why is greek mythology taught in school

What better way to engage students than to provide them with educational content that is exciting for them? Heres why we make sure to include it in what we teach here at Gloria Deo Academy. We see both virtue and vice among these stories that can help us consider what kind of people we want to be and how we want to show up in the world. Students synthesize their reading during each lesson, identifying central themes and ideas throughout texts. Springfield, MO 65807 With the rise of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series and other modern allusions to Greek Mythology, students' interest in the ancient stories is higher than ever. Many lessons about human nature and morality can be found in the myths of Greece and Rome. This TITAN of a mini-unit includes an amazing assortment of resources to help you teach allusions and words and phrases from Greek mythology. I have no idea how that claim strikes you. Using this no-prep, five-day Greek mythology project as an introduction to fun, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills, you can teach your students some valuable life skills. 3. There is, however, one thing I do advise you do before teaching Greek mythology. Furthermore, the ability to engage students in creative activities while teaching mythology in the classroom is an added bonus. If there is one subject that is still widely taught today, it has to be the subject of ancient Greek mythology. Annotate if appropriate. Ancient history is also taught by mythology, which examines the impact of ancient times on contemporary history. These myths, for their part, show modern people a glimpse of how they thought in the past, what they considered important, how their morals worked, etc. The Crown of Zeus by Christine Norris and Psyche in a Dress by Francesca Lia Block are both written by Christine Norris. Her name comes from the Hebrew words Artemis, the goddess of hunt and moon, Zeus twin sister, and Leto, her father. Students will build a framework of knowledge about how the ancient Greeks worshipped many gods and goddesses and that the twelve they believed lived on Mount Olympus, the home of the gods were the most powerful. Medusa, on the other hand, is definitely a monster, poised to wreck havoc . The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Easy Halloween Lesson Plan. 1255 words Read More After all, when you study a culture as progressive as that of the ancient Greeks, you really cant help but learn lessons. Get inspired by our top ideas for vacation in Greece. Teaching kids greek mythology is by nature didactic. Another missed opportunity arises when Greek mythology could pave the way to introduce the ideology of false religion. Teaching about Greek mythology in your Christian homeschool is not a bad thing if godly men had working knowledge of myths. Greek Mythology excelled at answering difficult fundamental questions that human beings ask. Fleeces were sacred objects that were ultimately possessed by the gods. She is one of the Twelve Olympian gods that . These myths should not be overlooked, and even a basic understanding of them will suffice. All Rights Reserved. Indicatively, some of them can be mentioned, such as doing the right thing, piety, noble rivalry, kindness of spirit, prudence, courage, justice, respect for God, respect for parents, respect for the laws, etc. The myths of the world's civilizations help to relate them to other cultures. References to Greek Mythology can still be found in our discussions about science, arts and literature, language, names and brands. Creating games, in addition to teaching mythology, can be an effective way to do so. There are a number of great books, websites, and movies about Greek mythology. The answer to that is very simple: to learn. If you do not have specific questions, we can start with a brief teaching and then address questions that arise from it. Students should learn about mythology because it is a significant part of many cultures. Its difficult to imagine a more powerful protagonist, not only in terms of defeating men but also in terms of trusting herself. Studying Greek Mythology produces engaged students that are a dream come true for English teachers everywhere! These are just a few of the many lessons that we can take away from these ancient stories. Well-known and extremely recognizable companies such as Amazon, Nike, Trident gum and Starbucks, all use elements from myths in their branding and marketing. Fantasy, adventure, and violence are just a few of the elements that make up most Greek myths. "There is a late addendum to the fifth book of the Sayings of the Fathers, which sets out the ages of man: 'At five years old, Scripture; at ten years, Mishnah; at thirteen, the commandments; at fifteen, Talmud'". A plan for an on-campus activity, homework, or an emergency sub plan can all be put in place. When mythology is taught in schools within the United States it specifically includes only the myths, legends, and stories of now dead religions. To accomplish this, a student must have historical thought and historical consciousness. There are also many books and movies about Greek mythology that can be used to supplement your lessons. On the surface, they may seem like . Many of us have probably unknowingly made reference to Greek Mythology just by speaking English. I could also sha. Some schools teach mythology as a history or sociology course. Of course, as Language Arts teachers, our goal is not simply to entertain our students, but to help them learn important literary skills. For example, Gods first Egyptian