Greek Mythology for Teens: Classic Myths in Today's World (Grades 7-12)

by Zachary Hamby

Overview

Greek Mythology for Teens takes classical mythology to a new level by relating ancient stories to the culture, history, art, and literature of today. The book uses the innovative approach of reader's theater to teach mythology to teens, asking them to act out the stories and become engaged in a common learning experience. By looking at topics instrumental to both mythology and modern culture, teens are encouraged to question topics such as heroism, foolishness, love, and more. Each chapter builds on a particular theme found in the central myth and includes activities, discussion questions, and exercises that connect the myth to the modern world and everyday life. Visually-appealing sidebars also give background on Greek and Roman mythology and culture. Greek Mythology for Teens takes the classic myths taught in school and turns them into an engaging, interesting, and modern way of looking at old material.

Grades 7-12

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781593637170
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/01/2011
Series:	Mythology for Teens
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	218
Sales rank:	287,185
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

For the past several years, Zachary Hamby has been teaching mythology to high school students through the use of reader's theater plays. When he first began teaching his mythology course, he was discouraged by student reaction. Zachary felt the subject matter could be made much more interesting. After developing a series of plays covering the same material, Zachary has found that even secondary students enjoy reading aloud, role-playing, and learning together. He is also a consultant for the National Writing Project and has presented his reader's theater approach at multiple academic conferences. He currently lives and teaches in the Ozarks.

Table of Contents

Preface Teacher’s Guide Introduction Wrapping Truths in Myths Chapter 1The Nature of the Gods Chapter 2The Power of Music Chapter 3Teamwork Chapter 4Heart and Soul Chapter 5Self-Love (Vanity) Chapter 6Wisdom vs. Intelligence Chapter 7Greed Chapter 8Mind Over Matter Chapter 9Fathers and Sons Conclusion Underworld Find-It .Underworld Find-It Answer Key Pronunciation Guide References About the Author Common Core State Standards Alignment

Editorial Reviews

Greek Mythology for Teens includes not only summaries of classic fables, but also means for students to become engaged with the material: brief read-aloud sketches acting out the myths, activities, discussion questions, exercises, and more. Black-and-white illustrations enhance this excellent and highly recommended learning tool.,James A. Cox,Midwest Book Review, 10/14/11
Whether educators are teaching mythology for the first time, or they are seasoned veterans, this text provides innovative ways to engage students so that they take a proactive approach to the learning process rather than rely solely on teachers' dissemination of knowledge. ,Courtney Krieger,Voice of Youth Advocates, 11/28/11

This book presents the Greek myths as plays, offering an active, group experience to learning the stories and the important themes surrounding each myth. The author is a classroom teacher himself, so he has written it with the classroom in mind and has included a helpful teacher's guide to help with implementation considerations. Follow-up sections connect these old stories to issues and themes relevant to today.

Mindprint Learning, 2/9/16

From the Publisher

Gr 7 Up—This follow-up to the author's Mythology for Teens (Prufrock, 2009) takes a unique approach to introducing ancient tales. Ranging from "Orpheus & Eurydice" to "Daedalus and Icarus" to "The Golden Touch," various myths are presented in the form of reader's theater-crisply scripted and ready to act out in the classroom. Nine chapters are organized according to a broad theme (e.g., "The Power of Music," "Wisdom vs. Intelligence," "Greed"). Each one includes a play designed to run between 25 and 40 minutes. In addition, a wealth of background information provides additional insights into the characters and ideas, highlights examples of Greek history and culture, and makes connections to other works of art as well as modern-day perceptions. While the organization works well for exploring thematic units, individuals wanting to know if a specific myth is included will be frustrated as the tales are not listed in the table of contents and there is no index. Hamby also includes quotes from ancient sources-Ovid and Hesiod, for the most part-and summations of related myths, neatly tying the package together and encouraging youngsters to read further. Sidebars offer topics for additional discussion and analysis, writing prompts, ideas for further research, fun facts, and more, all intended to stimulate creativity and active learning. The scripts present adequate retellings of the myths, souped up with touches of contemporary language and eye-rolling humor just right for a teen audience. All in all, a great way to bring these stories to life.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

School Library Journal