Folktales: Fables

This is a collection of literature sites with online fables. There are fables by Aesop and other authors, lesson plans, and classroom activities that compare and contrast the elements of fables. Included are eThemes Resource on tall tales and fairy tales.

Grades

Links

Aesop's Fables: Read both traditional and modern versions of various fables with colorful illustrations. NOTE: Requires the Flash 4 plug-in.
Original Fables: Here you can read Aesop-inspired fables created by third-grade students.
Imagitek: Aesop's Fables: Students can read these four fables from Aesop.
Myth, Legend, Fable: This site teaches the differences between myths, fables, and legends. Students can read fables online.
Frog Fables: This site has interesting fables about frogs. The site also contains a definition of fables.
Farmhouse Fables: Here are full and concise versions of fables that students can read online.
Dusklight.com: Aesop's Fables: Here are 82 of Aesop’s fables that can be read online. NOTE: Some fables contain a character named Ass.
Aesop's Fables: This collection of fables for children features clip art and animations of the characters. “The Moral of the Story” link tells about fables and their history. “About Aesop” gives a brief description of the man who is credited with many fables. Includes puzzles that can be printed or done online. NOTE: The site has a flashing banner ad.
Edsitement: Fables and Trickster Tales from around the World: What is a trickster tale, and how is it different from other types of fables? This unit contains several classroom activities in which students can read fables, study their elements, and compare them to one another.
Fact Monster: Fable: Here is a brief definition of a fable and a look at the most famous fable writers. NOTE: The site has pop-up ads.
Masks and Aesop's Fables: Students can read fables, create masks of the characters, and act out a fable in this lesson activity.
Edsitement: Morality "Tails" East and West: This lesson plan compares European fables with Asian Jataka tales, two forms of short narratives that teach moral lessons.
Counting Crows: This lesson plan uses Aesop’s fable, “The Crow and the Pitcher.” Students can learn about problem solving, measurement, and also make a crow sock puppet.
eThemes Resource: Folktales: Tall Tales: This is a collection of literature sites with online tall tales from America. Includes tall tales and information about Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, John Henry, and Slue-Foot Sue. Learn what tall tales are and their common characteristics. There is also an eThemes Resource on fables, another form of folktales.
eThemes Resource: Folktales: Fairy Tales: These sites offer many online fairy tales, plus ideas for studying and writing fairy tales. Read classic tales and new versions.