Preschoolers thrive on the art of storytelling. For this reason the teacher can start by telling one or two Paul Bunyan tales. The teacher should explain what a tall tale is and ask students if they have ever heard a tall tale. There are a few variations to Paul Bunyan. Paul Bunyan Trail (paulbunyantrail.com/talltale) and Animated Tall Tales (animatedtalltales.com) both offer online renditions of the Paul Bunyan story. The teacher can get a copy of Paul Bunyan from the school or local library. There are also online renditions of the story. The teacher can choose two stories and then ask students to talk about the differences and similarities in each story.
After reading a couple different Paul Bunyan tales, have the preschoolers create their own tall tale. The teacher may split the students in groups and have them make up a tall tale together. Allow students to use their imagination in this assignment. There is no tale too tall.
Preschoolers benefit from hands-on activities. They can complete an ox puppet to become more familiar with the story. The teacher needs to have paper bags, glue and an ox printout for this activity. First School (first-school.ws) has black and white and color printouts to choose from. With the help of the teacher, preschoolers glue the head to the bottom of the paper bag and the body in the middle of the paper bag. Puppets can be used in a reenactment of the Paul Bunyan story.
A coloring page will wrap up activities about Paul Bunyan. Preschoolers can color Paul, the ox and the ax. Teachers can find various printouts for Paul Bunyan, the ox and possibly the letter P and O to reinforce the lesson. First School also offers Paul Bunyan coloring sheets. While students engage in coloring, the teacher may ask questions about the story and previous activities they have completed.