Read stories to third-graders about people who are larger than life. Stories should involve learning a lesson in life, such as persistence, overcoming problems or facing difficulties. Stories should involve self-confidence and conquering fear. Good examples are Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed and Davy Crockett. Contemporary examples are astronauts or firefighters; historical figures include Joan of Arc. The story should be colorful and a bit fantastic to involve participation and inspire creativity.
After reading the stories, the children can begin to use imagination to develop their own figures using some of the examples for inspiration. Focus should be applied to morals and outcomes of the stories. Even though they can be fictitious, the stories should involve conveying a moral. Some of the early stories might involve race or prejudicial attitudes or opinions -- this is where the lesson can be analyzed and depicted more clearly by the instructor. After the children produce rough drafts, the teacher can help smooth out the stories.
Build the tall tale figure by taping three or four pieces of standard 8 1/2-by-11-inch paper together end to end. The lesson will include drawing the chosen figure on the paper from head to toe, starting at the top of the paper. This produces a thin, tall figure -- the tall tale. Use pencils at first, then color and fill the figure in with crayons, colored markers, watercolor paints or colored pencils. If the figure is active, include props. For example, for Paul Bunyan, you could include an axe. If there is not enough room on the paper, draw the props on separate pieces of paper and tape them to the sides of the tall tale figure.
When the figure is complete, the stories can be fine-tuned with help from the teacher. The teacher or instructor can edit and then type the stories. The stories are then taped to the bottom of the figure. When all of the stories and figures are complete, all of the children involved can discuss their as the teacher reads and talks about each tall tale separately.