Once upon a time....

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them
fairytales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more
fairytales.” ~ Albert Einstein

Who doesn't love tales and fables?
They lead us back to the magic garden of our imagination,where everything is possible.
I was inspired by the fairytales of my daughter,who despite of her early age,is already familiar with lots of tales.
What was your favorite tale as a child,or what is the favorite of your child?(in case you have one)
You could tell the title of it, and the brief story (just in nutshell),and the reason why you loved it ?

Our favorite is Cinderella,here you can watch this tale:

http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/story_telling/cinderella/cinderella11.htm

“Every man’s life is a fairy tale written by God’s fingers.”~ H.C. Anderson.

Dear Nadira!
You are completly right.I agree with you too,upon the importance of fairy tales in a child's life.
I cut this article out of a study,for you,if you have time to read it,I'd be happy,to share it with you:
Some parents may often ask questions like this:"Fairy tales are scary and present the world dishonestly. They would make my child confused as to what is real and what is fabricated. They are full of ogres and witches and giants, so why should I allow my child to be terrified by things that aren't even real?"

Bruno Bettelheim -who was a child psychologist,(famous for his research on autism)-answers the question in his book:

"Wisdom does not burst forth fully developed like Athena out of Zeus's head; it is built up, small step by small step, from most irrational beginnings. Only in adulthood can an intelligent understanding of the meaning of one's existence in this world be gained from one's experiences in it. Unfortunately, too many parents want their children's minds to function as their own do-as if mature understanding of ourselves and the world, and our ideas about the meaning of life, did not have to develop as slowly as our bodies and minds. Today, as in times past, the most important and also the most difficult task in raising a child is helping him to find meaning in life."

"To enrich [the child's] life, it must stimulate his imagination; help him to develop his intellect and to clarify his emotions; be attuned to his anxieties and aspirations; give full recognition to his difficulties, while at the same time relate to all aspects of his personality-and this without ever belittling but, on the contrary, giving full credence to the seriousness of the child's predicaments, while simultaneously promoting confidence in himself and in his future." He goes on to say how important it is that literature provide a moral education which subtly, and through implication only, "conveys to him the advantages of moral behavior." His conclusion? "The child finds this kind of meaning through fairy tales."

"Fairy tales, unlike any form of literature, direct the child to discover his identity and calling, and they also suggest what experiences are needed to develop his character further. Fairy tales intimate that a rewarding, good life is within one's reach despite adversity-but only if one does not shy away from the hazardous struggles without which one can never achieve true identity."

So, do not discount fairy tales as a bad influence on your children. Rather, be selective, and choose age-appropriate stories to give to them. But do not be afraid of unleashing their imagination and letting them confront their darkest fears. By giving them heroes to identify with, you are letting those fears surface in a subtle manner, and allowing your child to find his courage and make moral choices vicariously-choices that will build his character and have influence on the rest of his life.
I hope,that it was a useful information,although it seems evident,for all of us,we need
to be confirmed in it,time by time.
Thank you,Nadira,and all of you,who've read my blog.

You need to be a member of MyEnglishClub to add comments!

Join MyEnglishClub

Comments

Monika March 10, 2010 9:39

It is my pleasure,Dear Akram,that it gave you a pleasant moment.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Monika March 3, 2010 7:52

Thank you Erna,for your comment.
ERNA E ADRIL March 3, 2010 7:40

Fairy tales are very interested for me
ERNA E ADRIL March 3, 2010 7:39

I really like fairy tale , because can make my words rich and
make my English better and as a teacher Legend, fable, or fairy tales are very usefull
for me
Nadira March 1, 2010 15:48

i agree with you Monika, amd thankyou for sharing the article with us pertaining fairy tales.interesting and true indeed.
Monika February 26, 2010 7:29

Dear Nadira!
You are completly right.I agree with you too,upon the importance of fairy tales in a child's life.
I cut this article out of a study,for you,if you have time to read it,I'd be happy,to share it with you:
Some parents may often ask questions like this:"Fairy tales are scary and present the world dishonestly. They would make my child confused as to what is real and what is fabricated. They are full of ogres and witches and giants, so why should I allow my child to be terrified by things that aren't even real?"

Bruno Bettelheim -who was a child psychologist,(famous for his research on autism)-answers the question in his book:

"Wisdom does not burst forth fully developed like Athena out of Zeus's head; it is built up, small step by small step, from most irrational beginnings. Only in adulthood can an intelligent understanding of the meaning of one's existence in this world be gained from one's experiences in it. Unfortunately, too many parents want their children's minds to function as their own do-as if mature understanding of ourselves and the world, and our ideas about the meaning of life, did not have to develop as slowly as our bodies and minds. Today, as in times past, the most important and also the most difficult task in raising a child is helping him to find meaning in life."

"To enrich [the child's] life, it must stimulate his imagination; help him to develop his intellect and to clarify his emotions; be attuned to his anxieties and aspirations; give full recognition to his difficulties, while at the same time relate to all aspects of his personality-and this without ever belittling but, on the contrary, giving full credence to the seriousness of the child's predicaments, while simultaneously promoting confidence in himself and in his future." He goes on to say how important it is that literature provide a moral education which subtly, and through implication only, "conveys to him the advantages of moral behavior." His conclusion? "The child finds this kind of meaning through fairy tales."

"Fairy tales, unlike any form of literature, direct the child to discover his identity and calling, and they also suggest what experiences are needed to develop his character further. Fairy tales intimate that a rewarding, good life is within one's reach despite adversity-but only if one does not shy away from the hazardous struggles without which one can never achieve true identity."

So, do not discount fairy tales as a bad influence on your children. Rather, be selective, and choose age-appropriate stories to give to them. But do not be afraid of unleashing their imagination and letting them confront their darkest fears. By giving them heroes to identify with, you are letting those fears surface in a subtle manner, and allowing your child to find his courage and make moral choices vicariously-choices that will build his character and have influence on the rest of his life.
I hope,that it was a useful information,although it seems evident,for all of us,we need
to be confirmed in it,time by time.
Thank you,Nadira,and all of you,who've read my blog.
Nadira February 26, 2010 2:45

mine was cinderella too. it was interesting then , developing the imagination of suspense and finally the happy ending of the finale.
telling tales is important for a little childs development to improve the imagination vocabulary communication with the parent or adult concerned
Monika February 25, 2010 16:27

Hi Farid!
Thank you for your comment,in case you loving many tales,could you give at least just one?Probably your favorite one...
Melesa February 22, 2010 22:10

you lead us back to the old beautiful days, where our big worries were reading these tales and fables and watching it on the T.V
for me, I like cendrilla, roben hood and a lot
Monika February 20, 2010 21:43

Hi Tara!
I found somthing for you:

(and a little extra Hungarian lesson (nyúl=hare,teknős=tortoise)):D

of 2

This reply was deleted.