Teaching Fairy Tales to Fifth Graders

Put some zing back into your classroom instruction and consider adding in a study of Fairy Tales.  Chances are you have forgotten the magic and imagination that went along with fairy tales.  Fairy tales are so much more than stories covered in pink and reserved only for little girls who want to play princess.

These timeless stories can captivate even upper elementary students.  You have intrigue, scheming, fierce creatures, and brave heroes all wrapped up in the pretty bow of a fairy tale. Whether looking for a meaningful two-to-three-week unit before winter break or a high-interest topic during state testing, a fairy tale unit is the perfect way to combine fun and learning with classic tales that span generations.

Keep reading for actionable tips, creative ideas, and a suggested timeline to quickly and easily create an enjoyable fairy tale experience for you and your students.

Step 1: Immerse your classroom in a fairy tale world.

Immediately captivate your students’ attention with a classroom set up to transform your classroom into a fairy tale haven with a few simple touches:

• Display Fairy Tale Books: Line the tables, whiteboard, or your classroom library with fairy tale storybooks. Many can be found with a simple trip to your school library. Include a mix of classic tales, newer versions, and fractured fairy tales.  This mix will ensure that all your students are interested.  Also, include books with various reading levels so your lessons can be easily scaffolded for your students who need extra support.
• Add Visuals: Hang up a themed word wall and an anchor chart outlining the elements of a fairy tale.  Decorate the classroom door so students can step into a magical place.  You can use bulletin board paper to cover your door or buy a door cover like this castle entrance.
• Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Design a “Fairy Tale Nook” where students can read, write, and immerse themselves in the magical world of these stories. (idea list below)

These small changes create an inviting space that brings the unit to life.  (How-to Make a Fairy Tale Nook is below)

Step 2: Kick Off the Unit.

Start your fairy tale journey with engaging activities:

• Take a Fairy Tale Poll:  Ask your students what they think about fairy tales:

                  What do you think of when you hear the word “fairy tale”?

                  Do you have a favorite fairy tale—or one you dislike?

                  Are fairy tales just for little kids—or even just for girls?

           Use a simple poll with a construction paper chart labeled “Do You Like Fairy Tales?” Let students write their names on sticky notes and place them under “Yes” or “No.” Revisit  

            the poll at the end of the unit to see if opinions have changed.

• Design Crests and Banners:  Since many fairy tales revolve around kingdoms, have students create their own crests or banners. These can be displayed on desks or along the walls, creating a sense of their “royal” role in the unit.

• Read an Original Fairy Tale:  Start with a traditional version of Cinderella to spark curiosity. Discuss how fairy tales began as oral stories for adults, often with harsh or dark elements. For instance, in Grimm’s version, the stepsisters cut off parts of their feet to fit the slipper.

Classroom Idea: Compare a classic version of Cinderella to a modern retelling. Discuss how the themes, characters, and lessons have evolved.

Step 3: Explore the Universal Nature of Fairy Tales.

Fairy tales exist in every culture. The first written fairy tales date back over 6000 years ago.  Additionally, there is a ‘Cinderella’ version in every culture in the world.  Introduce your students to different versions, such as:

     Yeh-Shen (China)

     Rhodopis (Egypt)

     Rough Face Girl (Algonquin)

Use a world map to mark the origins of these stories. Then, discuss: Why do so many cultures share similar stories?

Step 4: Plan a Novel Study or Read-Aloud.

Dive deeper into fairy tale themes with a chapter book like:

     Ella Enchanted – A spirited retelling of Cinderella, where Ella must overcome a magical curse of obedience to reclaim her freedom and find her voice.

     The Whispering Fog – A mysterious and atmospheric tale of friendship and courage as a group of kids unravels secrets hidden in an eerie coastal fog.

     Fairest – A captivating Snow White-inspired story about beauty, identity, and finding strength in your true self amidst a world of song and deception.

Wand – an eleven-year-old girl named Mira, who, after the loss of her father, encounters a mysterious girl offering to grant her three wishes, leading her on a journey of self-

discovery and understanding the true meaning of family.

Discuss how these novels connect to traditional fairy tales while introducing fresh ideas.

Step 5: Add Fun and Creative Activities.

