6th Grade Activities for Learning Greek Mythology

Greek mythology is widely taught in many schools.

Sixth-grade students are beginning to use research methods in classroom assignments while beginning to study longer pieces of work. The last year of elementary school brings a student from a child to a serious junior high student, so projects can be creative while holding an underlying lesson or appropriate skill. A Greek mythology unit provides ample opportunity to present unique creativity and teach beginning research methods.

Writing Mythological Monologues

Sixth-grade students will research and present information on a Greek god or goddess in this project. After researching a chosen deity, students will write a monologue based on the character. Students will then use props and appropriate dress to present the monologue to the class. Students must stay in character when presenting their monologues. This lesson plan may be used as preparation to reading works by the Greek author Homer, such as the "Iliad" or the "Odyssey."

The Greek Creation Myth

For this lesson, students will explain the Greek creation myth. Working in groups, sixth-grade students will create a timeline of events for the Greek creation myth with complete accuracy. Groups will use whiteboards, poster boards or any other large presentation materials to create a visual display. Each group will present their display to the class. Groups will complete a full display, but they may be assigned only sections of the display to discuss with the class. For example, a classroom with three groups will have a group assigned to the earliest section of the timeline, a group assigned to the middle section and a group assigned the the latest section.

Greek Commercials

Review a tape of commercials with the class. Discuss the advertiser's target audience and ask students which commercials are preferable. Discuss logos and slogans, reviewing what makes a slogan memorable. Following this discussion, divide students into groups and assign each group to create a commercial related to Greek mythology, using props and music. Students will present their commercial to the class.

Clash of the Titans

View sections of the movie "Clash of the Titans" and ask students to write down favorite or memorable characters. After the movie, assign students to research and write reports on two characters. Students can be assessed through the reports or a group oral test can be administered. This lesson is an initiating activity to introduce Greek characters and a Greek mythology unit. The students will exercise research skills and further learn to interpret and analyze information from research material.

References

• Connected Learning: Titlell Technology Literacy Challenge Grant: Learning Unit: Greek Mythology
• HotChalk LessonPlansPage: The Greek Creation Myth
• The Educator's Reference Desk: Lesson Plans: Writing Mythological Monologues