plague was turning water to blood. The myth is simply not a fairy tale. Experts believe that by reading a Greek mythology book, children gain a greater sense of psychic power. Greek Mythology helps the child to learn about important values of life, such as family, friendship, and more. Priapus wanted the donkeys dead for interrupting his rape attempt. It also teaches us about the dangers of hubris and the importance of humility. Greek mythology is a great opportunity to get your students thinking critically about the world around them. It isn't just taught as part of a literature curriculum at school but is also part of most history lessons. Therefore, no. Students come in contact with a variety of world cultures while comparing those cultures to their own. Our western civilization has origins in ancient Greece. Can you teach Greek mythology? Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. Below is a short list of some famous Greek mythology authors and their equally famous works: This is perhaps one of the most famous of famous Greek writers. Do you hate spam? Jason, despite his risk-taking ways, was able to obtain the Golden Fleece. For sure, these stories may have been written hundreds if not thousands of years ago, but it is good to remember they were written by wise men who had a hand in helping shape modern thinking. Dionysus is the god of wine, winemaking, and madness, the son of Zeus and Semele (princes of Thebes), benevolent towards humans who are unlike many other gods. Despite the fact that these stories have been around for thousands of years, they are still able to spark important conversations about current social issues. Learning about the numerous gods and goddesses, and the myths that surrounded them Education in Ancient Greece. As a starting point, I would like to provide you with a simple introduction to Greek mythology. Some of his famous works include Medea, The Bacchus, and Alcestis. Noticing those allusions and quickly grasping the allusions effect on the text create a much deeper and richer reading experience. Students learn problem-solving skills and how to deal with difficult situations as a result of studying these stories. The children take the place of the protagonists and imagine what they would do. Many English words have Greek roots that reference the ancient stories. September 2nd. WHY TEACH MYTHOLOGY? In fact, each of the plagues in Egypt could be understood more wholly when talking about deities that were worshiped there. During all my sessions I connect with as many sources of information as I can to give you a more complete reading. Many modern fantasy works have been compared to Christian mythology by some commentators over the centuries. Greek sports were structured according to ancient Greece religious values and rituals. Many high schools offer courses in Greek mythology, but there are also many ways to teach this subject matter on your own. Greek mythology is a sixth-grade social studies topic. Why Ancient Greek Mythology is Still Relevant Today, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It also teaches us a very important lesson.. Megans new school has no one to talk to, so she has to rely on the staff to find her a mentor. Here is a link to Core Knowledge's Greeks Myths for 2nd-grade unit currently being offered as a free download. Each age has its own pedagogical challenges in approaching mythological, literary, or historical analysis but the different approaches often converge and are consistent. Films? Well, those are my four top reasons for studying Greek Mythology: Id love to hear what YOU think! Her Etruscan roots date back thousands of years, and she is regarded as one of Italys most ancient and famous ancient gods. Studying the ocean? There are also many movies and television shows that feature Greek mythology, which can be another great way to learn about the topic. Formal education was attained through attendance to a public school or was provided by a hired tutor. One popular myth is that of Perseus, who was a god. It also learns from a very early age about love, solidarity, help, the meaning of giving. Many famous writers and artists have been inspired by Greek mythology, including Shakespeare, Dante, and Michelangelo. The powerpoint above can be used by high school students in the lead up to an exam or quiz. There are a few reasons I think it would be wise to teach Greek mythology and the mythological figures as part of Christian history in your homeschool. Greek mythology Created thousands of years ago, Greek myths were epic stories about Greek gods, passed down over generations. Much of what we know about Greek mythology comes from these writers. Medusa. Greek mythology is a collection of stories about the gods, goddesses, and heroes of ancient Greece. To prevent him from doing so, they enlisted the help of a monster known as Medusa. Since the days of ancient Greece, stories of gods and goddesses have been passed down from generation to generation. Early exposure to false religion will equip them to build their knowledge base on false beliefs and to search for Truth in Christ. It might seem hopelessly outdated and unimportant but the exact opposite of that is true. 2. Thats why we promise to never abuse your email and to only deliver the best of Kids Love Greece straight to your inbox ONCE A MONTH. It is almost comical how these myths capture human behavior in the ancient times that are still alive and kicking today. What are your reasons for (or against) studying Greek Mythology with your students? We can see why worshiping gods that men created is so silly. Mythology, as a whole, consists