The "Cinderella" Story
Lesson Plans and Teaching Ideas

In this unit plan students compare the classic tale with a version set in the pre聳Civil War South, Moss Gown by William Hooks, noting the architecture, weather, time period, and culture as depicted in the text and illustrations. Internet research projects and Story Map graphic organizers then provide background for a discussion of how the setting of a story affects the characters and plot. Students read one or more other versions of the Cinderella story and compare them using a Venn diagram. During the final two sessions, students plan, write, and peer edit their own Cinderella stories.

At this site students can listen to, watch, and read the story. Then they are guided to analyze setting, characters, sequence, exposition, conflict, climax, and resolution. Includes self-grading assessment and additional information.

Text of the story. Use the arrows at the top to navigatet. 10 pages (4 text, 6 color illustrations).

Variations on the Cinderella story from around the world.

Students assume a role and respond to the story to demonstrate the importance of perspective in responding to literature. This lesson is designed for high school students.

How might students use storyboards to demonstrate and to extend their learning? Check the resources here. Students work with vocabulary, character traits, theme, more. Note: Storyboard That helps sponsor this site.

Students describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details. This lesson plan includes graphic organizers.)

Link to the trailer at YouTube.

Designed for grades 3-5, this unit plan focuses on how folks tales change in different cultures. Students will define the essential qualities of a Cinderella tale and cite specific examples for support from at least two variations.

Designed for grades 3-5, this unit plan asks students to explore changes in plot and setting among different versions of the story. Students write a narrative鈥攁 Cinderella variation鈥攚ith a plot appropriate to the genre and an original setting.

A text and image archive containing a dozen English versions of the fairy tale from the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries.

Vocabulary, sequencing, comprehension, and writing: these pages are ready to print and use. Requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

In this 6-lesson unit students draw the classic Cinderella story and then listen to Rough Face Girl by Rafe Martin, and Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China , by Ai-Ling Louie. They analyze artwork that might tell similar stories and then write one of their own. Designed for grade 2.

This page discusses the origins of the story and its variations throughout time and cultures. Scroll to the bottom for links to related resources.

As students watch a 26-minute video, they explore the story from the Prince's point of view while building literacy skills such as practicing spelling and working with the alphabet.

Students watch a 27-minute video, they build literacy skills and self-esteem while exploring the story of Cinderella. They also learn to spell number words by labeling a clock face and practice telling time using the o'clock format.

Students color 10 scenes from the story and arrange them in order. This resource is ready to print and use, requires Adobe Reader for access.

Students will compare and contrast three culturally distinct variations of the Cinderella folktale: "Rhodopis," the Egyptian version; "Yeh-Shen," the Chinese version; and "The Hidden One," the Native American version. Through class discussion and hands-on activities, students will explore storytelling traditions, categories of folktales, and the basic components of fairy tales. Students will also learn about the cultures represented by each Cinderella tale through small group projects.

Students use a Venn diagram to compare Cinderella and a Native American version of the story.

A retelling of the Egyptian story.

Retelling of the Greek story with additional commentary.

Summary and review.

Students will read three different Cinderella tales, including tales from Africa, China, and America. Upon completion of a Venn diagram comparing the similarities and differences of these tales, the students will complete and present multimedia presentations showing their results.

Was Cinderella's slipper really glass in the original story? Check here for scholarship on that question.

Reader's Theater script for 13 readers, ages 7 and up. A Native American version of the Cinderella story.

This reading group guide includes discussion questions and ideas for postreading activities.

Students use classification skills to compare and contrast versions of the Cinderella story. Students identify similarities and differences between two versions. In addition, they use attributes to classify and sort information.

Helen Ketteman
Lesson ideas for Bubba, the Cowboy Prince .

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
Lesson plans using retelling of the Cinderella story from Zimbabwe by John Steptoe.

This free script requires Adobe Reader for access.

How is the traditional story, Cinderella, told in other countries? What are the similarities and differences among the different versions? Technology integrated, designed for ESL students.

Designed to accompany Cindy Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella by Susan Lowell. After enjoying Lowell's unique re-telling of the Cinderella story, students will brainstorm a fairy tale whose characters might share their stories on a talk show. As a group, students will compose a script that can be rehearsed, possibly costumed, and then performed in front of the class. Lesson emphasizes writing traits of voice and word choice.

Illustrated text of the story.

A lesson plan for the Slavic Cinderella story.

Students listen to stories in order to identify similarities and differences in those stories. Includes Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters and suggestions for other versions of the story. Scroll to the bottom for a printable Venn diagram.

Post-reading activities.

Ready-to-use vocabulary practice and comprehension questions. Requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

This Venn diagram is ready to print and use. Requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.