The Place of Folklore in Education and Curriculum

Folklore plays a significant role in many cultures around the world. It is the collection of stories, customs, traditions, songs, and beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation. Folklore encompasses a wide range of subjects, including mythology, legends, fairy tales, and ghost stories.

Despite its importance in many societies, folklore remains largely absent from formal education. Most school curriculum focus on modern or contemporary literature, which means students miss out on the valuable lessons, cultural insights, and understanding that folklore offers.

One way to integrate folklore into education is by teaching it as a specific subject. Students can learn about their own culture and those of others through folktales. They can learn important themes, such as cultural identity, morality, and problem-solving techniques. Students can also learn valuable skills, such as oral communication, interpretation, and critical thinking.

Another way to incorporate folklore into education is by using it as a tool to teach other subjects. For instance, folktales can be used to teach history. Students can learn about the cultural history of a people through the stories they tell. Folktales from different lands can serve as a basis for comparative studies, exposing students to different cultures and customs.

Folklore can also be useful in teaching language arts. Students can learn literary devices, such as metaphors, personification, and hyperbole, through analyzing folktales. They can also improve their writing skills by using folklore as inspiration for their own creative writing.

In conclusion, it’s important to recognize the role folklore plays in society and its potential value to education. By integrating it into formal curriculum, students can learn about their cultural heritage and gain essential skills and knowledge. As educators, it’s our responsibility to provide opportunities for students to explore folklore and its significance.