Learning Myths, Writing Myths

• PRINT
• EMAIL

As a supplement to a social studies unit on Ancient Greece, students will investigate mythology as an exploration of universal themes. Students will begin by studying different myths and finish by demonstrating academic growth through creating an original myth that conforms to the standard guidelines.

OBJECTIVE
Students will:

1. Infer characteristics from an example story to construct a definition of the word "myth."
2. Compare and contrast story elements from three different myths using a graphic organizer.
3. Adapt mythological stories into a skit format and then present their adaptation to the class.
4. Use print and nonprint sources to conduct a character study of mythological heroes.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: What Is a Myth?
Lesson 2: Childish Pride
Lesson 3: Heroes and Legends

REPRODUCIBLES
Word Questioning Worksheet (PDF)
Overlapping Concepts Graphic Organizer (PDF)
Mythological Hero Chart (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Creating an Original Myth
After studying different myths, students work independently or in small groups to create a new one. Students may be given the option of writing a more modern or traditional myth as long as it complies with the standard guidelines. You may want to reserve a computer lab to allow students to type their myths or browse the Internet for ideas. Be sure to check out the Myths Writing Workshop, to guide students through writing their own myth.

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books for Making Connections with Long Ago

Responding to Literature — Character Analysis
Describes a lesson unit designed to teach students to create a written literary analysis of characters, plot, structure, and theme. A fun craft...

History According to Shakespeare
Check out these innovative lessons in history and dramatic literature. Students compare William Shakespeare's interpretation of events in...

Women in History: Research for Expository Writing
Describes an innovative unit plan for studying Amelia Earhart and practicing the step-by-step expository writing process. Students prepare by...

ARTICLE	Fabulous Fun with the Greek Myths Allow your class to take a journey into the world of Greek myths. Students learn vocabulary from Ancient Greece that will help them to understand roots of modern English words.
LESSON PLAN	Heroes and Legends Presents a lesson using a mythological hero chart. Students chart character traits based on readings of Ancient Greek myths.
BOOK INFORMATION	Top Ten Greek Legends What was Hercules doing before he got his own TV show? This whimsical guide explains the key characters and themes of ten major Greek myths. Readers also get a glimpse of everyday life in ancient Greece.