/

Eugene Trivizas

http://www.haef.gr/gstorybuilder/tales/trivizas.html

 

Conclusion:

By introducing the students to several versions of a classic story, we start the imagination process. Let the children brainstorm and create their own version. If they choose to use polar bears and an abominable snow man, make sure their setting is appropriate for the animals.

This project also helps the students distinguish between fantasy and reality. They need to ask themselves, could this really happen? This skill will be used through the entire year. 

 

Teacher's Notes:

Once your students have mastered this project, why not challenge them to create their own versions of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and other classics. Stretch their imaginations and let them get as creative as possible.