Fairy Tale Writing Project

For our next writing project we will be writing fractured fairy tales.  A fractured fairy tale is created when a writer puts a twist on an old favourite.

Here is an example: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

For this project, you will rewrite a classic fairy tale of your choosing, using the keywording process - just like we did when writing our reports.  However, this time we will keyword every important line from the original story.

To 'fracture' the fairy tale, you will then change the setting.  

What is setting?  Remember: setting is the where (locations) and the when (past, present, future, or make believe) a story takes place.  The setting then underpins the entire story.  For example, if a story takes place in the past, characters can not all of a sudden start using cell phones or catching the bus to their friend's house.  Instead they must write letters or send notes with birds, and they must ride horses or walk.

Examples of how to 'fracture' the setting of a fairy tale:

1) Cinderella

The Original Where: in a magical kingdom, in the step mother's home, at the prince's palace, etc.

The Original When: in the past, in a make-believe time when there were no cars or electricity, and when kings and queens ruled their lands.

Fractured Where: in the desert

Fractured When: in a futuristic time (think Star Wars), when cars can fly, and people travel to outer space

2) Hansel & Gretel

Original Where: in the forest, in the father's house, at the the witch's house made of candy

Original When: in the past, in a magical time when evil and fictional witches haunted forests and ate children  

Fractured version:

- Where: in a city neighbourhood

- When: in the present

(Wow!  That seems a lot scarier!)

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Project Criteria Checklist:

  Part 1

- Choose fairy tale for project

- Identify and describe the original setting (Where & When)

- Keyword the story
- Choose your new 'fractured' setting (describe the new Where & When)

* Write ideas out, and discuss with the teacher before moving on to Part 2

Part 2

- Write rough draft, adding in the new setting

- DOUBLE SPACE

Part 3

- Edit

- Peer edit (have a classmate read your story and give you ideas)

- Rewrite 2nd draft

Part 4

- Proofread for writing errors

- Rewrite good copy

- Add pictures 

- Create cover page

Good luck!