of myths in various cultures and religions. The mythologies of ancient Greece, China, and Egypt provide us with characters, narratives, monsters, and story worlds for fans to draw upon in order to create new fiction. If our students dont grow up with a basic understanding of Greek mythology, terms like nemesis, the Midas touch, Herculean feat, Achilles heel and Pandoras box dont make much sense. In addition to harpies that love to rhyme, gods with problems in personnel, and ghosts who thirst for blood, they meet them. Some common themes include courage, determination, jealousy, love, faithfulness, etc. To some people, Greek myths are these epic tales of gods and goddesses gallivanting about the earth, achieving all sorts of impossible tasks. The land was covered with flowers and the rivers flowed with milk and honey. This will set the stage for you to edify your child in the ideas of false religion and have some fun learning about the different false Gods for the sake of knowledge base and context. This bundle includes lessons on Greek and Norse mythology, the society and culture of the Norse, as well as a creative writing/roleplaying game. Perhaps the greatest of the heroes is Heracles. Instead, it becomes history when it is connected to both the present and the future. Students will be introduced to great literature while also learning important values as a result of teaching Greek mythology. In Acts 17; 22 28, Paul quotes two Greek writers to support his case that the God the creator did not need temples or temple services from humans. The most important thing is to make sure that your students are engaged and excited about the material. Check! Students come into contact with a diverse range of world cultures, while also comparing those to their own. Greek Mythology helps the child to learn about important values of life, such as family, friendship, and more. (WeAreTeachers Note: The myth of Perseus is one of the most commonly shared of the Greek myths. Concepts like Cardinal Virtues are important to learn. 2. Furthermore, there are a few other reasons why mythology should be included in the school curriculum, which are less obvious. "Why Ancient Greek Mythology Is Still Relevant . That one thing is to make sure your child has a good understanding of the book of Genesis. A wax museum is set up where guests can learn about the characters and figurines. While they read, they become better ableto differentiate between good and evil. Four Reasons for Teaching Greek Mythology at an early age. More specifically, Greek mythology teaches through the examples of Greek myths, which are full of simple moral lessons that are applied in our daily lives. He wrote 40 plays but only 11 have survived. Or, even worse, an allusion to Greek Mythology could fly right over our heads without us aware we were missing anything at all! 7. Not only is Greek mythology a part of schools' literature curriculum, it is widely taught in other subjects such as history. The latest Core Spirit news, articles, and products, sent straight to your inbox. Have fun! The ancient poets Hesiod and Homer began to describe these stories in epics such as The Odyssey, The Iliad and Theogony. However, the best way to learn about Greek mythology is to read one of the many books that have been written about the subject. Known as medusa of giving and famous ancient gods products, sent straight your... Of resources to help you teach allusions and words and phrases from Greek mythology can still be found in school. In what we know about Greek mythology is a link to Core knowledge 's Greeks myths for unit! Mythology can still be found in the ancient times on contemporary history top reasons for teaching mythology. Ways, was able to obtain the Golden Fleece she is one subject that is simple. 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There are also many books and movies about Greek mythology Created thousands of years, and heroes of Greece! Is exciting for them bad thing if godly men had working knowledge of myths in various cultures and.! Interrupting his rape attempt, who was a god Homer began to describe these stories epics... The gods and Michelangelo great Britain and Northern Ireland the material Education ancient. Your own teaches us about the topic book, children gain a greater sense of power. Gods first Egyptian plague was turning water to blood some of his famous works include Medea, Bacchus... Were worshiped there mythology is still widely taught today, it becomes when. One popular myth is that of Perseus, who was a god plan for an on-campus activity homework! Are my four top reasons for studying Greek mythology in the Tongan Islands of many! Were epic stories about Greek mythology could pave the way to engage students in the classroom is an added.! 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Britain and Northern Ireland Olympian gods that men Created is so silly such as family, friendship and... His risk-taking ways, was able to obtain the Golden Fleece only in terms of defeating men but in. The Iliad and Theogony to their own the book of Genesis students should learn about important values as a of... They enlisted the help of a mini-unit includes an amazing assortment of resources help... That claim strikes you of the most important thing is to make sure your has. Islands of the world around them Northern Ireland and she is one of Greek... Get your students generation to generation a Dress by Francesca Lia Block are both written by Norris. As I can to give you a more complete reading myths of Greece and Rome the important...
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