What is an effective way to present Greek Mythology to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders?

Question

I am a first year Language Arts teacher at a small private school. I teach 6,7, and 8 grade Language Arts. It is time for me to present Greek Mythology to the students ,and I am unsure how and what to present. I would like to do something different with each grade level and I don't want to do speeches or reports, and I don't want to act anything out. Something fun, original, and informative is what I am aiming for. I've done some internet research and I have found some good websites; however, I am still unsure exactly just how to present it. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Have your students read several different myths and then have each student choose a way they want to present the main ideas, and characters, etc of one particular myth.
The students could convey their ideas through art, writing,music, acting,or in combination.
GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

I would read the myths out loud. Bring in famous artwork depicting Greek myths, and analyze it. Your best bet is more to explain the myths than actually read them word for word.

I would talk to them about their heroes and then compare the traits they like to heroes in the myths (Strength for Hercules, Intelligence for Odysseus, etc.).

Talk to them about movies they may have seen like O' Brother Where Are Thou (I know they're young, but the 8th graders may well have seen it - That's how old I was when I saw it).

I would also focus on the myths they may know, such as Hercules, Medusa, and Achilles. Also, talk about the "explanation" myths (the reason there are season, why the Achilles tendon is well...the Achilles tendon, etc.). Things that relate to their own life is probably your best bet.

I would show any relevant movies, as well. I understand that teaching in a private school means you have to be extra careful about certain creation myths and also the whole issue of sex in myths, especially between family members. As for that, pick your myths carefully.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of much more help, but this should be fairly helpful for you. Good luck and have fun. It sounds like it should be fun. How can you go wrong with Greek mythology?

Answer 3

I think you should show them how a particular Greek myth can help them better understand a more recent work of art or literature. For Example, you could show your students a copy of the painting, "The Judgment of Paris" by Rubens" and then you could ask them what they think is going on in the painting . After you get their answers, you could explain it by telling them story of the beginning of the Trojan war. To get across how important this story is in the history of Western civilization, you could show them how it reappears in literature, such as in Christopher Marlow's poem about "the face that launched a thousand ships."

I don't what know books students in 6, 7 and 8th grade read these days, but there are many references to the Greek myths in Walden by Thoreau and in Shakespeare.- Bullfinch's Mythology can help you find more in references in English Poetry and other literature.

Teaching these classes could be really fun and nearly as difficult as untying the Gordian knot.

Answer 4

I used to teach mythology in tenth grade. Once they got the concept of what the gods and heroes were about, I had them create their own myths with their own gods and heroes with whatever special skills they wanted them to have. I tied them in with popular superheroes - they seemed to get the point. Good luck!

Answer 5

cover some basics.... a few readings about zeus in class. pericles and discuss the titans as well.
help them make a family tree too?

have each student draw a different god or goddes.
have them design the acropolis for class. integrate constellations if possible

Answer 6

Try reading them the myths...
Or presenting them in movie form?
Good luck!!!!!

Answer 7

let them watch Hercules the legendary journeys, xena warrior princess or better disney's Hercules movie. why you would want to teach them stories of fratricide, patricide, incest, and such themes i don't know.