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will explain that another characteristic of tall tales is that the problems are solved in funny ways. I will add this to my Characteristics of Tall Tales Chart that I started during Lesson 1 (example provided). A good reader understands that a tall tale has funny solutions, rather than boring or ordinary solutions to a problem. To identify a funny solution to a problem in a tall tale, I will identify the problem that needs to be solved and how a main character (usually the hero) solves the problem in the story. Then, I will ask myself, how is this solution funny, wacky or ridiculous? How would an ordinary person solve this problem? I will add funny ways Paul Bunyan solves a problem in Paul Bunyan (from Lesson 1) to my chart and explain why I think the solutions are funny. For example, I will recall that to feed all of his hungry workers (the problem), a giant pancake griddle was built (the solution). An ordinary or unfunny way to solve the problem might be to hire another cook or buy another ordinary griddle, but instead they decided to cook giant pancakes. I will add the title of the story to my chart, along with this funny solution as an example.

Ask: "How can I identify a funny solution to a problem in a tall tale?" Students should answer that you identify the solution to a problem in a tall tale and ask yourself if it is funny, wacky, or ridiculous. You can think about how an ordinary person might solve the problem.

will read Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett by Steven Kellogg and discuss the funny ways that the hero solves the problems in the book. Once we identify some examples, we will reflect that one way we know that the story is a tall tale is because it has a funny solution. We will add the title of the book to our chart, along with an example of a funny solution.

will identify a new funny solution to a problem in Paul Bunyan or Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett. You will share the funny solution and explain why you think it is funny. You will explain how you know this is a tall tale. (Independent Practice Worksheet provided.)