You’re going to read a play that’s based on a folktale. Here are four facts you should know first.
Learning Objective: Students will read a short informational text to build knowledge about a topic.
1. A folktale is a story from long ago.
Jim McMahon/Mapman ®
Thousands of years ago, there were no books or movies. People shared stories by telling them out loud. Over time, these stories were passed down from person to person. Today we call them folktales. There are folktales from all over the world. The one you’re about to read comes from what is now the West African country of Ghana.
2. Folktales often teach a lesson.
Many folktales have remained popular because they teach lessons we can still use today. For example, they can help us understand the importance of working hard or being kind to others. They can also teach us about facing our fears and being brave.
3. Many folktales include magic.
Folktales often feature talking animals, magical objects, or characters with special powers. Magic makes folktales exciting and can help characters overcome challenges. In the story “Cinderella,” a fairy godmother uses magic to help a poor girl meet a prince. (You might know “Cinderella” as a fairy tale. Fairy tales are a type of folktale!)
4. You might meet trickster characters.
Tricksters are clever characters who use their wits to fool more-powerful characters. Tricksters can be animals, people, magical beings, or even gods. Their tricks help them accomplish difficult tasks or solve problems. The folktale you’re about to read features a famous trickster spider named Anansi (uh-NAHN-see). Are you ready to read the play?
Read the play “The Impossible Challenge.”
This story was originally published in the October/November 2026 issue.
