MAGIC - Magical Tales as Anchors for Growth in Children

MAGIE is a citizen science study in which interested members of the public, educators, and cultural practitioners collaboratively modernize fairy tales – while we examine, from a scientific perspective, how this process influences the development of children aged 3 to 7.

Context

For centuries, fairy tales have played a central role in shaping cultural values and children’s development. Yet many traditional versions reflect role models and messages that no longer align with contemporary understandings of diversity, equality, and inclusion. At the same time, familiarity with many fairy tales is declining among children – particularly among boys.

Despite their importance, there is still limited research on how modern, collaboratively adapted fairy tales affect children – especially in terms of language, emotions, social behaviour, and parent–child relationships.

This is where MAGIE comes in: the project explores participatory, contemporary adaptations of fairy tales and investigates their impact scientifically. It brings together perspectives from developmental psychology, narrative research, AI-supported storytelling, and citizen science.

Aims and Impact

Acceptance: Are collaboratively adapted fairy tales embraced by parents and children?
Impact: Do they support children’s language, social, and emotional development more effectively than traditional fairy tales?
Relationships: Do they enhance the quality of parent–child interaction?
Equal opportunities: Do boys and girls benefit equally?
Participation: How can fairy tales be collaboratively reimagined and adapted?
Open Science: Creation of an open repository (texts, illustrations, audio) as freely accessible educational resources.

Become a Citizen Scientist and Shape MAGIE

Together with citizen scientists, we discussed classic fairy tales and carefully adapted them for the present day. In the family study, the research team is now examining how children and parents experience these stories.

Who is this for?

The fairy tale study is aimed at families with a child aged 3–7.

How does the study work?

Over the course of eight weeks, parents and children read fairy tales together. At the beginning and end of the study, the children participate in short, playful assessments.

What are we examining?

In this study, we are examining how fairy tales stimulate emotions, perspectives, conflict resolution, and conversations between parents and children.