Polynesian folklore: An alternative to plastic toys

Because folklore has the capability to teach and to preserve the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs of a people, suggestions are offered for using folklo re to deepen children's understanding of Polynesian culture. Maori nature f ables, along with error/punishment stories involving the woman or man on th e moon, represent the instructive function. Tales and legends preserving cu ltural history are represented by a folk story reflecting values and custom s of everyday life, accounts of legendary monsters reflecting cultural hope s and fears, and heroic tales of the popular demigod Maui. Specific stories are reviewed, juvenile collections are referenced, and classroom activitie s are afforded.