If you want to create mythology lesson plans, you should typically begin by considering what you want to accomplish with each lesson and use that as your guiding concept throughout the lesson. A lesson plan that introduces the idea of mythology can include different types of myths and mythologies and an explanation of how different cultures have created various myths. You can also make mythology lesson plans specifically for certain cultures or specific stories, especially longer works like The Odyssey. There may be opportunities for you to incorporate vocabulary or other lessons into your mythology lessons.
One of the first things you should do when creating mythology lesson plans is consider any requirements or standards you may need to meet for your lessons. If you are teaching a larger unit on mythology, then you should consider creating an overview for the entire unit so your various lessons all work together to create a cohesive unit. You should typically begin your mythology lesson plans with an introductory lesson that helps your students understand what myths are and some common ideas they are likely to encounter in different myths. This can also be a great time to introduce names and terms in mythology that continue to be used today in company brand names, music, and other areas.
You might also consider creating mythology lesson plans directed toward a particular myth or culture. If you plan on covering a complicated or lengthy myth, such as the Trojan War or Homer’s The Odyssey, then you might require one or more lesson plans just for that one story. You should also consider mythology lesson plans that cover a wide range of mythological systems. One plan might focus on Greek and Roman mythology, while another can cover Egyptian myths, another on the legends of Norse mythology, and another on Native American myths and stories.
As you are creating your mythology lesson plans, you should also keep in mind any opportunities you may have to reference other lessons or activities you have done with your class. You can teach a lesson on the Greek myth of Perseus, which includes Medusa and other mythical figures. Later in the semester, you might then be able to more easily teach about allusions in poetry by including a poem that makes reference to Medusa or Greek gods. When creating introductory mythology lesson plans, you should keep in mind any new or unusual vocabulary in the lesson, such as “hubris” or “polytheism,” and ensure your students understand these words and ideas as you are teaching the myths themselves.
