A Study of Fairy Tales

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

13666

Title

A Study of Fairy Tales

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A Study of Fairy Tales by Laura Fry Kready argues that fairy tales are essential educational tools for kindergarten and elementary students. The book advocates teaching literature as a distinct subject, emphasizing the tales' ability to minister to the child's spirit while developing imagination, judgment, and creative expression through structured storytelling.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1916, *A Study of Fairy Tales* by Laura Fry Kready serves as a comprehensive educational framework for integrating fairy tales into early childhood curricula, spanning from kindergarten to the first grade. Kready argues that while fairy tales may appear fantastical, they possess permanent literary value and function as a unique medium for moral and emotional development. The text posits that these stories are not merely 'pleasant lies' but 'poetic presentations of spiritual truth,' allowing children to vicariously experience adventures, discipline their instincts, and cultivate altruism. Kready outlines three core elements essential for effective instruction: the child's specific interests, the literary standards of the tales themselves, and the pedagogical methods of the teacher. The book traces the origins of fairy tales from ancient myths and savage folklore to their evolution in literature, classifying various types ranging from beast fables to romantic stories. It emphasizes that literature in early education should be taught as a distinct subject, not merely an accessory to reading. The text provides practical guidance on selection, storytelling techniques, voice training, and gesture. Kready illustrates how fairy tales unify nature study, music, and drama, citing the 'Fir Tree' play as an example where children decorate a tree, sing carols, and dramatize the story, thereby organizing their ideas and connecting daily tasks to pleasure. The author stresses that teachers must possess a scholarly command of the material, relating stories to life standards and literary criticism. By viewing fairy tales as an evolution from primitive myths to refined epics, the book equips educators to guide young minds toward a richer, more imaginative understanding of the world, ensuring that the curriculum addresses the spiritual needs of the child rather than imposing adult wisdom.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction