Lesson Plan: Tackling Tall Tales

Great Thinker’s Challenge:

Read and evaluate some of the “tall tales” that children have traditionally been told, and enjoy their silliness while learning to look for evidence and explanation. Use creative writing techniques to create new tales.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will identify the main idea and supporting details in a tall tale, distinguishing fact from exaggeration or fiction. (Literacy)

• Students will use descriptive language and imaginative ideas to create their own tall tale. (Literacy)

• Use critical thinking to understand the emotional consequences of storytelling. (Social-Emotional Learning)

• Evaluate sources of information based on evidence and explanation. (Media Studies)

Materials/Preparation:

• That’s What They Said book

• Tackling Tall Tales Worksheet

• Examples of additional tall tales, from learners’ own experience, or from other sources

Grade Range: 1-3

Click here to download the PDF, and here to learn more about our book That’s What They Said.