For one, Greek mythology teaches us about the origins of the world and the human race. Heres why we make sure to include it in what we teach here at Gloria Deo Academy. The lessons taught by the Greeks did not only apply to the people who existed then, it was a lesson to all mankind about human nature and morals. In fact, it is impossible to go around to completely understand the basics of things like fine arts, literature, and performing arts without touching on some Greek myth. Many English words have Greek roots that reference the ancient stories. Consider for a moment the entertainment choices students (and teachers ourselves) might make outside of the classroom. I recall two things that I learned that year; one was trying to tell time it was so hard for me. And the list goes on and on! If we are ignorant of these stories and various elements of Greek culture, we may not be fully understanding the culture in which we live. Here is a list of some notable young adult novels that primarily focus on Greek mythology and history. At first, they have no idea how to get back to the real world. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. Cole thinks Nikki has the ability to take over the Underworld and become the Queen of the Underworld. In truth, these myths give people a chance to glimpse at the way the Greeks lived and how they thought back then. 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. Teaching about Greek mythology in your Christian homeschool is not bad. Students learn problem-solving skills and how to deal with difficult situations as a result of studying these stories. At the same time, it is an opportunity to repeat the key learning as the figures are accompanied by information cards. Formal education was attained through attendance to a public school or was provided by a hired tutor. MIleff, Geri. The values and ideals found in these myths can have a significant impact on the formation and education of young people because of the moral principles projected in conjunction with those powerful symbols. When you take a look at Heracles ( Hercules is his Roman name ), there's no doubt in children's mind that he's a good guy, performing noble deeds. Students will hear about Prometheus and Pandora, Demeter and Persephone, Arachne the Weaver, the Sphinx, and Hercules, among others. Mythology courses are also popular on the college level. Greek Mythology excelled at answering difficult fundamental questions that human beings ask. Monsters are monsters, while heroes are heroes. But mythology? The land was covered with flowers and the rivers flowed with milk and honey. When a student hears it in a story, it's easy for them to identify and emulate the behavior. Students synthesize their reading during each lesson, identifying central themes and ideas throughout texts. Of his 123 plays, only 7 survived intact. Commonly referred to as Hercules, his Roman name, Heracles performed 12 feats to make himself worthy of the gods. Anyone can pick up a book of Greek myths. Whether or not there is life after death has remained an eternal topic for so many years. Get creative. Creating games, in addition to teaching mythology, can be an effective way to do so. It was possible for the Gorgon to transform people who looked at it into stone. There is other archeological evidence for myth. Students are given an overview of the ancient civilization as well as some myths associated with it. Pretty much for the same reason, we dont tell our children Santa is real or that Easter is about a fluffy bunny. When we say Mythology we generally mean all the mythical traditions that a nation presents. Greek mythology Created thousands of years ago, Greek myths were epic stories about Greek gods, passed down over generations. What kinds of films and TV shows do they like to watch? Word Document File. These stories were first written down in the 8th century BCE by Homer in the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey. Not only others and especially not to think that wisdom is something that is conquered and then becomes a permanent property. Students who are new to ESL practice reading and responding to fictional texts using this product. The study of Greek mythology has had a subtle influence on society for centuries. Students can read classics as well as retellings of Greek mythology in their spare time. Mythology is often overlooked in a school's education system, and not taught very often or at all, despite having a major significance in the world of education; however, it should be offered in American high schools. Apollo and Artemis were the twin children of Zeus and the nymph Leto, but Artemis was the apple of Zeus' eye. If your family plans to follow ancient history from the Old Testament through Western Civilization in sequence, which makes good sense, you will find that you will be faced with decisions to make about what to teach and why. Similarly, learn about famous Greek myths, such as Hercules, Achilles, and Zeus, who are considered the heroes of Greek mythology. My approach draws from and refers to a numb, My readings are very dynamic and profound. Narcissus and Echo: The Tragedy of Vanity. The protagonists, after all, are usually mortals who use their perspicacity and abilities to overcome the obstacles in front of them and achieve their goal. Dont worry if you dont know exactly what kind of reading you need. Nixa, MO 65714 As students grow older and start to study Shakespeare or other English literature, the lines of good and evil are more blurry. There have been no such years in the past. Make note of especially exciting aspects of mythological stories. In addition to literature, myths have been represented in other forms of art as well. For parents to make the process even more fun, they can roleplay the stories with their kids, and of course, the protagonists cannot be other than the Gods of Olympus themselves. We value your privacy and promise never to send you spam; you can unsubscribe at anytime. It is a great way to get students interested and motivated to think about myths through an intriguing and inventive medium. The children take the place of the protagonists and imagine what they would do. Even the Apollo Space Program, famous for the first lunar landings, is named after the Greek sun god. Fantasy, adventure, and violence are just a few of the elements that make up most Greek myths. However, reading Greek myths and studying these cultures points out the foolishness of false gods. Hubris is a word which means "foolish pride". For centuries, authors have referenced key figures and stories from Greek myths that deepen the meaning of their text. Retelling classical motifs while imagining an ancient world is the authors specialty. Get inspired by our top ideas for vacation in Greece. 