This curriculum unit of four lessons introduces students to traditional fables. In the unit, students learn about the qualities that make a tale a fable and read representative selections; they will also engage in storytelling activities and dramatic presentations of traditional and original fables. The following lessons are part of the unit: Fables: Comparing and Contrasting Fables; Fables: Elements of Fables; Fables: Reading a Fable; and Fables: Writing an Original Fable. In the first lesson, students will apply literal, interpretive, and critical thinking skills to two versions of a fable, while in the second lesson they will learn to identify the major elements of the genre. In the third lesson, the student will learn how to recognize the fable as a literary form and write an opinion about a fable, while in the fourth lesson students will write original fables using the stages of the writing process, and, in small groups, will perform their fables as skits. Each lesson in the unit offers an overview; suggests length and grade level; lists subjects and subtopics; cites dimensions of learning and intelligences being addressed; notes equipment and materials needed; lists teacher resources; and addresses National Standards for Arts Education. Each lesson also identifies instructional objectives and strategies; provides a detailed, step-by-step instructional plan; suggests assessment and extension activities; and lists teacher references. (NKA)