Sleeping Beauty has always been one of my favorite fairy tales – at least of the Disney fairy tales! It’s the first movie I ever saw. Even though it frightened me when Maleficent turned into the dragon, I still loved it.

Today I am telling the version of the story that is closer to the one collected by the Brothers Grimm. Here we do find a vengeful fairy, however she is not called Maleficent. She is simply the 13th fairy – yes, there were 13 fairies in total!

The title Dornröschen does not translate to “Sleeping Beauty.” It literally means “little thorn – or briar – rose.” Listen to the story to find out why the young princess is called Dornröschen.

Instructions for TWS students:

1. Watch the video (below)
2. Write the story into your German Story Listening Log (Get it HERE if you need it!)
3. Choose ONE of the following exercises to complete. Take a picture of your completed work or take a video and email it back to me.

• • Retell the story to someone in English – take a video or make an audio recording.
  • Write a summary of the story in English – take a picture of it or record yourself reading it.
  • Draw your favorite scene from the story. Remember to put the story title on it! Take a picture.
  • Watch the video again and read along. (See the text below) Take a picture of your log, so we know you heard the story.

* If you feel frustrated while watching the story, because you do not understand, please stop and choose another story!

To read along: