What are Myths, Fables, Legends, and Fairy Tales?

Brief Activity Overview:

In this activity, your child will explore the unique features of myths, fables, legends, and fairy tales. They will watch a short video and use a chart to organize what they’ve learned about each type of story.

At the end of this document, be sure to check out the "Beyond the Activity" section for fun extension ideas if your child wants to dive deeper into these story types or try related lessons.

Estimated Time:
Less than 1 hour

Learning Objective:
Understand and identify key features of myths, fables, legends, and fairy tales.

Subject:
English Language Arts

Recommended Grade Levels:
3rd – 6th

Getting Started: Exploring Story Types

Begin by engaging your child in a simple conversation to spark interest and activate prior knowledge:

Tell me about one of your favorite storybooks.
Suggested discussion questions are included as great way to ease into the lesson and connect your child’s personal reading experiences to the bigger ideas behind storytelling.

Introducing the Activity

Discuss how many stories fall into categories such as myths, fables, legends, and fairy tales and what your child knows about them (guiding questions are provided).

Then, explain that in this activity, they’ll learn more about each type by watching a brief video and taking notes. Encourage them to pay attention to the key features of each story type and notice how they are alike and different.

What to Do Next

1. Watch the Video – Invite your child to watch the short video provided.

2. Take Notes – As they watch, encourage them to jot down what they learn about myths, fables, legends, and fairy tales.

3. Discuss and Reflect – After watching, go over the comprehension questions on the next page. These questions can be used:

   • As discussion starters

   • As writing prompts

   • Or a combination of both—whatever works best for your family!

💡 An answer key is included to support your discussion.