Students explore American folktales. They review the elements of folktales. Students read the folktale of Johnny Appleseed together. They discuss the vocabulary words from the story. Students discuss the differences between the real...

Students compare and contrast the details from the life of the real David Crockett and the legendary folk hero he later became. They identify the characteristics of a tall tale and follow a rubric to create a tall tale of their own.

Students evaluate art to enhance their core knowledge of fiction, American folk heroes, and the water cycle. In this art lesson, students complete a unit of activities to use art to study various topics of literature, history, and...

Students explore the concept of leadership and identify leaders from the past and present. They brainstorm qualities of effective leaders, research a leader from the past and develop a presentation on their findings and choose a local...

Students watch a video of "Paul Revere: The Midnight Rider," complete a vocabulary list and discuss the video using the questions that are provided.

Pupils are introduced to the topic of legends. Using the text of Irving's novels, they gather information on different cultures. They practice using new vocabulary and their listening skills. They retell the stories in chronlogical order.

Students name tall tale characters and locations, which are based on actual people and places, and describe how they are used in an exaggerated way. They name characters and events from tall tales, then list literary characteristics of...

Learners investigate cultural traditions. In this multi-cultural lesson, students discuss various cultures and research their traditions.

A thoughtful account of a beloved American folk hero, Johnny Appleseed. We don't know many facts, but he is remembered for his love of nature and man.

The tall tale of Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue are retold by S.E. Schlosser.

This online version of the tall tale of Paul Bunyan features illustrations of this American folk hero.

Many legends live on in Wisconsin (and elsewhere) about Paul Bunyan, a giant of a lumberjack and a folk hero. This article describes how the legends have survived and grown.

This site has the story of Pecos Bill. It explains how he rides a tornado like a bucking bronco and when he fell off the ground sank below sea level and created the Death Valley.

At this site read about John Henry, the steel-drivin' man who uses two hand-held hammers to dig a tunnel faster than a steam drill!

Read about one of the most interesting early Americans. From Tennessee to Congress to the Alamo, find out what drove this extraordinary man.

Scroll down this study guide to find the lyrics to the Ballad of John Henry, which was collected from individuals in the West Virginia mountains in the 1920's. Discusses the different versions of the song and the history behind it.

The fist African American to earn a PhD from Harvard, W.E.B. DuBois was not only an inspirational and extraordinary individual, but a champion in the fight for equality and the end of racism. Read about his founding of the organization...

Find out about one of America's greatest legends, Daniel Boone. (In Spanish)

Several suggested activities for engaging small children in the American folk tale of Paul Bunyan. The lesson plan and story include discussion, an online jigsaw puzzle, and coloring pages.

This ibiblio.org site deeply explores the truth behind the legend of John Henry. Content includes interviews with numerous scholars who take a look at how this legend may have been created. Scholars also analyze historical facts versus...