Stories Connect Cultures and Us

Exploring tales from around the world Discovering how stories help us understand each other

What Makes a Story Special?

Think about your favorite story What do you remember most? The characters? The place? What happened?

Stories Have Three Important Parts

Characters - the people or animals in the story Setting - where and when the story happens Plot - what happens in the story

Stories from Different Places

{"left":"Anansi stories come from West Africa and teach us about being clever and wise\nCinderella stories exist in many cultures - China, France, and Native America all have their own versions","right":"Folktales from Mexico often feature brave animals who help people\nStories from Japan teach us about respect and kindness to nature"}

Story Detective Activity

Listen to two versions of the same story Use your detective skills to find: What's the same? What's different? Draw or write what you discover!

Stories Help Us Understand Each Other

When we read stories from other cultures, we learn that children everywhere have similar feelings, dreams, and challenges.

Our Story Connection Web

Create Your Own Cultural Story

Think about your family's traditions Choose a character, setting, and simple plot Share your story with a friend Listen to their story too!