ReadWriteThink: April 2, 2009: Hans Christian Andersen was born on this date in 1805.

April 2, 2009

		Hans Christian Andersen is often referred to as the “father of modern fantasy.” More than 200 years after his birth, Andersen’s tales are still enjoyed by both young and old alike. image © 2009 www.clipart.com

Hans Christian Andersen was born on this date in 1805.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITY

Many of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories have been adapted and abridged into animated movies. Begin the activity by asking students to write a brief summary of The Little Mermaid, The Nightingale, The Emperor’s New Clothes, or another of Andersen’s stories. Then read students the original story and ask them to create a Venn diagram that indicates the similarities and differences between the two versions of the tale. Have them use their diagrams to write essays that compare and contrast the two versions. Students could also be encouraged to explain which version they prefer and why. Students can also use the Fractured Fairy Tales interactive to write their own alternative versions of several well-known fairy tales.

Lesson Plans

Teaching About Story Structure Using Fairy Tales
This lesson for second-grade and late first-grade students uses familiar fairy tales and nursery rhymes to teach about story structure.

Once Upon a Link: A PowerPoint Adventure With Fractured Fairy Tales
In this lesson, students in grades 3–5 use the Fractured Fairy Tales tool and a PowerPoint template to create fairy tales that offer alternate plotlines and endings. In composing and editing these tales, students focus on the six traits of writing.

Fairy Tale Autobiographies
In this lesson, students in grades 6–8 analyze fairy tales for characters, setting, conflict, and theme.

Exploring Satire with Shrek
In this high school lesson, the movie Shrek, which satirizes fairy tale traditions, serves as an introduction to the satirical techniques of exaggeration, incongruity, reversal, and parody.

Web Links

The Hans Christian Andersen Center
From the Hans Christian Andersen Center at the University of Southern Denmark, students can link to texts, research material, and information about Andersen’s life and works.

Aesop’s Fables: Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen
On this website, students can access and read 127 different stories by Andersen.

Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales on Postage Stamps
This website celebrates Andersen through the stamps that have been inspired by his work. Included are over 30 of Andersen’s stories, accompanied by images of related stamps.

Fractured Fairy Tales & Fables With Jon Scieszka
Scholastic invites students to explore fractured fairy tales with author Jon Scieszka. Classroom activities are provided, along with a place for students to publish their own tales and read those of other students.

Texts

Yolen, Jane. 2005. The Perfect Wizard: Hans Christian Andersen. Dutton Books.
Yolen, an acclaimed children’s book author, explores how Andersen’s words were inspired by his experiences.

Andersen, Hans Christian. 2000. The Emperor’s New Clothes: An All-Star Illustrated Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale. Harvest Books.
This book is a fanciful retelling of the classic story with contributions from stars such as Madonna and Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

Brust, Beth Wagner. 2003. The Amazing Paper Cuttings of Hans Christian Andersen. Houghton Mifflin.
This biography tells of Andersen’s skill as an artist. The author created beautiful paper cuttings, which he gave to children as he told his tales.

Viguié, Debbie. 2006. Midnight Pearls. Simon Pulse.
This young adult novel is an imaginative retelling of Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.”