Here's a link for a trailer of the show --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rga4rp4j5TY
While it is simply my Sunday night viewing vice, it is something I think that could be used in the classroom to have students read episodes as texts, or as a reconfiguration of the fairytale texts. Students could look at characterization, positions of power, how the fairytale outcomes and actions have a dual nature to influence the contemporary world, and simply if they enjoy how the classic tales most of us know have been manipulated for the purpose of entertainment. I would be curious to see if given the chance to spend half the class each Friday to watch an episode, how it could influence discussion or highlight themes which arise for their more formal lessons throughout the week. This may be an idealistic notion, but I think it could be entertaining, while also be a great way to stimulate critical literacy skills and viewing.
That's a great idea. I have worked in a grade nine English class (two in fact) last year and one of the units was on fairy tales. The teacher used the Brothers Grimm (if that's what it was called) movie to show the students the different variations that a fairy tale can take on. He had different versions of a couple of fairy tales in text. The students actually liked this unit, especially the movie portion of it. So, I think that using 'Once Upon a Time' to further enhance their knowledge and understandings of Fairy Tales as well as how different texts are used is something that I will definitely do. Thank you for posting this!
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