Fairy Tale Memories

Since I'm becoming so immersed in fairy tales, I swear I see a fairy tale connection in everything in life...so I wanted to offer an idea for getting kids to talk. I work with middle school kids and mostly they talk a lot but well...in some situations they ramble on without much insight. Well they are middle school age....but it's really a time in life to start developing some insight.

Well, way back when....a long time ago....I started using this idea, can't remember where it came from.

Me: "Hey you know you remind me of Alice in Wonderland....you know that book?"

To which they typically roll their eyes and say, "yeah".

Me: "Well, there's a part of it that reminds me of you."

More eye rolling but they usually lean forward and start to at least look a tad interested. Then when they say, "What part?" I know I've hooked them.

Me: " Well, why don't you guess."

Then no matter what they guess..."Oh I bet it's cause I'm always late like the White Rabbit." or "Hmmm probably because all the teachers say "off with his head" Or whatever.....I always say...

Me: "That's exactly right...have you always been like the ___________(white rabbit or something that fits) or "That's exactly right, do you always evoke that response from others?" They are always "exactly right" no matter what they pick.

And then the conversation is off with a little leap and it can go amazing places. I use Alice because most of the kids know the story (but you can use any common story)...and with all this fairy tale stuff...well...there's some real possibilities here. Now one would mostly need to stick to commonly known stories or perhaps offer it as a bit of intrigue and say "You remind me of Tatterhood." and when they ask why or what then direct them, "It's a fairy tale, you might want to look it up on the internet." Yes the things that could happen...just like Dr. Seuss....the places you will go....

Well the school year starts tomorrow so I think I shall give it a try this year...I'm thinking the twists and turns might make it a most thought provoking year. Working with kids can be inspiring but well honestly, I'm sorry to say......a little depressing sometimes....there are many a sad tale...so the fairy tales might be just the trick to weave a little magic in life.