What Is Mythology? ｜Comprehension｜Critical Thinking｜

Description

This resource helps your students come up with a culturally-responsive definition of mythology that respects religious beliefs as much as agnostic and atheist ones. No need to avoid tricky conversations – a class definition informed with this information will help everyone see the value of each other’s perspectives.

Explore the concept of mythology with students using this original podcast, video or 2-page text. Suitable for distance learning, this can can be downloaded to use with PowerPoint. Looking for a way into a culturally-responsive world mythology unit complete with critical thinking skills? Look no further!

How This Resource Contributes to Learning

Before we begin to learn anything, it is scientifically proven that activating previous knowledge can help the new learning ‘stick’.

• Firstly, students respond to a number of multiple-choice comprehension and critical thinking questions.
• Next, they watch a video, listen to a podcast (both around 5 minutes), and/or read a 2-page text – all 3 versions provide the exact same information. They use the information from the text to check their answers to the questions they answered. At this stage, it is helpful for students to discuss their responses and evaluate the ideas shared in the texts.
• Following this (perhaps in the same or next lesson), students repeat the multiple-choice comprehension so the before and after assessment is built-in.
• Finally, you may opt for them to complete a visible thinking routine (template provided) to see how their thinking has developed from the activities.
• There is an additional prompt for students to develop a shared definition of mythology, preferably to be displayed for at least the length of the unit. For more guidance on creating a shared definition, you might also find this Frayer resource helpful. Of course, you can always go for the bundle for better value but, if you want a thought partner, I’m always happy to discuss your thinking for free!

What’s Included

Watch the full product preview here.

The file includes a Google Slides template that you can share with your students. It can also be downloaded from Google Drive and edited with PPT or printed if you prefer to do the activity off screens. Access this resource to get:

1. Full teaching notes
2. A student-facing video on how to complete (and print) the quiz
3. A multiple-choice quiz on mythology
4. A video explaining what mythology is and its role in society
5. A podcast (audio) version of the same
6. A 2-page article of the same
7. A visible thinking routine that can be used in the same – or a later – lesson to see what students can recall

Free up some extra time and purchase this tried-and-tested resource for less than the cost of your favourite treat! What’s your time worth?

This resource is part of a series that aims to widen your students’ (and perhaps your) familiarity with myths beyond the traditional Greek and Roman ones taught in Western classrooms. While these resources can often be used with Greco-Roman stories, they do not start from any particular cultural perspective and are open enough to use with any pantheon or selection of texts.  The series in its entirety will provide approaches, activities and texts with a ‘pick and mix’ approach, guidance and suggestions so you can design the learning experience that bests suits your students.

Be Informed As You Teach!

Review why introducing our students to experiences beyond their own cultural domain might be important in these blog posts:

• Windows and Mirrors – Culturally Sensitive Education
• Mythology in the Culturally-Responsive Classroom

Tech Tips

This Google Slides activity can be used as-is or added to your students’ digital notebook by asking them to copy or import it from a shared file or by following the instructions here. If you prefer a paper-based version of this activity, check out my store for a printable alternative.

*A Google account is needed to edit this product online. Alternatively, you can access the file on Google, then download and edit with PPT.

Need support with this or any other tech tools? I’m here for you, as a Google Certified Educator, with or without a purchase.

Tried and Tested

I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge, from those who are below to those who are above grade level. I only list materials that have been successful and I always collect feedback from my students to ensure high engagement and rigour.