ELA Skills & Greek Mythology
Boost your middle schooler’s ELA skills through the fun lens of Greek mythology. These tailored lessons enhance reading comprehension, analytical writing, and critical thinking through mythological stories.
What's included
8 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1 hour per week. Students can submit writing assignments at their convenience, with suggested deadlines for guidance. Feedback will be provided within 24 hours of submission, and this timely feedback is crucial for developing students' ELA skills. It will not be provided as needed - but on every assignment without request.Assessment
Students will receive a written evaluation of their writing skills and their development over time.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
This self-paced class is structured for students to complete two lessons per week over four weeks. Each lesson features a video that guides students through the necessary content (including myths with engaging graphics), along with support materials for independent work. With a focus on keeping the experience light and enjoyable, the lessons will have a casual and engaging tone. Students can submit writing assignments at their convenience, though there are suggested deadlines. Feedback will be provided within 24 hours of submission.
Learning Goals
Master Key Concepts: Students will understand and apply essential concepts related to the course material, including the Hero's Journey, literary devices, and argumentative writing techniques.
Enhance Writing Skills: Students will improve their writing abilities by crafting well-organized essays and arguments, incorporating evidence effectively, and responding to feedback to refine their work.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)8 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
What is Greek Mythology?
In this lesson, students will dive into the captivating world of Greek mythology. We’ll explore who the ancient Greeks were and their fascinating beliefs that have intrigued people for thousands of years. This lesson will build a strong foundation of knowledge, introducing key gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures, and setting the stage for deeper exploration throughout the course. By understanding these foundational elements, students will be well-prepared to appreciate and analyze myths.
1 assignment
7 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
The Big Three: Compare & Contrast
In this lesson, students will compare and contrast the three most powerful gods of Greek mythology: Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. We will explore their unique domains, personalities, and roles within Greek myths to understand their distinct characteristics and influence. Students will investigate how Zeus, the king of the gods, differs from Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Hades, the ruler of the Underworld. This exercise strengthens their ability to compare and contrast—a crucial writing skill.
Lesson 3:
Greek Heroines: Rhetorical Devices
Students will start by reviewing key literary devices such as simile, metaphor, and hyperbole. We’ll then apply these concepts to Greek heroines like Atalanta, Persephone, and Penelope, examining how these devices enhance their stories. This lesson will deepen students’ understanding of literary techniques and improve their skills in text analysis and interpretation, enriching their writing and critical thinking abilities.
1 assignment
6 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Notorious Greek Women: Persuasive Writing
Students will explore persuasive writing by studying notorious women like Medea, Medusa, and Clytemnestra. Using their knowledge of literary devices, students will practice crafting a persuasive argument. By analyzing these women's stories, students will learn to enhance their own writing, improving their ability to create compelling and well-supported arguments.
1 assignment
Other Details
Learning Needs
ELL, ESL, Dyslexia
Parental Guidance
Some content includes intense and violent themes, such as the sacrifice and murder of certain characters. An effort has been made to keep such content light and age-appropriate.
Supply List
Handouts will be provided via Google Docs.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
New York Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree in Education from Northeastern University
As a licensed history teacher with extensive experience teaching ancient history, including Greek history. I also completed four courses in Greek classics during my undergraduate studies.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$2
weekly or $5 for all content8 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
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Ages: 11-14