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. 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. Copyright 2023, Homeschool Giveaways, a division of The Independent Easel, Inc. Well-known and extremely recognizable companies such as Amazon, Nike, Trident gum and Starbucks, all use elements from myths in their branding and marketing. Admiring the courage of Greek heroes, How Greek myths convey the concept of good versus evil So, teaching children greek mythology can be very beneficial for them and for their surroundings as they grow up. There were two forms of education in ancient Greece: formal and informal. After all, a lot of these stories tell tales of how human follies, stupidity, and even hubris get people in trouble. Laura Sweeney, a matchmaking mastermind, possesses both the bow and arrow in her possession. Of course, as Language Arts teachers, our goal is not simply to entertain our students, but to help them learn important literary skills. Anyone who has ever picked up a book on Greek myths or seen a movie inspired by one can attest to its action-packed nature. Students will be introduced to great literature while also learning important values as a result of teaching Greek mythology. Has Hades taken over the universe? In particular, the father of History Herodotus Alicarnassus (c. 484 BC 425 BC / 410 BC) used the word myth in the sense of incredible history. These tales rarely have the happily-ever-after endings people are so used to these days but remember, they werent written for entertainmentthey were written with a higher purpose. The goal is to be able to see oneself. Greek mythology originated the names of planets and constellations. First and foremost, teachers should include Greek Mythology in their lessons because it is just so fun! Teaching Mythology at the College Level Mythology courses are also popular on the college level. We can literally find traces of Greek Mythology all over our own modern world. and Completely Fascinating. The great lessons that myths carry, Your email address will not be published. 35.Eternal truths are best understood when incarnated in stories. Through the stories of Greek and Roman mythology, we gain a sense of the ancient world. On the surface, they may seem like . 3. to encourage students to become more observant and appreciative of the world around them, especially the influence of mythology in the world today. In modern times, Olympism aimed at becoming a mythology . The ancient Greek Myths offer us so much in terms of learning and personal growth. It would be significant for our children to know that Egyptians worshiped Heket, the Egyptian goddess of fertility, water, renewal. And the analysis of the myth is as deeply a human adventure as life itself. As a result, Meg and Shar must become Sirens, recruiting anyone with an unholy contract to join the Underworld. In most American universities, students take a humanities course, where mythology is one of the most popular courses. Children who grew up with greek mythology books have been observed to learn to read faster as well as write. Greek Mythology helps the child to learn about important values of life, such as family, friendship, and more. Check it out at connecttocomprehension.com. Affiliate links may have been used in this post. Rhetoricians, on the other hand, defined myth as a fictional story that explains the truth.. On top of that, it is the single best tool in . Sparta was a warrior society in ancient Greece that reached the height of its power after defeating rival city-state Athens in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 B.C.). Jason, despite his risk-taking ways, was able to obtain the Golden Fleece. Argues that greek mythology is a valuable teaching tool in high school literature. Students will be introduced to Greek Polytheism, the major character in many Greek myths, as well as some basic myths. At some universities these are taught by English faculty, but many are taught as part of the World Languages department. 417.379.5430, Pre K-6 They did not, however, simply refer to them as exciting stories. Jason was able to take down Medusa with a single cut to her head. Some parents teach mythology only from an ancient Hebrew perspective, demonstrating the differences between the true worship of YHWH and the false and perverted mythology of the Greeks. Myths commonly take place in ancient times or before humans were on the planet. Her Etruscan roots date back thousands of years, and she is regarded as one of Italys most ancient and famous ancient gods. For the Greek ancestors of ancient times, myth was reason or history, synonymous with the words reason and epic. 417.576.3369, GDA is a full member of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States(ISACS), Copyright 2022 Gloria Deo Academy | All Rights Reserved, I Love Cross Country, Just Not The Running Part., Independent Schools Association of the Central States. Yes, mythology is intriguing and cool. They come seduced by myths that they think they know, often with a cloudy view of Greek antiquity, some with the illusion that it is an easy lesson. 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