📖 Activity 1: Dear Disney Journal

Teacher Intro Page

• Objective: Students will write an explanatory letter from their perspective to a Disney or fairy tale character.

• GT Focus: Creativity, Perspective-Taking, Empathy

• Materials: Lined paper, colored pencils, sample letters

• Teacher Tip: Model how to go beyond “you’re my favorite” by asking: What challenges would this character face daily?

Student Page
✍️ Task: Write a letter to your favorite fairy tale or Disney character.

1. Tell them why they are your favorite.

2. Explain what must be hard about being them.

3. Add a picture if you want!

🎭 Activity 2: Alphabet Improv

Teacher Intro Page

• Objective: Students will collaboratively create a fairy tale story using improvisational alphabet rules.

• GT Focus: Creativity, Affective Development, Teamwork, Presentation

• Materials: Alphabet chart, whiteboard

• Teacher Tip: Use a timer to keep momentum. Great as an oral game OR a group writing exercise.

Student Page
🎤 Task: Work with your class to tell a fairy tale story where each new sentence starts with the next letter of the alphabet!

• A = “A long time ago, there was…”

• B = “But then…”

• Continue until Z!

🪄 Activity 3: Razzle Dazzle Words

Teacher Intro Page

• Objective: Students will create a visual dictionary of fairy tale terms.

• GT Focus: Vocabulary Development, Creative Thinking

• Materials: Vocabulary list, dictionary, art supplies

• Teacher Tip: Differentiate by letting advanced students invent riddles or metaphors for their words.

Student Page
✨ Task: Pick 5 fairy tale words. For each word, show:

• The word itself

• Definition

• A picture

• A sentence

• Synonyms

🌀 Activity 5: Fairy Tale Mix-Ups

Teacher Intro Page

• Objective: Students will remix fairy tales using character, setting, and problem cards.

• GT Focus: Creative Writing, Flexible Thinking

• Materials: Mix-up cards (characters, settings, problems)

• Teacher Tip: Push students to develop full plotlines, not just silly mashups.

Student Page
🔀 Task: Draw one character, one setting, and one problem card.

• Create a NEW fairy tale!

• Write or act it out with your group.

📚 Activity 7: Once Upon a Research Project

Teacher Intro Page

• Objective: Students will conduct research on fairy tale history and culture.

• GT Focus: Independent Inquiry, Presentation Skills

• Materials: Choice board, books, internet access, presentation tools

• Teacher Tip: Scaffold by tiering—fact-based projects for some, analysis for others.

Student Page
📖 Task: Pick ONE research project from the Fairy Tale Choice Board.
Examples:

• Research the original version of your favorite fairy tale.

• Compare Disney’s version to the original.

• Study castles, medieval clothing, or food.

• Explore real animals that inspired “monsters.”
  Present your findings as a poster, slide deck, skit, or video.