Traditional Literature (Chapter 5)

The name of this post feels, well, traditional or maybe a bit uptight. However traditional literature is filled with literature that will inspire and take us to a place far from where we are. It's traditional because it has stood the test of time.

Traditional literature is also known as folk literature or oral literature, stories that have been passed down by word of mouth for many generations. Because of this, there is no record of who told them first. Folk literature meets human needs and that is why the stories were able to be passed down through the ages.

Often times there are many traditional stories that are alike from all over the world, this is because they were used to teach valuable lessons to children that are universal. For example, there are almost 700 versions of the Cinderella story.

There are six categories of traditional literature:

1. Fable: A brief story in which the moral is explicitly stated.
2. Myth: Explains aspects of culture or how something came to be in the natural world.
3. Legend: Traditional narrative based on historical truth. 
4. Religious Stories: Stories of important events and people of different regions.
5. Tall Tale: Exaggerated humorous stories of characters that perform impossible acts.
6. Folktale: A fairy, human, or animal tale passed down by word of mouth. (there are 7 sub genres of folktales)

When selecting traditional literature it must be evaluated by different criteria because many of the elements of text that are usually present may not be in this genre.

Evaluation Criteria:

Cultural Consideration: Accuracy, Authenticity, Authority

Literary Consideration: Literary/ Illustrative Style, Plot, Theme

Traditional literature helps children learn the art of storytelling, which they have most likely experienced throughout their childhood. Children also simply enjoy this type of literature. It is considered the "mother of all literature" and will prepare them for the art, literature, and drama that they will encounter throughout their lives. Another great reason why I will make a point to incorporate it into my classroom is that ELL students' can make connections to their own cultures based on the fact that each culture has their own stories that may be similar to ones being studied in class, which will open up an opportunity for the entire class to learn about a similarity bonding two different cultures together.