Exploring themes in 'A Journey through Greek Myths'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare myths and reflect on their themes.
Key learning points
- A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story and authors use these to convey deeper meaning
- A text's epilogue and afterword can support readers in making connections within the text and to the wider world.
- A reader's reflection on a text is unique and personal.
- Some themes can be conveyed across multiple myths.
Keywords
Epilogue - An epilogue is a final section in a text that provides closure to a story arc or narrative.
Afterword - An afterword is located after the main content of the text. It is a concluding section providing additional insights or reflections.
Theme - A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
Comparing - Comparing involves identifying similarities and differences between two or more things, ideas, themes, or texts.
Reflection - A reflection is a consideration and interpretation of a reading experience.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that a theme of a myth is literal.
Themes usually have to be inferred by reflecting on the myth's complete narrative.
Teacher tip
As this lesson reflects on the three myths we have studied, a brief recap/summary could be discussed at the beginning of Task A, to support pupils in making personal connections.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the text 'A Journey through Greek Myths' by Marchella Ward and Sander Berg, published by Flying Eye Books 2020.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are characters in 'The Trojan Horse'?
Q2.Match the character to the adjective that best describes them in the myth 'The Trojan Horse'.
Q3.One possible theme of 'The Trojan Horse' is collaboration.
Q4.Which of the following should be considered when retelling a myth?
Q5.Order the myth's story structure.
Q6.Which of the following features of a myth are found within 'The Trojan Horse'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following keywords to their definition.
Q2.Myths always remain the same.
Q3.Which of the qualities below did Night Owl hope Little Owl gained from listening to him retell the myths?
Q4.Night Owl was happy at the end of the text.
Q5.Which of the following does the text's afterword make connections to?
Q6.Themes can be identified by...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Exploring themes in 'A Journey through Greek Myths', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Exploring themes in 'A Journey through Greek Myths', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'A Journey through Greek Myths': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.