Story-Driven Play: Fairy Tales And Folktales For Kids

When summer stretches out with its long, sunny days, it’s the perfect time to spark your child’s imagination through the magic of fairy tales and folktales. These timeless stories introduce kids to universal themes like kindness, courage, and clever problem-solving, wrapped up in adventures that captivate readers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for screen-free story time or interactive storytelling, PBS KIDS offers a variety of ways to bring these classic tales to life!

Here are four engaging ways to explore fairy tales and folktales with your child:

1. "Super Why!" Fairy Tales

Join the Super Readers as they dive into classic fairy tales like The Three Little Pigs and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, solving problems by harnessing the power of words and reading. Each episode encourages kids to interact with the story by changing plot points, exploring word meanings, and building literacy skills. Perfect for preschoolers and early readers, "Super Why!" helps children see themselves as superheroes of their own reading journeys. Watch "Super Why!" on PBS KIDS.

2. "Let’s Go Luna!" Folktales and Poems

Travel the globe with Luna the Moon and her friends as they uncover folktales and poems from different cultures. These short animated episodes introduce children to the traditions, myths, and storytelling styles of places like Mexico, India, and China. It's a gentle, fun way to show how storytelling connects us all, no matter where we live. Watch the "Let's Go Luna!" Folktales and Poems collection.

3. Arthur’s Puppet Theater

In these interactive games, kids can direct their own versions of Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Little Red Riding Hood starring Arthur and his friends. They get to choose the cast, pick props, and even decide whether the story unfolds classically or with a twist! It’s a playful, creative way to explore narrative structure and character development while learning that every story can be told in more than one way. 

4. Put on a Folktale Play

Bring stories off the page and onto the stage with this DIY folktale theater project. Using simple materials you have at home, kids can craft their own puppets or costumes and perform tales like The Lion and the Mouse or Anansi the Spider. It’s a hands-on activity that promotes creativity, confidence, and collaboration, ideal for a family afternoon indoors or a backyard storytelling session. Learn how to stage your own folktale play at home.

Find more fun and educational resources from GPB and PBS KIDS. Looking for more story-based activities? Explore the new Story Builder game in GPB’s award-winning GASHA GO! World!

Whether you’re reading aloud, watching a reimagined tale come to life on screen, or acting out a favorite story with homemade props, fairy tales and folktales offer endless ways to entertain, educate, and inspire!