DLTK's Fairy Tales Activities
The Princess and The Frog
(The Frog Prince)
Hop into the enchanting world of "The Frog Prince" with our delightful collection of activities and resources. Enjoy the story through reading, listening, or printing, and explore a variety of coloring pages that bring the tale to life. Enhance the experience with crafts like felt board characters, paper bag puppets, and castle crafts. Complement the story with engaging worksheets, including anagram puzzles, crossword puzzles, and writing prompts. Perfect for fostering creativity and learning, these resources provide a magical experience for both home and classroom use.
Frog Prince Story and Coloring Pages:
Read
Listen or
Print the story of The Princess and the Frog
or, Read/Print the story all on one page
Crafts to go with the fairy tale, The Princess and the Frog:
The Princess and the Frog Creative Writing:
The Princess and the Frog Printable Resources:
The Princess and the Frog Puzzle Worksheets:
The History of "The Frog Prince"
"The Frog Prince," also known as "The Princess and the Frog," is a classic fairy tale that has been told and retold in various cultures and forms. The story is best known from the collection of the Brothers Grimm, where it is titled "Der Froschkönig oder der eiserne Heinrich" ("The Frog King, or the Iron Heinrich").
Origins and Early Versions
- The Brothers Grimm: The most famous version of "The Frog Prince" was collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm and published in their collection Grimm's Fairy Tales in 1812. In this tale, a princess reluctantly befriends a frog who magically transforms into a prince after she fulfills a promise to let him stay in her palace .
- Earlier Influences: The tale of "The Frog Prince" has earlier roots in European folklore. Similar stories can be found in French literature, such as Madame d'Aulnoy's "The Frog Princess" from the 17th century, which also involves the transformation of a frog into a human prince .
- Symbolism and Themes: The story explores themes of transformation, redemption, and the importance of keeping promises. It often carries moral lessons about judging by appearances and the rewards of compassion and kindness .
Symbolism and Folklore
- Transformation and Metamorphosis: Frogs undergo a dramatic transformation from tadpoles to adults, symbolizing the themes of change and metamorphosis central to the fairy tale. This transformation mirrors the narrative arc of a cursed prince regaining his human form, emphasizing the potential for change and redemption .
- Cultural Symbolism: Frogs have been associated with fertility, renewal, and resurrection in many cultures, due to their life cycle and ability to thrive in both land and water environments. These attributes make frogs an ideal choice for representing the idea of new beginnings and personal growth .
- Folklore and Superstitions: In European folklore, frogs were often seen as magical creatures, sometimes associated with witches and spells. This connection to magic and transformation fits well within the fairy tale narrative, where a magical spell turns a prince into a frog .
- Contrast and Surprise: The juxtaposition of a slimy, unattractive frog and a handsome prince plays on the idea of judging by appearances, a common theme in fairy tales. This contrast creates a dramatic and memorable storyline that teaches the moral lesson of looking beyond surface appearances to discover true worth .
Cultural Variations
- Russian Folklore: A variation of the story exists in Russian folklore, where the tale involves a frog who is a cursed princess. This version is known as "The Frog Princess," and it includes elements of magic and transformation similar to the Grimm's tale .
- Asian Folktales: In some Asian variations, the story involves similar themes of transformation and redemption, highlighting universal themes across cultures .
Modern Adaptations
- Literature and Film: "The Frog Prince" has inspired numerous adaptations in literature, film, and theater. The story's themes of transformation and unexpected love have been explored in various formats.
- "The Frog Prince" (1954): This short film adaptation is a straightforward retelling of the classic tale and is part of the "Shirley Temple's Storybook" series. It was a television anthology series featuring dramatizations of popular fairy tales and stories. Shirley Temple herself played a significant role in bringing these stories to the screen, emphasizing family-friendly entertainment.
- Disney's "The Princess and the Frog": In 2009, Disney released an animated film titled "The Princess and the Frog," which is a loose adaptation of the fairy tale. The film is set in 1920s New Orleans and introduces new characters and plotlines while maintaining the core theme of transformation .
- Cultural Impact: The tale's influence can be seen in numerous children's books and educational materials, often focusing on its moral lessons and the enchanting transformation from frog to prince .
Legacy
"The Frog Prince" continues to be a popular and enduring fairy tale, celebrated for its themes of love, transformation, and the triumph of inner beauty over appearances. Its adaptability and universal themes ensure that it remains a favorite among audiences of all ages.