Flannel “Friday” – 3 Billy Goats Gruff

For those of you looking for the Flannel Friday Round-up for March 16, hang on, it is coming…..

I just love this story. And no, it does not scare children. I have used it scores of times and have never had anyone break out in tears. I always get them to participate, saying “trip trap” and chiming in when the Troll says, “Who’s that walking across my bridge?”. Works every time. This one is made with interfacing (you may know it as Pellon). I learned this brilliant trick many years ago when I was fortunate enough to take a workshop on Flannel Storytelling with Judy Sierra. Her book, The flannel board storytelling book has patterns, ideas, and so many tips. This pattern came from her book.

A few tips – 1) Photocopy your figures and then trace over them with a fine-tipped sharpie. Use colored pencils to color in the figures, then cut them out. Everyone can be an artist!
2) Do not buy the interfacing that is made to iron-on. It has bumps and you don’t need that kind. I use medium-weight interfacing.

Troll close-up

Nearly forgot the best part about this story, which is the ending that I learned from Sierra. As the biggest goat is told by Troll that he is to be lunch, the Big Billy Goat Gruff says:
“Oh no you won’t. For on my head I have two spears, and I’ll poke your eyeballs out your ears. And on my feet I have four stones, and I’ll crush you to bits, body and bones!” Gruesome, yes, but the kids LOVE it.