Shellie Sims/Monique Whorton
Room 112
Lit/Comp 9
Epic Lesson Plan on The Odyssey
Overview of Lesson:
This is one day of a unit in which students will study epic poetry as pertaining to portions of The Odyssey and The Aeneid. Students will learn about Homer, Virgil, Greek mythology, literary terms, and themes.
Unit Objectives:
Students will:
- Read, discuss, and interpret works of fiction and non-fiction.
- Define unfamiliar words by using appropriate structural analysis skills.
- Develop an understanding of the effect of history on literature.
- Identify structural elements of literature.
Unit Learning Goals:
- Students will be able to read, discuss, and analyze an epic poem.
- Students will be able to describe and explain the plot of The Odyssey.
- Students will be able to recall biographical/historical information about Greek mythology.
- Student will be able to rewrite scenes from The Odyssey in their own words.
QCC’s:
40 Topic: Writing/Usage/Grammar
Standard: Understands that language usage is shaped by social, cultural, and geographical differences.
37 Topic: Writing/Usage/Grammar
Standard: Recognizes that language is a powerful tool for thinking and learning.
Materials/Resources:
texts, pencils, paper, white board, transparencies, and overhead projector
Time: One day of a 15-day unit
Pre-Assessment: Question students about their knowledge of epic poetry.
Engagement:
Ask students about their knowledge of epic poetry. Describe characteristics, and have them provide examples of their own. Have students share some of the refugee stories that they were asked to think about the previous night.
Activities/Procedures:
A class discussion will be initiated by showing overhead reproductions of artwork, which depict epic stories. Students will discuss stories of refugees as they pertain to epic poetry. Students will be asked to draw up outlines of the epics of their own lives.
Lesson Modifications:
The advanced class will be asked to read chapters for homework while general level classes will read in class. At different schools with a less diverse population, the refugee stories may not be as applicable.
Technology Connections: An overhead projector will be used.
Closure: Students will be given assignments for research PowerPoint projects on Greek gods and goddesses.
Assessment/Evaluation:
There will be an end of book test as well as daily participation grades and activities.
Post Lesson Reflections:
This lesson went well. The students “got” and enjoyed studying the characteristics of an epic; they even got on roll about which films could be categorized as epics and which would not. The refugee stories were very touching and a special part of my student teaching experience. Although the subject matter was sensitive, I felt that everything went well.