S.E. Schlosser
American Folklore: John Henry: The Steel Driving Man
At this site read about John Henry, the steel-drivin' man who uses two hand-held hammers to dig a tunnel faster than a steam drill!
Wisconsin Historical Society
[Archived Content]wisconsin Historical Society: Paul Bunyan
Many legends live on in Wisconsin (and elsewhere) about Paul Bunyan, a giant of a lumberjack and a folk hero. This article describes how the legends have survived and grown.
Aaron Shepherd
Aaron's Storybook: Folktales
Many folktale resources are offered here. Texts of stories, "extras" including music and audio files, posters and background information can be found for some stories.
Broward Education Foundation
Broward Education Foundation: The Arts and Crafts of Storytelling [Pdf]
In the Arts and Crafts of Storytelling, American folk heroes come to life, help students expand their vocabulary and increase knowledge of figurative language. Students identify figurative language like similes, idioms and hyperboles....
Other
Mad River Theater Works: The Ballad of John Henry [Pdf]
Scroll down this study guide to find the lyrics to the Ballad of John Henry, which was collected from individuals in the West Virginia mountains in the 1920's. Discusses the different versions of the song and the history behind it.
Other
Learning Activities: Paul Bunyan and His Blue Ox
Several suggested activities for engaging small children in the American folk tale of Paul Bunyan. The lesson plan and story include discussion, an online jigsaw puzzle, and coloring pages.
ibiblio
Ibiblio: John Henry: The Steel Driving Man
This ibiblio.org site deeply explores the truth behind the legend of John Henry. Content includes interviews with numerous scholars who take a look at how this legend may have been created. Scholars also analyze historical facts versus...
Curated OER
John Henry Statue
Exploring the icons of American culture, NPR presents a piece on John Henry, railroad worker of the late 1800s whose "Tale has become the stuff of myth." See the art inspired by this "Steel-drivin' man," and hear "John Henry," the...
Curated OER
John Henry Building a Railroad
Exploring the icons of American culture, NPR presents a piece on John Henry, railroad worker of the late 1800s whose "Tale has become the stuff of myth." See the art inspired by this "Steel-drivin' man," and hear "John Henry," the...
Curated OER
John Henry as Defense Worker
Exploring the icons of American culture, NPR presents a piece on John Henry, railroad worker of the late 1800s whose "Tale has become the stuff of myth." See the art inspired by this "Steel-drivin' man," and hear "John Henry," the...
Curated OER
Carving of John Henry
Exploring the icons of American culture, NPR presents a piece on John Henry, railroad worker of the late 1800s whose "Tale has become the stuff of myth." See the art inspired by this "Steel-drivin' man," and hear "John Henry," the...