Assignment:
Do you think that fairy tales are too scary, too politically incorrect, too stereotypical for children?
- OR -
Do you you agree with others such as author L.R. Knost who believes that "Fairy tales in childhood are stepping stones throughout life, leading the way through trouble and trial. The value of fairy tales lies not in a brief literary escape from reality, but in the gift of hope that goodness truly is more powerful than evil and that even the darkest reality can lead to a Happily Ever After. Do not take that gift of hope lightly. It has the power to conquer despair in the midst of sorrow, to light the darkness in the valleys of life, to whisper "One more time" in the face of failure. Hope is what gives life to dreams, making the fairy tale the reality."
Before you jump into the discussion:
1. Read the Fairy Tale Survey and consider whether you agree with the parents in this article from the UK Telegraph who are "ditching" fairytales.
2. Read this Imagination Soup blog post by a former elementary education teacher who argues that fairytales are essential for children.