Brief Description

Students read different versions of the Three Little Pigs and then hold a trial for the Wolf.

Objectives

To learn about Fairy tails and the structure of a jury trial.

Keywords

Fairy tales, and the structure of a jury trial

Materials Needed

Materials Required: Judge's costume and gavel, plus a willing judge!

Lesson Plan

I have a real fun activity using several fairy tales. We read the Three Little Pigs and discuss the story elements. Then we read The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and discuss how it is told from a different perspective. We make a Venn diagram to show the likenesses and differences. I use a poster making activity to advertise the books and the kids vote on the best one from each book.

We also have a trial to determine if the wolf should be in jail. The class discusses the parts we need, the actual way a trial is held, and the democratic way a jury is chosen. The defense and prosecuting teams get together and plan their strategies, make their witness lists, and research any other pertinent information. One boy actually called the National Weather Service to get the pollen count in our area on the day we read the book to determine if the wolf actually had a reason to be sneezing so much!

Finally the trial was held. The judge was our principal and she got a robe and gavel to play the part. In one class he was guilty, one other class he was not guilty. The class realized how much preparation it takes for a real trial and they wanted to do another one for the witch in Hansel and Gretl.

Assessment

Lesson Plan Source