THE FALL

The fall of Icarus!!!!!!!!The heat of the Sun may warmth you but Sky is the limit and watch below as you might fall dead but drown. The heat of the sun melts the wax weakening the wings that flutters. The sky is too high for reach as the heat catches on you and the thrill and eagerness of going against the odd of flying is the mistake to belief that the open sky is meant for Daedalus’ invention. Icarus was too thrilled with the flight and he has left the plight he made to his father to stay on the course midway between earth and heaven and yet he went beyond heaven and fall below earth.Perhaps, we might question if Daedalus’ idea is right or worth that he lost his son to his invention though to bring him venture to new places beyond land. Who should be blame then? Death occurs under circumstances. Icarus’ death can be considered a tragedy for the mistakes of his own thrill and Daedalus’ belief has made God diminutive that human can fly.

MYTH

Daedalus and Icarus.Interesting! This Greek mythology really attracts my interest and curiosity to know more about the history behind it. Basically, the main idea is on how Daedalus alters the law of nature to escape from Crete. However, the story that engages me to further reading is the stories of how he has gone to Crete. Different books or sources tell different stories. Some says, Daedalus is asked by Minos to build a maze to hide a monster. It is the child of the queen and her love affair. Thus, Minos wants to hide his shame. Yet after that, Minos does not give Daedalus any passage to go back to his country. The other says, Daedalus is invited to build a palace for Minos, where he can hide his treasures from his enemies. However, being afraid that Daedalus might reveal his secret, Minos imprisons him. In addition, the monster which is a half man and half bull lives there to look after the treasures. So, which one is the truth? Love affair or treasures? Anyhow, it is just a myth. Don’t worry.Overall, this story exposes me to the intelligence and skills of the Athenians. Also, at that period, people do believe that unusual or extraordinary creatures are Gods. In fact, from this story I learn about impermanence and nothingness. Nothing can last. Nothing is forever. No matter how great or powerful one thing is, it will eventually fade and become empty, or nothing. In short, this myth “Daedalus and Icarus” is inviting, exciting and aspiring. Well done.

TALES FOR LESSON

I would suggest tales to be used as part of the lesson in literature. It will be best suited when you wanted to teach moral values. I would consider tales as authentic and parallel to other literature works as it contains dimensions of a literary work such as characters and plot. For example, you may be teaching poem. You may indirectly present the values through tales selected best matching the values in the poem. Students get the best of both works from two different genres. Teacher may just have to provide little to trigger students critical and creative thinking to actually enable them to relate the similar values contain in both genre. However, the story may be different. Besides, literature classes, even for language proficiency classes it may be effective in presenting something different to students. You may want your students to be creative and critical therefore, you have to present something unique and creative for them to explore that there is not only one way of saying, writing and thinking. Interesting tales will help to create a jovial classroom not a dull and silent language classroom. However, you must be creative in presenting the materials.

For the purpose of writing, perhaps the uniqueness of the tales may be an inspiration for students to actually write something of their own imagination. Students will be able to actually express themselves. They will definitely crack their head but it gets them to think creatively and critically rather than just reading. The point is students will be able to improve their writing skills and styles as their creative thought flows in their writing.

TALES

Tales can be referred to an imaginary writing. Tales are mostly created to present values that underlies within its writing. It was written during its days to teach as there was no formal education in those days, therefore, such message of values most conveniently spread through writings and it proves as most of the tales still being read today in the 21st century. Today, tales may be considered as a child’s reading but the fact that tales that were created suits everyone. Personally, what is interesting about tales; it actually reflect life some actually present ‘universal’ cultures and norms. ‘Universal’ because most tales are created and involve imagination, but the values they present are universal; applied even today.Another value of tales in education purposes will be its own value in writing. Some tales may be out of the world but still make sense and the issues or values are visible. Tales are special for the ideas of creating such writing by combining imagination and at the same time appears to be realistic. The values are realistic but the tales may be about fairies from imagined world or more on the extraterrestrial. It is unique. I would say that tales may seem to be unrealistic but the creativity in the way of presenting ideas or messages should be given credits. For education it would not only be for its values but also its aesthetic writing that would allow students to creatively apply the language not only in writing. In terms of reading proficiency, tales allow students to actually experience something else that could mesmerize their minds rather than reading the text book.

My favaurite fable

The crow was at her luck for the piece of cheese. But, she is rather naïve to fall for praises, the kind words by the wolf. She was known as ‘Queen of Birds’ and she boasted. She opens her mouth and the piece of cheese fell on to the ground. Now, the wolf with his brilliant idea caught him a piece of cheese. I guess the bird cannot even open her mouth because she must be shocked that she was cheated and astonished that the wolf was able to get away with her cheese though he cannot fly either climb the tree.The moral lies will be not to fall or trust strangers easily. We must not fall for temptation which may cause us fail to be alert and rationalize the situations. We must also be careful with words. Words may be beautiful when arranged by the con but you may be swindled by them. Man will try to do all they can to achieve their aims even though the stakes may be high and risk their effort.We must also not easily to trust because trustworthy is not required but acquired as one deserve trust that we have confident in. "Do not trust flatterer". It may sound funny but the fact is truth.

READING FABLES

I am used to fables since I was a kid. My aunty is a teacher, she had taught me to read till it became a habit till now. I could not sleep till I read something because I am used to reading. Fables are my favourite; they are not lengthy but rich in content pertaining to moral values. However, as I grew up, fables fade away because there were so much of other reading resources. After a certain period of time, I totally forgot my favourite fables because I had enough of serious reading so I began craving for something lighter like magazines, and newspaper columns.I have never come across any teachers who uses fables in their lesson . After learning about fables, I agree to the fact that fables are good resources of knowledge. Teachers should move from the old way of newspaper cuttings and passages from workbooks. Fables suggest an authentic teacher generated material. At least, the students have not come across the questions provided somewhere and the text does not have to be simplified; so we can stick to the original version and preserve the personal touch from the author.Teachers nowadays have access to the Internet easily. They will not face the difficulties to get materials from the net. So, frequent library visits are not required and they can surf for the fables through Internet with other additional information about it. (such as historical background and possible activities) When there is a will, there will always be a way.

AESOP FABLE

Aesop fable,"The Jay and the Peacock" made me to believe in myself. "It is not only feathers that make fine birds." One may have materials to cover or hide his weaknesses but that does not make any different. You are just cheating yourself, your esteem. It is about you being yourself, not being exactly like others as the changes that you may make are just superficial. You may have beautiful ‘feathers’ to hide your ‘impairment’ (weakness) but it does not mean that you are someone else or someone new a total different that who you really are. What is ‘fine’ depends on your capabilities and abilities. To be someone else is not impossible, though, but you may feel odd trying and if you fail as the feathers fall one by the truth will be unveiled.My next interpretation will be in term of value. What is beautiful (fine) does not mean presents the true value. Most of us tend to value something from the appearance whereas to judge by appearance may not be genuine because quality requires one to value from different perspective. Therefore, value is a broad term because one may define it differently, but in evaluating you should not only look at appearance, at one aspect.