Cinderella in the 1920's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpuxOEN6PV0

We are discussing the various versions of Cinderella in class this week, and I feel that this short 1920's Cinderella film contributes to our analysis. I was fascinated at how the Cinderella fairy tale we know and adore has been transformed into a variety of entertaining versions. Not only does the film display elements of humor, but it also gives a glimpse of the 1920's fashion and style.
The comical aspects of the film are portrayed through the characters and their actions. The prince is extremely small in stature, a mere dwarf compared to Cinderella's stepsisters in the film who are large and awkward. The audience chuckles as they see the Prince's feet getting trampled on as the stepsisters dance a fast-paced jig with him at the ball.
The viewers should also spot some characteristics of the twenties throughout the film. The film, itself, is similar to the short films produced during this era. It contains no dialogue, just fun and playful music. Cinderella is not transformed into a beautiful "princess" with a glowing evening gown and glass slippers. She wears a flapper dress with a feather in her hair and is ready to charleston the night away. She does, indeed, when we see these familiar kicks and twists so true to the 1920's dance style as Cinderella jives at the ball with her prince.
Even though this film would not be utilized for pedagogic purposes directly, it still remains a fun and lively film that would appeal to younger audiences.

Fairy Tale Poem

Oh look at these fairy tales

Waiting for me

What tales and adventures

Might I expect to see

Please tell me

Mirror mirror on the wall

Who is the fairest of them all

Is it that wicked witch

With the home to devour

Or is it that old hag

With apples so sour

Oh no, this can't be right

And just isn't fair

The good must prevail

And not despair

So, please think of Red

So polished and polite

She outsmarted that wolf

Without even a fight

And remember Cinderella

With the magical feet

She filled herself with hope

and not defeat

Don't forget Snow White

So sweet and tender

She learned to survive

And not to surrender

Now, let's forget the evil

Who always seemed to tower

And remember these girls

Are the ones with the power

We often notice that our favorite fairy tale characters are portrayed in these stories as weak figures only used for domestic purposes. I composed this poem to give our characters strength and courage to their readers. Their attributes are never pointed to enough.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtvtYjLbnDk









In the link above you will discover a fun children's video of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. The story had been transformed into a cute and catchy song that I believe children will absolutely adore. When I came across this video, I began to search for ways that I could incorporate it into my Pre-K and Kindergarten curriculum. Even though it is crucial for children to utilize books to imagine and fantasize, it is best sometimes for children to actually see their books expressed through video and song, especially for children who are learning their alphabet. This particular video not only allows for kiddos to see their favorite letters talk, sing, dance, climb, and even cry, but they are also subconsciously learning their alphabet in a fun and creative way. One aspect that I enjoy in the video as well as the book is that Bill Martin Jr. never mixes up his alphabet. B always follows A and C always preeceeds D. The song can even be viewed as a new and improved alphabet song.

Book 1: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was one of my favorite stories as a child, so I certainly took advantage of the opportunity to discuss it in my journal. I am an education major wishing to teach preschool or kindergarten, so I immediately recognized the aspects of the story that I feel would appeal to young children and the characteristics of the book that will essentially benefit children in their futures. The story tells of the letters of the alphabet all attempting to succeed in one particular task: climbing to the very top of a coconut tree. However, to the letters' dismay, the tree is not large enough to accomodate all the letters which results in a chaotic tumble.

One important characteristic of the story that holds a child's interest (and certainly held my interest as a child) is the amazing use of pigment and vibrant colors utilized on each page in the story. The combinations of oranges, hot pinks, greens, purples, and yellows all make for irresistable images that seem as though they will jump right off the page. Little hands will reach toward the pages to feel the letters as the vivid colors help to transform the alphabet into "tangible" objects of obsession.

Another way that author, Bill Martin Jr. adds life to his story is that he personifies his alphabet. The letters speak to one another, and the lower case letters even act as children to the Capital letters (which is one of my favorite aspects of the story). The children who read this story identify with the letters who carelessly climb trees and then run to their Mamas and Papas when they encounter "skinned knees". It is undeniable that children perform these activities themselves on a daily basis. The reader comes to the conclusion that the letters represent children themselves.

Another advantage is that the book serves as an excellent tool for children who are learning how to read. However, Bill Martin Jr. manages to use a range of complexity in his vocabulary so that it is a "must read" for all ages. His diction ranges from simple letters to words like "coconut" and even the title, "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" .

Julie's Books

Book 1: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Author: Bill Martion Jr. (Picture Book)

Book 2: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff (Picture Book)

Book 3: Curious George Goes Camping
Authors: Margret & H.A Rey (Picture Book)

Book 4: The Rainbow Fish
Author: Marcus Pfister (Picture Book)

Book 5: Corduroy
Author: Don Freeman (Picture Book)


Book6: The Three Little Bears
Author: unknown (Picture Book)

Book 7: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: C.S. Lewis (Chapter Book)

Book 8: Peter Pan
Author: J.M Barrie (Chapter Book)

Book 9: Mary Poppins Opens the Door
Author: P.L. Travers (Chapter Book)

Book 10: The Wizard of Oz
Author: L. Frank Baum (Chapter Book)

Book 11: Charlotte's Web
Author: E.B White (Chapter Book)

Book 12: James and the Giant Peach
Author: Road Dahl (Chapter Book)

Book 13: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Author: Road Dahl (Chapter Book)