Ancient Mythologies of the Americas
Activity: Students will read myths and learn about gods and goddesses
from different ancient American cultures. They will each chose one myth
to illustrate and retell in their own words. All the stories can be combined
in a class-generated book titled Our Book of Ancient American Myths
- Many ancient civilizations used mythology to explain
the way the world worked. These myths — filled with gods, goddesses,
and heroes — created the basis for a belief system. Many people
are familiar with the stories and gods of the ancient Greeks —
from the all-powerful Zeus to Poseidon, the ruler of the sea. Just like
the Greeks, these ancient peoples had their own mythologies to explain
how the world was created. These myths told of gods and goddesses who
governed the forces of nature, from the sun to the wind and rain. Print
myths from the sites listed below, and give them to your students to
read. Have students explore the sites to learn about gods from different
cultures. Talk about what you have discovered as a class. Here are some
questions to consider:
- Name two or three of the gods and goddesses worshipped. How did
these gods influence the way the world or nature works? How do we
explain these same natural occurrences today?
- Did these cultures believe one god was most important?
- How did they worship these gods?
- What do we learn about the civilization through the gods they
worshipped? Why do you think they put so much importance on natural
occurrences, such as rain and sun?
- Did you find any moral lessons in the myths you read?
- Now it's time to begin your book of myths. Each child should choose
or be assigned a myth to focus on. After they have been given some time
to read and think about their stories, have them put the myths away.
Then have each child write out his or her myth, retelling it in his
or her own words. Finally, have students illustrate their stories with
a myth scene, a god or goddess, or the natural phenomenon associated
with their god or story.
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Collect the students' stories into a three-ring binder labeled "Ancient
Mythologies of the Americas." Use dividers to separate the book
into "chapters," each on a civilization. Your students will
love to read from this book during quiet reading time. Remember to
show it off on parents' night!
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