Folktales

Step into the magical world of storytelling with this special episode of The Children's Hour! Join host Katie Stone and the Kids Crew as they explore the wonders of folktales—stories that have been passed down through generations to teach, entertain, and inspire. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/folktales Our special guest, renowned storyteller Dr. Rosalia Pacheco, shares the haunting New Mexican legend of La Llorona (The Crying Woman). Her vivid storytelling will give you chills as she brings this classic folktale to life, teaching us lessons about safety and the importance of cultural traditions. You’ll also hear about similar stories from around the globe, like Ireland’s Banshee and Japan’s wailing spirits, showing how cultures everywhere use storytelling to teach important life lessons. The Kids Crew dives deep into other famous folktales, including The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Hansel and Gretel, and The Emperor's New Clothes. Through their lively discussions, they uncover the morals behind these tales, like the importance of honesty, the dangers of trusting strangers, and the value of seeing the truth. These stories have entertained children for centuries while helping them learn essential life skills. This episode is filled with music and fun! Sing along to folk songs like This Old Man by the Seegers and Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger, and enjoy a playful reenactment of Henny Penny performed by Theater in the Making. The blend of music, stories, and discussion makes this an episode the whole family can enjoy together. Katie Stone encourages listeners to explore their own family and community traditions by asking parents, grandparents, and friends about the stories they grew up hearing. Folktales are a way to share wisdom and stay connected to the past while enjoying the magic of storytelling in the present. The Children's Hour is produced by The Children's Hour Incorporated, a New Mexico nonprofit. This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone with production help from Christina Stella and our intern Thaniel Lentz. Special thanks to Dr. Rosalia Pacheco, supported by a generous grant from the New Mexico Humanities Council Speakers Bureau. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.