Sample Activities / Learning Standards

Downloadable Production Guide & Activity Sheet (.pdf)

In Brief

The Oldest Story Ever Told tells two very different versions of the story you know as Cinderella. We begin with the story of Changez, a young boy from India, whose step-mother doesn’t treat him well. Changez befriends a magic cow, who gives him food from her magic horn. When his stepmother discovers Changez’s friendship with the cow, she threatens to kill the cow. Changez and the cow escape deep into the forest. Changez becomes bored in the forest with only a cow as a friend. He plucks a hair from his head and sends it down the river. The enchanted hair is found by a princess, who instantly falls in love. Changez is summoned to the princess, but promises the cow he will return for her by morning. However, Changez is so distracted by the princess that he does not return for the cow until late the next day. When he finally returns for the cow, the cow is very angry with him and casts a spell on Changez that makes him lose all of his hair. The princess no longer recognizes Changez and leaves him alone in the forest.

Our second tale is the story of Yeh-Hsein, a young girl from China. One day, Yeh-Hsein catches a magic talking Red Fish while fetching water for her Step-Mother. Yeh-Hsein lets the fish go free instead of bringing it home to her stepmother. In exchange for Yeh-Hsein’s kindness, the fish grants wishes for her. When the Step-Mother finds out about the fish, she tries to make Little Red Fish grant her wishes. Little Red Fish refuses, so the Step-Mother catches him and eats him for dinner. Yeh-Hsein is still able to receive help from Little Red Fish, and asks for new clothing so she can attend the ball. Little Red Fish grants her wish, but warns her that she must return home before midnight. At the ball, Yeh-Hsein falls in love with the son of the village elder and loses track of time.

When the clock strikes twelve, she rushes out and loses one of her new slippers. Yeh-Hsein decides to return to the village elder’s home to retrieve the slipper Little Red Fish gave her. She tries to sneak in, but is caught by the Village Elder’s Son. Yeh-Hsein tells the truth as to why she has trespassed, and upon learning whom she is, the Elder’s Son confesses his love for Yeh-Hsein.

Teacher Comments

“Excellent prep workshop. Play was great - excellent tie in with our LA/social studies curriculum.”
- M. Whirtley, State Street Elementary, Skaneateles CSD

“ This is perfect for third grade, as we study cultures around the world. More plays of this nature would be great!!”
- M. Eidt, Cicero Elementary, North Syracuse CSD

“ This fit in great with our Social Studies unit 'People and Culture: Lesson 2: Sharing Culture Through Stories" Great job!”
- M. Jones, Herman Avenue Elementary, Auburn Enlarged SD