Hero Tales from World Mythology: Teaching World Mythology Through Reader's Theater Script-Stories (Reaching Olympus: Teaching Mythology to 6-12 Grade Students)

Tales of brave heroes appear in every culture around the globe, and this collection of Reader's Theater script-stories showcases ten of the most thrilling hero stories from world mythology. Accompany heroes such as Maui, Finn Mac Cool, and the spider-man Anansi as they take amazing journeys, traveling to destinations such as the palace of the sky god, the fairy realm, and the land of the dead. Along the way, these heroes face formidable monsters such as Oni, giant serpents, and the witch Baba Yaga herself. Each script-story includes a teacher guide with relevant cultural background, story summary, activity ideas, and follow-up questions. Also included is a Design-a-Quest graphic organizer, where students can create their own hero story based on Joseph Campbell's theory of the Hero's Journey and keep the storytelling tradition alive.
10 Exciting Stories Are Included in This Volume: Momotaro the Peach Warrior (Japan) Vasilisa the Brave (Russia) The Deeds of Finn MacCool (Ireland) Li Chi and the Serpent (China) Anansi and the Sky-God's Stories (West Africa) The Hero Twins in the Land of the Dead (Mesoamerica) Grandfather Chenoo (American Indian) Maui the Mighty (Polynesian) The Magic Lake (Ecuadorian) Lugalbanda the Littlest Prince (Mesopotamia) Each Reader's Theater Script-Story Contains a 2-page Teacher Guide with: Cultural background information Story synopsis Big ideas to explore with the story Anticipatory questions Follow-up deep-thinking questions "Creature Feature" section exploring a mythical beast in each story The Reaching Olympus Series: The Reaching Olympus series uses classroom-tested Reader's Theater script-stories specifically designed for 6-12th grade students to re-tell the great myths and legends of world mythology. Reader's Theater is an innovative and powerful teaching tool that allows students to break away from silent reading and actively participate in an "acting out" experience where words and myth come to life.