Where the Red Fern Grows

By Wilson Rawls 

The legend of the fern became the theme for the book Where the Red Fern Grows. While no one knows for sure how certain tales began, most people enjoy hearing and reading them.

In this activity, you will read some Indian legends, one written by a ten-year-old girl. Then you will be asked to create one of your own.

Who knows? Perhaps the ones your class writes will be told for generations to come.

 *Using information gathered from the Internet, learn the elements of an Indian legend.

 You will then create and illustrate one of your own.

 *First, we need to define the word legend.

 Click here to look up the definition. Write it down.

*Second, use the following web sites to read several Indian legends.

Indian Legends

The Legend of Running Deer

Now create a legend of your own!

 You may wish to explain:

·       Why something unusual happens in your neighborhood

·       Why your   pet acts the way it does

·       Why the trees grow the way they do

·       Why zebras have stripes

·       Why some strange occurrence happens

·       Or Choose your own topic

Your legend needs to be approximately 1 page in length and neatly written or typed.

Lastly, draw an illustration of your story on plain white paper using colored pencils or crayons. NO MARKERS!!

How will these be graded?

1.     The legend is original and portrays a reason for some action that occurred.

2.    The legend has a specific beginning, middle and ending.

3.    Writing reflects correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.

4.    Illustration is neat and reflects the story.

You will be given Monday and Tuesday in class to work on your legends and illustrations. They will be due at the beginning of class on Wednesday!