Bring the magic of fairy tales to life with engaging projects:

• Mini Book Reports: Use collected storybooks to inspire quick, student-friendly book reports.
• Fairy Tale Collages: Have students create visual collages representing their favorite stories.  This makes a great independent project.
• Fairy Tale Plays: Students can write and perform one-act plays or puppet shows and perform for families, book buddies, or other classes
• Character Parade: Host a dress-up day where students come as their favorite fairy tale characters.  Increase the fun, hold this on the same day parents come in for other activities, and challenge families to dress up, too.  Hold a costume contest and encourage family-themed costume ideas.
• Write Your Own Fairy Tale: Encourage students to share their original fairy tales with younger buddies.
• Build a Fairy House: Building a fairy house as a classroom activity invites students to unleash their creativity, collaborate, and bring the magic of fairy tales to life through imaginative design and storytelling.  See this book on Real Fairy Houses

Step 6: Celebrate Fairy Tales in Style.

End your fairy tale adventure with a memorable celebration.  Invite families and plan several activities.  Ask parents to volunteer to help with the different activities.

• Fairy Tale Bingo: Review vocabulary and elements of fairy tales with a fun bingo game.
• Candy House Building: Build candy houses inspired by Hansel and Gretel. Candy houses also doubles as a festive holiday activity.
• Movie Screening: Show Shrek and challenge students (and parents) to identify all the fairy tale references in the film.

Step 7: Reflect on the Magic.

Wrap up the unit with reflective prompts or discussion:

• What surprised you most about fairy tales?
• How did your opinion of fairy tales change after this unit?
• Revisit the poll from the beginning of the unit and discuss the shifts in perspective.

Fairy tales teach timeless lessons, inspire creativity, and engage students in a way few other units can. They’re the perfect blend of fun and meaningful learning, especially during those odd time slots before holidays or testing.

Additional Resources to Help You Prepare for Your Fairy Tale Unit:

1. Preparation Checklist for Your Fairy Tale Unit:

• • Visit your library or order books in advance.
  • Prep vocabulary cards, anchor charts, and activity materials.
  • Decorate your room with a cozy nook, fairy tale posters, or themed elements.
  • Order any materials you may need.  Special books, prizes, or fairy tale props.

     2. Ways to Involve Parents in Your Fairy Tale Unit:

• • Invite them to a celebration day with plays, candy houses, and costume parades.
  • Host a parent-student Shrek movie challenge.
  • Encourage parents to participate in creating costumes or props.

     3.  DIY guide:  Create a Fairy Tale Reading Nook:

• Transform your classroom into a magical fairy tale escape with these simple, affordable DIY ideas! This guide combines decor, reading tools, ambiance, and immersive elements  to make your nook a special place for students.

• • Add Magical Ambiance
    • Fairy Lights:
    • • Wrap string lights around the edges of the nook or drape them across the top. Battery-operated options are easy to use and safe for classrooms. fairy lights
    • Lanterns:
    • • Recycle jars by covering them with tissue paper and adding a battery tea light inside. Tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar for an extra flair.  There are even make-it-yourself Fairy Lantern kits
    • DIY Magic Mirror:
    • • Use a hand mirror from a dollar store. Paint the frame gold and write “Magic Mirror” on it with permanent marker or a vinyl decal. Magic Mirror
  • Create Cozy Comfort
    • Floor Cushions or Bean Bags:
    • • Sew or stuff pillowcases with foam or polyfill to make affordable seating options. Use royal colors like gold, blue, or red.
      • No-sew option: Use fleece fabric and tie the ends to create a quick cushion.
    • Rug:
    • • Use an old blanket or remnant fabric from a craft store to define the nook area. Add stick-on decals of stars or fairy tale symbols for extra charm.
  • Engage with Reading Tools
    • Fairy Tale Book Display:
    • • Stack books on a small crate or shelf labeled “Fairy Tale Favorites.” Decorate the crate with glitter or stickers.
    • DIY Character Bookmarks:
    • • Cut bookmarks out of cardstock and decorate them as princes, princesses, dragons, or wolves. Laminate them for durability.
  • Keep It Organized
    • Bins and Labels:
    • • Use plastic bins or small baskets to hold books, props, or art supplies. Label each one with fairy tale-themed names like “Treasure Chest,” “Royal Library,” or “Magic Supplies.”
    • Clean-Up Poster:
    • • Create a small poster with simple instructions like “Put the Magic Back!” as a reminder for students to tidy up after using the nook.