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Hi to those who use DITHOR,
I am looking at using the book Buffalo Bill: Frontier Daredevil (Famous Childhood) with DITHOR, recommended for level 4/5 boys as a folk tale. Just wondering if it works well with the folk tale plans? I read it and it is written more as a biography, so I'm wondering how to teach about folk tales with it. My ds hasn't heard much of Buffalo Bill before except from the book about him in the HOD Emergent Reader Schedule, which was also more of an exciting biography, I thought. Should I look up Buffalo Bill online to be able to share more about the legends/tall tales (?) that surround him (which I'm not familiar with either)? Or maybe I should go through the book quickly since it's a good book but an easier read, and then supplement with some fables or other folk tales to introduce the genre more? Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Rachel,
I too will be using Buffalo Bill for a Folk Tale in DITHOR. I think Carrie's recommendations have been excellent thus far & I have used DITHOR since 2003. The TM says that there are many types of folk tales & this would probably be a legend-happens in an identifiable time & place with a human hero that has exaggerated characteristics based on an actual, historical person. The child leans how Buffalo Bill displays virtue by being truthful, kind, and self controlled. The story element emphasis is to compare & contrast. It would be considered a folk tale as I am sure that this story appears in several variations due to being orally retold for generations. Also characters are very good or very bad.
You are correct that this story could be a biography but many stories could be under a variety of genres such biography, historical fiction, or folk tale. HOD has a book list with other suggestions for all 9 genre so another title could be found under folk tale. Through experience though, the dc learns about the genre from the lessons as they relate to the book. The dc forms a relationship to the book as they dig into their assignments & discuss with you. I am curious what this book will teach me as I have heard some legends about Buffalo Bill. Happy reading. Tammy

chillin'inandover wrote:... The TM says that there are many types of folk tales & this would probably be a legend-happens in an identifiable time & place with a human hero that has exaggerated characteristics based on an actual, historical person. The child leans how Buffalo Bill displays virtue by being truthful, kind, and self controlled. The story element emphasis is to compare & contrast. It would be considered a folk tale as I am sure that this story appears in several variations due to being orally retold for generations. Also characters are very good or very bad...

This is a very accurate description of "Buffalo Bill", and I would agree whole-heartedly with it. Both of our sons LOVED "Buffalo Bill: Frontier Daredevil" - in fact, they have both reread it several times long after we did it for DITHOR. Much folklore surrounds his life, and the oral retellings through history of much of his life result in legend-like appeal. I bet you will really enjoy it!

In Christ,
Julie