Beanstalk
Fairy Tale Stories for Kids
Dorktales Podcast: Episode 12
Meet Jack. Is he daft or the dealmaker of the century when he sells his cow for 5 beans? His mother thinks he’s out of his mind until they sprout into a giant beanstalk that reaches the sky, where he discovers a giant castle filled with bags of gold, the goose that lays the golden eggs, and a magical golden harp! Despite a kind welcome from the ogress, Jack keeps sneaking into the castle and taking its treasures so he and his mom can have a lovely cottage with all the modern conveniences…an outhouse, outdoor patio and jacuzzi.
BONUS: Download the worksheet and color page for this retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk.
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This stories for kids episode is a retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale. It explores difficult choices, kindness, consequences, and perspective. Jack is trying to help his mother during a time when their family is struggling, but his choices also affect other people. The ogress, in particular, treats Jack with kindness by giving him food and protecting him from the ogre, even as Jack repeatedly takes things from her household. The story’s ending invites listeners to look beyond the traditional hero-and-villain roles and consider how the same events might look from another character’s point of view.
FREE GUIDE FOR THIS EPISODE!
Grab your free guide for Beanstalk with list of story and SEL themes, worksheet, color page and conversation starter questions. This guide encourages deep thinking and helps young listeners relate the episode’s themes to their own experiences and perspectives.
Podcast Episode Credits
Narration, Voice Over and Podcast Host: Jonathan Cormur
Scriptwriter: Karen Simpson Gardiner
Editor and Show Producer: Molly Murphy
Sound Production, Audio Editing and Mastering: Jermaine Hamilton
Podcast Episode Illustration: Arthur Lin
Title Design and Layout: Jeri DeMartini
Dorktales Fan Page
Come to the Dorktales Fan page, the place where the magic of Dorktales Storytime continues beyond the podcast. Discover activities, coloring pages, fan challenges, and other fun extras inspired by your favorite Dorktales adventures. Plus, there are lots of ways to share your artwork, questions, and story ideas with Jonathan and Redge.
If you liked this story, you may also like episode 30, The Goldiquills Effect, where a very rude golden-quilled hedgehog feels entitled to using and breaking the three bears things.