• Tall tales are stories about hardships with ambitious heroes who display phenomenal abilities. Beneath the hyperbole often lies a story of strength, leadership and courage. The protagonist may be big-hearted, make a contribution to history or perform outrageous feats. Third-grade students delight in tall tales such as Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill. Utilize these tales for writing activities that incorporate storytelling, history and the arts. Create third-grade writing activities that inspire and arouse students' imaginations.
  
  

Contemporary Tall Tale

• The tall tale about Johnny Appleseed was derived from the American pioneer John Chapman. Third-grade students should compose a similar tale but have it transpire in contemporary America. Students should research a real-life hero or icon from more contemporary history. Examples include Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Jane Adams and Whitney Young. The location must be the same as that of the tall tale character. This heroic character will be amplified through exaggeration. The character must exhibit abilities that in real life are impossible. The tale should address the current hero's issue or event; contain both fact and fantasy with resolution at the end.
  
  

Journal Prompts

• Paul Bunyan was a lumberjack who became a larger-than-life folk hero of extraordinary skill. He symbolized strength and the motivation to work hard. After reading the story of Bunyan, third-grade students should write journal entries with the following prompts: Imagine yourself as Paul Bunyan. Explain how you cope with your enormous size and superhero strength. Describe your motivation to work hard and what you hope to achieve by your actions. Record how it felt to fight giant mosquitoes or have an unquenchable hunger.
  
  

Historical Approach

• The legendary John Henry was a laborer for the railroads who became known as the "Steel-Driving Man." Standing up for his rights, he raced against a steam drill with Herculean ability. After reading the tale or listening to the ballad, let students assemble historical facts about the reconstruction era after the Civil War and the building of the railroad near Big Bend Mountain. With these historical facts, students will recount in their own words what it was like to work under those dreadful conditions and why they would feel helpless in the situation. Personal opinions should include what they would have done if a man with a modern machine challenged his job or skill. Also, how would they have objected when put to the test like John Henry?
  
  

Tall Tale Script

• Read the tall tales of Pecos Bill or Calamity Jane (Martha Jane Canary), legendary American cowboy and cowgirl of the old West. Both of these characters had undisciplined qualities and the aptitude for any challenge they faced. Show the class an example of a script and explain the process of creating one. Third-grade students should compose their own with an original tall tale hero. The tale should be amusing with the character doing the impossible. The character must use his superhuman abilities in a manner similar to Pecos Bill or Calamity Jane. The spectacle should be admired by others. Include exaggeration, humor and lively dialogue.