This 'Stories of the Sea' class mixes mythology, reading, art and science together. Using my book 'Stories of the Seas', published by HarperCollins, we will learn together about how people through time have been inspired by the oceans. These are stories of fascination, beauty, fear and mystery with myths from Japan, Syria and West Africa, and a famous folktale from Japan.

You can purchase the book here, from Collins (UK, and ships internationally): https://collins.co.uk/collections/big-cat-little-wandle-fluency-levels-6-10/products/9780008624934

You can purchase the book here, from Amazon UK (and ships internationally): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stories-Seas-Fluency-Little-Wandle/dp/0008624933/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30DB3WANCGEJE&keywords=johnnie+walker+stories+of+the+seas&qid=1692868521&sprefix=jonny+walker+stories+of+the+seas%2Caps%2C317&sr=8-1


This class is designed to fill your head with deep thoughts, whilst also developing your confidence as a reader. Across the eight weeks, our classroom is a rich learning space where we read, create art, have deep discussions and act out scenes from the tales in my book. It is especially suitable for children who already love mythology, perhaps through the Percy Jackson books, or the 'Greeking Out' podcast.

WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT AND HOW IS IT STRUCTURED?
W1 - What are the seas and oceans? How do we feel about them? Reading Chapter 1 together. The art and storytelling of Odysseus and the Sirens.

W2 - Where is Syria, and how do we know its mythology? Reading Chapter 2 about the battle between Hadad and Yamm. Discussion about Storm Gods in world mythology. Making art: different ways to draw storms.

W3 - Underwater worlds. The science of coral reefs. The myths of Atlantis. Reading Chapter 3, about Urashima Taro.

W4 - Reading Chapter 4 about Urashima Taro. Discussing the history of Urashima Taro's story. Alternative endings and its role in early Japanese animation. Creating our own Urashima Taro-inspired art.

W5 - Creative Writing focus: how do writers borrow from old stories and their own experience. Developing our own creative writing ideas inspired by the sea.

W6 - Water and transportation: how stories travel across the seas, Reading Chapter 5, about the 'Song of the Sea Mother'. Festivals worldwide that celebrate the Sea Mother. The mythology of orishas.

W7 - Reading Chapter 6, about how science and mythology interact. Soft robots and the mythological Kraken. Why were myths told in the past? What myths do we need today?

W8 - Making art inspired by the seas: why the seas have different colours. Sharing facts about the seas, and how they got their names. 'Ask Me Anything' about being a professional writer. Sharing tips on how to 'know yourself' as a writer.


HOW WILL I TEACH?
Each class will be organised around a slideshow, as in all of my other classes. Though parts of the text will be shared onscreen, *all students will need to purchase a copy of 'Stories of the Seas'. In each lesson, we will have a flow of discussion, reading aloud, philosophical talk, and drama. This is in a familiar style for students who have attended any of my other classes.

My teaching style is light, warm and child-centred. I never pressure students to share beyond the level that they are comfortable. . All students in my class have an equal right to be heard, and I am a caring yet firm teacher, ensuring that our conversations remain inclusive, productive, fun and balanced between all the voices in the room.

HOW WILL STUDENTS ENGAGE AND INTERACT?
This is designed to be an interactive class, and in order to get as much from it as possible, students will be participating actively: reading aloud, taking on characters in drama activities and joining in with discussion. I *always* make accommodations for any and all learners, and there are many other ways that children can participate if they are not comfortable with reading aloud.

This class - more than my other mythology lessons on Outschool - has the explicit aim of helping students to develop confidence as readers. 

WHAT DO STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW IN ADVANCE?

Students need to know nothing in advance, but I imagine the kids who will enjoy the class most are those who are interested already in mythology.

Here is a sample of the text in the book, so you can consider whether it is at a good pitch for your child's current reading proficiency. Feel free to message me in advance about proficiency, and how best I can support your child's development:

'Hadad was the magnificent Lord of the Earth, the cloud-riding bringer of storms. He could no longer tolerate Yamm’s cruel behaviour. He decided to challenge Yamm, and in angry whispers, he told the other gods of his plot.'