What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
In this class, we will study folk tales and legends behind the Halloween monsters we see so many people dress up as today. Students will learn the origin stories, myths, and legends that inspired these beasts and spirits, and how different cultures contributed their own versions to today's costumes and stories. We will also discuss how these old stories can influence modern superstitions. We will talk about the history of creatures and beings like: 🧛♂️ Vampires 🧟 Zombies 🐺 Werewolves 👻 Ghosts This is a stand-alone class and no previous knowledge or work is necessary, but pairs well with "Halloween History: Global Fall Festivals, Halloween Myths, Stories, and History" (link: https://outschool.com/classes/halloween-history-global-fall-festivals-halloween-myths-stories-and-history-hOIUA99L#usH5oOwfJm) I teach using visual slides featuring illustrations, including some historic representations of these creatures from medieval texts to compare them to our modern versions. This class is "lecture style", but students are encouraged to ask questions and share their own Halloween traditions. This is a stand-alone class and no previous knowledge or work is required. Can't make it to the live sessions? Sign up for the Halloween History FLEX Class here: https://outschool.com/classes/halloween-history-fall-myths-and-history-festivals-monsters-and-ghosts-PDEEWQjM?usid=H5oOwfJm&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link This FLEX class combines Halloween History Part 1: Halloween History Part 1: Global Fall Festivals, Myths, Stories & History AND Halloween History Part 2: Origins of the Monsters, Ghosts & Beasts of Halloween.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will be learning about monsters and ghosts, so students should be prepared for discussions of these creepy and sometimes evil creatures. In many stories, death is common.
PLEASE NOTE: We discuss the ways that certain creatures can be defeated/killed, according to folklore. This is includes vampire being killed by a wooden stake through their heart or werewolves with a silver bullet. There is one instance of the belief in a vampire being defeated by decapitation. We do not go into detail and no descriptions are ever mentioned. Everything will be age-appropriate with the level of creepiness from most child-friendly Halloween movies. I heavily emphasize that these are all made-up stories.
Since many of the traditions of Halloween are derived from religious practices and beliefs, we will discuss how belief systems can help shape stories. When we talk about ghosts, we will discuss how some depictions are based on cultural concepts of an afterlife.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of California, Riverside
Hi parents and learners! My name is Alexandra and I love stories of all kinds.
I offer classes that survey stories from all over the world, including mythology, folklore, fairy tales, legends, literature, and true history. My classes teach students how to interpret stories in their historical and cultural context. I believe that the best way to learn about history and different cultures is through the stories a country, tribe, or any group of people tell about themselves and pass down to their own children.
I earned my degree in history from the University of California, Riverside, with an emphasis on ancient and medieval history. I studied abroad at the University of Oxford as part of my undergraduate degree.
I have been working with students ages five to eighteen over the last ten years as a teacher’s assistant, substitute, one-on-one tutor, and homeschool teacher.
I look forward to seeing you in a class and sharing stories that matter!
SCHEDULE REQUESTS:
If you don't see a class time that works for your learner's schedule, please reach out to let me know what times work best for you. I schedule classes based on the most-requested times and I am always happy to add more sections.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$18
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 88 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
1-10 learners per class