Teaching Fashionista

This year I worked on a year long project 
with my 3rd graders!
We did an in-depth fairytale unit based on the story of "Cinderella".
Here was our essential question?

Why do different cultures have similar fairy tales?
Of all the fairy tales ever written, why has the story of Cinderella been the one to capture the hearts of so many generations and cultures?

Keeping this in mind we began our magical journey...

We read & loved all different versions -
We charted similarities and differences.
Used tons of graphic organizers, and plot maps.

After reading we placed a glass slipper on the country the story came from.

We had a fair share recently and presented our projects, all students created their own version of the classic tale.

Some students created an original play and acted it out.

While others presented with a slide show.

Many wrote original Big Books - 

They enjoyed writing about the countries their families came from!

Others developed story lines based on topics they enjoy!

All of the students were really creative, and the lessons continually led us into discussions about cultural importance, customs, family structure, and values.

(things we always want to talk about)  

They came up with an amazing chart with some answers to our "essential question" most said that this story gives children hope, 

it teaches children to be nice, and shows that good always wins over evil. 

(I loved reading their thoughts along the way) 

Before starting the year long unit I did a simple fairytale baseline and the growth was amazing! 

(I can't believe these are the same writers) 

It is definitely something I'd love to do again.

Does anyone else do a year long project in their school instead of a formal observation?