Cinderella All Over the World

    We have all heard the original version of Cinderella at some point in our lives.  But did you know that there are many other versions of this story out there from all over the world?  Well if not, use the information below to discover some of the different translations of Cinderella!


The story of Cinderella is a fairy tale.
Click on the glass slipper to learn the definition of a fairy tale.



    There are several authors who have done more than one translation of the Cinderella story.  In the table below there are two of these authors and some of the stories they have written.  Click on their names to learn about the author before exploring the books they have written.
    As a class read aloud each of the stories.  Then click on the links to learn something about where the book comes from.
 

Robert D. San Souci

Shirley Climo

Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella

Now take a trip to the Island of Martinique for a virtual tour.  Look at all the beautiful scenery, wouldn't you want to visit this Island someday?

The Egyptian Cinderella

Now learn a bit about the History of Egypt.  Try and imagine what it was like to live during this time period, is it different than now?

Sukey and the Mermaid

This story was based on a folk tale from the Sea Islands of South Carolina.  Find out about the Gullah Culture found on these islands.

The Korean Cinderella

Now you will learn about some of the major festivals of the Korean Lunar Calendar.  When is their New Year's Day?

The Talking Eggs

This story is a Creole Folk tale, from the Cajun Culture of Louisiana.

The Irish Cinderlad

Not all Cinderella stories are about girls.  Isn't it great how the same story can be used for all different types of characters?  Now learn some about Irish Music and The Gift of the Gab.

Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story

What do you know about the Ojibwa?  Visit two sites to find out about this Northeast Great Lake Tribe.

The Persian Cinderella

Back to top

These two authors are not the only ones to create variations of Cinderella.  The next table contains a few more of the many Cinderella stories out there in the world.  Once again, make sure to read the story and then visit the online links to learn a bit about each of the cultures.
 
 

The Rough-Face Girl
by Rafe Martin

This version of Cinderella is about the Algonquin Indians.  Click on the feather below to learn about this tribe and it's people.

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters:
An African Tale
by John Steptoe

This tale is from Zimbabwe, a country in Africa.  Have you ever heard of this place?  Click below to learn about Zimbabwe.

Yeh-Shen: 
A Cinderella Story from China
Retold by Ai-ling Louie

Below are two symbols of the Chinese New Year, which is also called Spring Festival.
Click on the lanterns and the dragon to learn about this special holiday.

                       


 Back to top

 Now that you have read several versions of the Cinderella story I challenge you to continue searching for more of these stories.  I wonder how many you can find?


CONGRATULATIONS!
You should now be an expert in Cinderella's All Over the World.
Below are some activities for you and your classmates to complete.

Back to top



ACTIVITIES

1.  Now that you have read so many stories, pick one of your favorites to compare to the original version of Cinderella.
Create a Venn Diagram to show the similarities and differences.
*You can also make a Venn Diagram with a partner comparing your favorite to their favorite.

2.  Create your own version of Cinderella.  Now it is your chance to become the author and illustrator of your very own Cinderella story.  Remember to be creative and be sure to include all the parts of a book and a Cinderella story.
Make sure you:
*write a rough copy
*have it edited by your teacher or a friend and
*publish the final copy
Then share these out loud with the class.  Your class has now created your own collection of Cinderella stories!

3.  As a class use a world map to locate where the different versions of Cinderella have come from.  Put a sticker on each place you locate.  Discuss why some stories may be similar or different based on where they come from.

 

Back to top



Rubrics

Venn Diagram:
 

 

Needs Work 3 pts.

Good Job 4 pts.

Excellent 5 pts.

Each of Circles is Labeled 

Circle not labeled

One of the two are labeled

Both circles labeled

Circles Contain Details

Only one detail listed

Two details listed

Three or more details listed

Cinderella Story:
 

 

Needs Work 3 pts.

Good Job 4 pts.

Excellent 5 pts.

Cinderella Story Elements

Has one element

Has two elements

Has three or more elements

Copies of story

Only Rough copy

Only Final copy

Both Rough and Final copies

Creativity

Original story retold

New story but 
few creative details

New story with several creative details


Teacher's Page

Back to top


Topic Page created by:  Alissa Olson