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Explanation how to use classic stories and fables to teach values to children. Also refer to Aesop, lessons, interaction, theatre, education, students, goals, success, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions Interpreting Aesop's Fables to Teach Valuesby Barbara Hailey (2 September 2001) One problem in education is finding a way to teach values to children without getting into any specific religion. Re-telling classic stories with a modern twist is a way to help solve that problem. Using Aesop's Fables is one good example. Questions you may have include:
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson. Need for valuesMy background is in theatre--performing and later producing stage productions. For a number of years I had a children's theatre, directing and producing plays by and for young people, with the objective of helping children understand themselves and preparing them for life. Many former students from my children's theatre are now teachers. A number of them said they were looking for good literature that would teach values without getting into any religious beliefs. Modern Aesop storiesSince I have always loved the Aesop stories, I started writing them from a more updated viewpoint. I added interactive questions, to get the children thinking and allow them to start applying the values to their own lives. Examples of stories in this book, along with their message are "Sarah, the Girl Who Cried Wolf" (Liars are never believed, even when they tell the truth) and "Tyler Turtle and Jack Rabbit" (Never give up your goals and dreams). Throughout the stories, there are pauses from the action where personal, thought-provoking questions are asked, concerning the story and values. This is similar to the technique a teacher would use in the classroom, reading a story and pausing to ask questions from the students. Philosophy of teachingMy philosophy of teaching is to get the children involved with the story and thinking, "How can this work in my own life-actions?" It is like theatre in a sense. I believe that it is no good to say, "Tell the truth" unless the children can see the value of honest, positive actions in their own lives. SummaryUsing classic stories like Aesop's fables, putting them in a form that relates to modern children, and getting them to think about the values expressed in the story is a way to teach those values. Create healthy minds ResourcesThe following are resources on this subject. WebsitesBooksAesop and You by Barbara Hailey, The Magic Unicorn Press, P.O. Box 345, Hunt, TX 78024, (803) 238-4357, $24.95 (Includes an audio tape of the book)
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Top-rated books on Learning Theory AuthorBarbara Hailey performs, directs, produces and writes material for children. She also operates Eagle University--a personal and career development camp for students--along with her husband Walter. Barbara has written The Wizard of Oz is You! and Aesop and You children's books. MiscellaneousMini-quiz to check your understanding1. What is the resistance to teaching values in schools? 2. Why are Aesop's Fables effective? 3. Why use thought-provoking questions in a children's story? If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a champion in education and values. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again. What do you think?Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Share linkFeel free to establish a link from your website to pages in this site. 
Or use our form to send this link to yourself or a friend. Students and researchersThe Web address of this page is Please include it as a reference in your report, document, or thesis. Where can you go from here?
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