What’s the Big Idea? (Author’s Point)
What is the big lesson in The Three Little Pigs?
Hard work and smart choices lead to better results
Why did the pig build with straw?
It was the easiest and fastest way.
What part shows the brick house was strong?
“The wolf huffed and puffed, but couldn’t blow the brick house down.”
Who is the bad guy in The Three Little Pigs?
The Big Bad Wolf
Why did the author make the first two pigs fail?
To show what happens when you don’t work hard.
What’s the author’s message in Jack and the Beanstalk?
Be brave and take risks, but also think about your actions.
Why did Jack climb the beanstalk?
He was curious and wanted to find treasure to help his mother.
What happened that proves Jack is brave?
He kept climbing the beanstalk and faced the giant.
What magical thing does Jack use to get to the castle?
A giant beanstalk
Why do you think the author had Jack climb the beanstalk again and again?
To show that Jack was determined and brave.
What is a “point” the author is making in a story?
A message or lesson the author wants you to learn.
What’s one reason the wolf wanted to get into the pigs’ houses?
He wanted to eat them.
What sentence shows the first pig’s house didn’t work?
“The wolf huffed and puffed and blew the straw house down.”
True or False: Fairy tales often have talking animals.
True
Why did the author give the third pig a better house?
To show the reward for being careful and thoughtful.
What lesson does the author want us to learn from the pigs' choices?
Don’t rush; take your time and build something strong.
Why did the third pig build with bricks?
He wanted his house to be safe and strong.
Is this sentence evidence: “The wolf couldn’t blow the house down”? Why?
Yes, because it proves the brick house was strong.
Where does most of the story take place in Jack and the Beanstalk?
In the giant’s castle in the sky
What do you think the author wanted us to feel about the wolf?
That he is sneaky, dangerous, and the villain.
How are the points in Jack and The Pigs the same or different?
Both show how smart choices (bricks, courage) lead to success, but Jack takes more risks than the pigs.
What is a “reason” in a story? Give an example from one of our fairy tales.
A reason is why something happens. Example: Jack wanted to help his family, so he took the treasure.
What is “evidence” in a story? Can you find one in Jack and the Beanstalk?
Evidence is proof from the story. Ex: Jack stole the harp and escaped the giant.
What makes fairy tales different from real life stories?
They have magical characters and imaginary events.
Why do authors give us lessons in fairy tales? What lesson would you write about?
So we can learn something important from the story. (Open-ended for students — e.g., “Be kind,” “Don’t give up.”)