'Frau Holle' (animation)
Description
In this German folk tale, Clara lives with her stepmother and stepsister who treat her terribly. She cooks and cleans all day with little thanks from them. One day she drops some yarn down the well and her stepmother throws her down to retrieve it. At the bottom she meets Frau Holle who invites her to stay at her house to help with chores. She does and when it鈥檚 time to leave, Frau Holle gives her a fabulous golden dress as a thank you. When the stepmother sees it, she decides to send her other daughter, Agnes, to see the old lady. But will she also get a golden dress for her efforts?
Classroom Ideas
Students could use this clip as a basis for developing their communication skills. Students could work in groups of five and each role-play a different character in the story - Clara, Clara鈥檚 mother, Frau Holle, or one of the stepsisters. Students could have a conversation in character. Is their character likely to interrupt another person while they are talking, or to listen respectfully? Are they likely to raise their voice when they become angry, or remain calm and respond with respect? Students could explore pace, gesture, emphasis and choice of words to engage the other characters.
