Lesson Plans

This unit introduces students to the characters of Greek mythology. They will learn about major and minor Greek gods and goddesses as well as many Greek heroes. Through reading and investigation incorporating many facets of print and technology, students will understand the relationships between these characters and their importance in Greek culture. The unit culminates with an all-encompassing project in which students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of Greek mythology.

Week One

Objectives:

Following teacher modeling of names on posters, TLWD the ability to read and pronounce the names of the Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes by reading them aloud in a passage of text with 80% accuracy.

During a guided discussion of text, TLWD understanding of the significance of and relationships between Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes by responding orally to questions with 80% accuracy.

Using the classroom website Greek Mythology WebQuest page, TLWD further knowledge of Greek mythology by writing correct responses to two out of three activities and sending them via e-mail to the teacher.

After research using both print and online sources, TLWD understanding of the relationships between various characters in Greek mythology by creating an illustrated, annotated family tree for a selected god, goddess, or hero including at least three generations.

Day 1

Introduce Theme --

• Posters: "Greek Mythology", individual gods, goddesses, & heroes
• "Foreword" from Greek Gods & Heroes* by Alice Low *This book is part of many 6th grade core literature collections and class sets may be available.

Go over information on posters carefully pronouncing names of characters instructing students to repeat them. Read the Foreword aloud to the students pausing to emphasize important points.

Read & Discuss -- "Mother Earth and Her Children" pp. 3-10

Select students to read this section aloud assisting with pronunciations where necessary. Guide a discussion throughout with the following focus questions:

1. According to Greek mythology, how was the world created?
2. Who were Mother Earth's first six children and what was unique about them?
3. Who were her next twelve children and what were they like?
4. Describe the conflict between the children and Father Heaven.
5. What was the name of Cronus and Rhea's last son and how was he saved?
6. Explain the significance of Zeus and his actions.
7. What were the results of the battle between Zeus and the Titans?

Day 2

Read & Discuss - "The Gods & Goddesses of Mount Olympus" pp. 11-21

Review previous day's lesson. Select students to read this section aloud assisting with pronunciations where necessary. Guide a discussion throughout with the following focus questions:

1. What is the name of the place the Greek gods and goddesses called home?
2. Who was in charge and what was his title?
3. Who were Zeus' two brothers and what were their "jobs"?
4. Who were Zeus' three sisters and what tasks were they assigned?
5. Name Zeus' eight children and describe each of their responsibilities.

Day 3

Introduce Greek Mythology WebQuest -

Refer to specific Lesson Plans on the WebQuest page. Display website on TV monitor or gather students around online computers and give a brief explanation of each aspect of the WebQuest. Assign students in rotation to begin WebQuest e-mail assignments. Students not working online should choose another Greek character's story from Greek Gods and Heroes to read independently.

Day 4

Research - Greek Family trees using the following resources:

• Greek Mythology: A Look Back in Time
• Greek Mythology
• Greek Gods and Heroes - Alice Low
• The Usborne Illustrated World History: The Greeks
• The Olympians - Leonard Everett Fisher

Model the format for a personal family tree on the board. Instruct students to choose a favorite Greek god, goddess, or hero and research information for that character's family tree.

Day 5

Create/Write & Draw - Family tree for selected Greek god, goddess, or hero - illustrated with brief description of each individual's respective importance in the character's life

Give students 9 X 12 drawing paper to complete this assignment. It becomes homework if not finished in class.