First graders at JKHA ended their fairy tale study with a comprehensive chart, which compared the three fairy-tales they had studied, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Rumpelstiltskin and Little Red Riding Hood. Students found it interesting to see that each story had special words, good characters versus evil ones and that the number three was significant in each one (the magic of 3s). They discussed the different story elements, and referred to these elements as the ingredients that go into making a good story. The students then worked together creating a large fairy tale mandala which is a circular art form that represents cycles and balance or a round picture with different shapes and pictures organized in a patterned manner. The classes discussed the idea that fairy tales are passed down through generations, and while the stories may vary slightly, the main story elements remain the same. As the mandalas began to take shape, it was evident that the students hde developed a deep understanding of story elements and fostered a love of reading, and of fairy tales in particular.