Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story

 



 

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story From China

 

by: Ed Young

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part I

 

Young, E. (1989). Lon po po: A red-riding hood story from China. New York: Philomel Books.

 

Genre: Folk Tales, Fables, & Myths

 

Grade level/Age: K-3/5-8

 

Part II

 

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story From China is absolutely beautiful. I chose this story because it won the Caldecott award the year I was born in 1990. The thoughts I have on the craft are optimistic and full of amazement. This story was translated into three little girls instead of one, and the wolf pretended to be their grandma aka. "Po Po". The girls are Chinese and have Chinese names. The imagery of the story is beautiful. The pages are in panels and the art is done in water color. I also loved the survival of three little girls portrayed by the author. Once the girls figured out that their "Po Po" was not their grandma, but actually a wolf, they figured out how to defeat the wolf to save their lives. The girls worked together and trusted their older sister. I think the Chinese culture is beautiful because of their strong faith in family.

 

Part III

 

First, I like the dedication page. Ed Young dedicates his story, "to all the wolves of the world for lending their good name as a tangible symbol for our darkness," and I think it is important to explain to students that this is a story to express creativity and fun for our entertainment. I would also make it known that wolves aren't bad, they are wild, free, and beautiful. The story is beautiful because it is a different version of Red Riding Hood. I think it's really important to emphasize on the other versions. I would like to compare this story done with the Chinese culture with other cultures. The pictures alone are different because of the water color and the panels, but it would be a great teaching tool for teaching students how to compare and contrast.

 

 

 



Part IV

 

Grade: 3

Objective:

• Students will Identify the similarities and differences between the Chinese and American version of Red Riding Hood.
• Students will reflect in a Venn diagram of similarities and differences.
• Students will create their own water color picture of the story.

Lesson Sketch:

1. I will start a discussion with my students about the story of little red-riding hood introducing the topic (making sure they know wolves don't really dress up as old ladies) and discussing the genre: What is a fable or myth?
2. I will read the story. Without interrupting, I will make sure we get through the entire story before we discuss the uniqueness.
3. I will ask the students what they noticed in the story (whether they compare, or contrast I want to hear their opinions) and go through the story again for reference.
4. I will ask them what was the same, and what was different between the red riding hood story they know and this one.
5. Students will each do a Venn diagram to show the similarities and differences of the stories.
6. Discuss with class.
7. Finish with a creative water color picture that relates to the story.

Discussion Questions:

• What is the most obvious difference between the stories?
• What is the most obvious similarity between the stories?

 

Common Core State Standard- Integration of Knowledge and Ideas- Grade 3 9. Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters (e.g., in books from a series).  http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/3/9

Links to outside sources:

1. Compare and Contrast/other diagrams for free download- http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/venn/
2. Social Studies twist on Lon Po Po- https://www.teachervision.com/folk-tales/resource/7940.html?detoured=1
3. Common Core aligned worksheets for Lon Po Po- http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lon-Po-Po-Worksheets-Common-Core-Aligned-972955