The English National Curriculum places a strong focus on teaching children about traditional tales in KS1. It states that pupils should be taught to develop pleasure in reading, motivation to read, vocabulary and understanding by:
becoming very familiar with key stories, fairy stories and traditional tales, retelling them and considering their particular characteristics (Year 1)
becoming increasingly familiar with and retelling a wider range of stories, fairy stories and traditional tales (Year 2)
Traditional tales include folk stories, fables and fairy tales. Told across cultures throughout history, they share universal themes and teach children about respect, and cultural similarities and differences. These enduring stories also entertain pupils and remain an important part of the KS1 curriculum. The following resources offer varied ways to teach traditional tales.
Explaining Fairy Tales
One of the most well-known types of traditional tales are fairy tales. In the video below, Michael Rosen explains what a fairy tale is.
Traditional Tales in KS1 Animated Stories
Teachers should broaden pupils horizons by introducing them to traditional tales from around the world. Click the button below to find a collection of short animated tales which include stories from Brazil, India, Israel, Iraq, Pakistan and Nigeria.
Traditional Tales in KS1 Drama and Role Play Resources
Exploring traditional tales through speaking and listening activities such as drama and role play will help pupils engage with them more deeply. Non-statutory guidance in the English National Curriculum for KS1 advises that 'Role play can help pupils to identify with and explore characters and to try out the language they have listened to.'
Click the link below to find eight fabulous fully-planned drama lessons from BBC Teach which feature a range of traditional tales and are suitable for KS1.
Traditional Tales in KS1 Library Resources
Looking for a great collection of traditional tales to add to your KS1 class or school library? Check out these curated Traditional Tales collections for KS1 from children's book experts Badger Learning.
Save 10% when ordering any of these Badger Learning collections by using the code KARENM10.
Traditional Tales in KS1 Reading Activities
Finally, you may also find my teacher resource book for Brilliant Publications useful. It features differentiated comprehension and reading activities for exploring traditional tales in KS1, based on retellings of 25 stories from around the world. Each story is also accompanied by a speaking and listening activity and suggestions for follow-up activities. Click the cover image to find out more about the book on Brilliant Publications website which includes a list of the stories included and details of associated activities.
Understanding Traditional Stories (KS1)
This practical photocopiable book is a flexible resource which could be used for individual, group or whole-class lessons. Teachers may also find some of the stories useful for assemblies. Click the links below to download free samples.
The Ant and the Grasshopper story and Activity suggestions: Free teaching resource
The Ant and the Grasshopper comprehension tasks: Free teaching resource
Interested in finding more ideas to support KS1 English? You may also be interested in the following blog posts:
KS1 Story Writing Ideas That Will Spark Their Imagination
How to help children write simple sentences in year 1
Simple Ways to Improve Year 2 Sentence Writing Skills
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