Teaching Tales in ESL Class?

During the EDU 3234 class, we had learnt some tales from different cultures. The tales that we had learnt are The Mahabharata which is the religious text by Hindus and The Son of The Turtle-Spirit which is Chinese tales.
Personally, I really enjoy reading both texts. Both texts really captured my interest to read till the end even though The Mahabharata text is considered as a long text. From the texts, now I think for some reasons I think I had better known about other cultures, in this context, Chinese and Indian cultures.
The texts trigger me with the idea to apply as such tales in ESL classroom. Form my opinion; there are some advantages if we apply in ESL classroom especially during literature lesson. Teaching literature doesn’t mean we have to use poems, novels or short stories only. Tales, myths and legends can also be taught in the class as long the content are relevant, related and match to students’ needs, levels and follow the general syllabus in general curriculum.
What are the advantages? First and foremost, as we know one of the top reason why literature is implemented is to inculcate moral values in students. The Mahabharata text for example, according to the Cultural Model, will enable the students to understand and appreciate culture, values, and ideologies different from their own in time and space and perceived tradition of thought and feeling and artistic form within the heritage that of such cultures endows. Hence, students will respect others cultures and customs.
Next, tales such The Son of The Turtle-Spirit which relates to Chinese tales actually encourage the Personal Growth Model. By using the text, teacher had selecting text which students can respond because Chinese students have already the background knowledge of the text and they can share with their friends. Besides, the text enable the class participate imaginatively by promoting the kind of conditions for learning in the classroom which will make the reading of literature a memorable, individual and collective experience.
However, teachers have to bear in mind that some texts will longer compared both texts that I had mentioned before. Therefore, they have to modify and adapt the texts according their students’ level of proficiency and needs.