A legend is a story often told
by word-of-mouth that is passed on from generation to generation.
Legends are often told to explain natural phenomena, such as why
the sun travels from east to west across the sky each day, how
the constellations were formed, and how the chipmunk got its stripes.
The main characters of a legend are usually larger-than-life (superhero
or godlike) figures who perform brave and heroic deeds. The actions
of these legendary characters explain the formation of such things
as mountains, the Grand Canyon, or those helpful and mysterious
creatures called Sacred Dogs (otherwise known as horses).
In many of the legends we read
in class , a young child demonstrated bravery and selflessness
as he or she traveled long distances and endured great hardships
to make life easier for the people of the village. Dreams, spirits,
magic, and religious observances played integral parts in the
story. The stories represented coming-of-age traditions, whereby
the child became an adult by the successful completion of his
or her feat. Their "rites of passage" assured them of
their rightful place among their people. Upon the child's return
to the village, great celebrations were held.
Our students were asked to create legends of their own, following
the format and style of the legends we read in class and in the
library. Sometimes the students worked with partners; sometimes
they worked alone.
| Brave Baby By Olive Boy (Ben) and Baer Trapper (Matt) | LittleThunderBolt By Faster than lightning (CameronA) and Fast like lightning (Doug) | The Disappearing Rice by Shimmers Like Star(Stephanie)and Lightning(Jackie) |
| Flower Child By Little Hummingbird (Kirsten) and True Heart (Nikki) | Deep Deep Down By Danceing Brook(valentina) and Hummingbird(anna) | Shimmering Star by Gentle Rabbit (Sara) Eyes Like Sky(Emily) |
| The Three Brothers by Little Thunderbolt (Austin) Swims Like Tadpole (Freddie) | The Legend Of Rainbow Girl by Dolphin Girl ( Rebecca) and Dives Like Dolphin( Cameron) | Wonder Girls by Plays Like A Seal (Hannah) and Flower Child (Meredith) |
| Why Butterflies Wings Are All Different Colors And Raindrops Are Clear By Falling Star(Willa) and Morning Star (Sammy) | How Eagle Got His Beak By Quiet River (Annie) and Whispering Wind (Emily) |
How the Bucks Got Their Antlers by Red -Winged Boy (Jacob) White whale (Tucker)
|
| Why Owls and Bats are Nocturnal by Bird Tracker (Alec) and Timber (Andrew). | How The White Tail Deer Got His White Tail By Soaring Eagle (Ben) Shooting Hawk (Mike) |
Little Racer and the Big Race by One-who-liks-Baseball (Alex) |
| He-who-is-a-good-hunter By Cool Biker (Daniel) | Little Princess And Her New Friend And Solved Problem By Fieldhockey Star (Lisa) |
Little Moon by Softball Girl (Cristina) |
| little Weaver by Little Rider (Emily) |
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please direct any correspondence to Barbara Cipolloni, Nancy Jones or Paul Savering Germantown Academy's second grade teachers.
Technical assistance and site design furnished by Carol Siwinski, Curricular Technology Specialist for Germantown Academy.
