Integrated Thematic Unit - Cinderella (Traditional Literature)

An integrated curriculum using thematic units allows students to make connections between all content areas, as well as connecting to the real-world use of technology. The lessons here are designed to be easily modified to fit all age levels. They are geared toward upper elementary-aged students, but can be modified "up" or "down" to meet the needs of other students, whether in other grades or with special needs.

About the topic
Cinderella in the Language Arts (Reading, Writing, and Rags-to-Riches!)
Cinderella in Geography (The Girl Gets Around!)
Cinderella in Music (Singing Cindy!)
Summary

The Internet, too, can be integrated into curriculum. It may be used to gather resources or to act as a communication tool for students and teachers alike. This curriculum resource guide is by no means a complete curriculum! It is, however, a small glimpse into how an integrated curriculum may be designed around Cinderella or other traditional literature. It is my hope that the information you find herein will help by not only giving specific activities for the classroom, but will serve as an example of how every teacher can help their students to make connections between content areas, and between schoolwork and the use of "real world" technology.

Children's Literature Web Guide's Cinderella

Contains a number of links to other Cinderella sites, including a number of lesson plans involving four different versions of the tale.

Fairy Tale Encyclopedia - Cinderella

A brief overview of the story, along with a little history and discussion of variations. There are a number of good links from this site, as well.

Here are some stories written by children concerning Cinderella, found in KidPub - a website dedicated to the writing of children. These may serve as example for other young authors!




• The True Story of Cinderella by Clara, age 11, New York, USA
  
• Cinderella by Lauren, age 5, Ontario, Canada
  
• Cinderella Runs Away by Hayley Goodchild, age 10, Ontario, Canada
  
• Cinderella and the Beanstalk by Annie Dudley, age 11, Greencastle,IN USA
  
• Kelly: The Modern Story of Cinderella by Laura, age 11, Illinois
  

Cinderella Vs. Cinderella - Compare/Contrast Writing Activity

This TAAS writing activity is geared for 3rd-6th grade, but is easily modified up or down to meet the needs of your students.

Shen's Books

This site describes the elements of a Cinderella story, and contains a link called "In Search of Cinderella," which offers a list of countries, leading to Cinderella versions from those countries.

Cinderella Books from Around the World

A list of various Cinderella books, although this list is not categorized by country.

Where in the World is Cinderella?

This is a geography activity, utlizing map skills, research skills and writing skills. It is geared toward 3rd-6th graders, but is easily modified up or down as needed. This activity could also lead to a sociology compare/contrast activity for older students, if so desired.

Cinderella: The Story of the Ballet

The English National Ballet's website offers a complete synopsis of the story of Prokofiev's ballet of Cinderella. They also have linking pages to other information concerning the history of the ballet and other versions of Cinderella.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella

This New York City Opera site provides a synopsis of the Rodgers and Hammerstein version of Cinderella, a discography, and some historical context of the show.

Return of OperaMan!

This is a script-writing and performance activity - but don't worry, no opera singing is required!

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