home

=Greek Gods in Middle/High School...=

Language Arts Activity
In this language arts activity, students will choose a Greek mythological character to research. Then they will select a typical problem faced by middle or high school student today, and write a __descriptive narrative__ about how their hero or heroine would handle it. **WHAT YOU NEED** **WHAT TO DO**
 * __List of gods, goddesses, heroes and heroines__
 * List of middle school problems
 * Access to research materials, books, journals, periodicals, Encarta, etc.
 * Writing supplies
 * 1) Explain to students that myths are traditional stories invented by early people to explain the mysteries of the universe, such as creation, changing seasons, day and night, etc. Often these stories had characters of superhuman qualities, strengths or talents. These characters usually had very human flaws and imperfections as well. This combination often made for interesting challenges and conflicts in their lives.
 * 2) Ask if students about the gods, goddesses, heroes or heroines of Greece. List these on the board and discuss. Give a list of deities for research. Ask what information would be helpful to know. Answers might include:
 * ** Where does the character come from? **
 * ** What are the superhuman qualities, strengths or talents? **
 * ** What are the personality quirks or flaws? **
 * **What is the area of domain or influence?**
 * 1) Students select one of the middle school problems from the list. Their assignment will be to write a descriptive narrative showing how their character might try to resolve the problem.
 * 2) Use the writing process to revise, edit and publish papers. Students may share their stories in peer response groups.

=** Gods, Goddesses, Heroes and Heroines **= = =

** Choose one of the characters listed. **
=== Characters: Apollo, Arachne, Aphrodite, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Atlas, Circe, Daedalus, Demeter, Echo, Eros, Hades, Hecate, Hera, Hercules, Hermes, Narcissus, Orion, Poseidon, Psyche, Zeus. (or any other Gods or Goddesses) === Typical Middle School Problems
 * Research the following information:**
 * Where does the character come from?
 * What are the superhuman qualities, talents or abilities?
 * What are the personality quirks or flaws?
 * What is the area of domain or influence?
 * Select one of the following for your character to resolve. **
 * 1) Missed the bus to school
 * 2) Wants a certain boy or girl to notice them
 * 3) Hard time doing equations in math
 * 4) Hates what is being served for lunch today
 * 5) A bully is picking on him/her
 * 6) Had a run-in with a teacher in the hall
 * 7) Didn't make the basketball team
 * 8) Doesn't have enough money to buy the latest CD
 * 9) Doesn't get along with the leader of the most popular crowd
 * 10) Didn't quite finish the English assignment
 * 11) YOUR CHOICE!

Essay is DUE – Thursday, May 12th

website ideas:
[|www.mythweb.com] - Basic info about the Gods http://www.greekmythology.com/ - More detailed info about Gods, minor gods, and various creatures and monsters as well. http://greekgodsproject.wikispaces.com/ - A funny 'myspace" project on the wikispaces!