Talespinners, for ages 5-9, includes seven tales of children who confront challenges with ingenuity and creativity. Each story brings facets of a different cultural community to the screen, through a setting, accent, folk element, tradition, particular food or vocabulary. Young viewers will be captivated by the adventures and determination of the Talespinners’ children. This collection includes four original tales and three inspired by books. The stories have particular appeal to modern kids growing up in a complicated world.
This animated short tells the story of Anansi, a little spider who is tired of being snubbed by other the jungle animals, especially Mr. Tiger. As Anansi plots and schemes to change things, he realizes he can't gain respect by putting others down.
Part of the Talespinners collection, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular children’s stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the screen.
Ages 7 to 9
English Language Arts - Children's Stories/Fables
Health/Personal Development - Identity
Science - Life Systems/Ecology
This West Indian tale about self-respect and respect for others is a great introduction to an English Language Arts unit on fables/myths from other places. Have students find other tales with similar themes. Have students write or draw their own fables, publish them and have a reading for other students, staff members and parents. This tale is also a good way to introduce a Science unit on spiders and their webs.