Folk Tale Reading Methods Suggestion in the Context of Folk Tale and Children Relationship

Abstract

Folk tales are popular narratives told since the earliest of times. Folk tales became ever more popular as the narrative tradition developed. Especially the plot, world of fantasy, extraordinary characters and other narrative features such as repetition in folk tales have made them the most attractive narrative genre among ordinary people. Although folk tales were not adapted for children at the outset, they seem to have immersed children in an enjoyable world, stirring their imaginations and in general fascinating them for an eternity! We do not know if it was the emergence of children’s literature in the modern period that brought about the first efforts to integrate folk tales with tales for children. However, we do know that until today, folk tales have not lost their charm for children. The aim of this study is to examine the educational value of folk tales, especially those for children. In our study, the narrative structures and historical adventures found in folk tales and how the relate to children are analysed using a diachronic and synchronic method. While doing this analysis, the first uses of folk tales in Kurdish children’s literature are also shown with examples. In addition, the benefits of folk tales for children in terms of content as well as possible pedagogical harm are also mentioned. In this context, our research concluded by suggesting some creative reading methods in which folk tales could be told to children in unique written publications now in our modern period, as versus their classical narration. It was concluded that children will always find the narrative structure of folk tales attractive and it will not be possible to discard folk tales.