Elements of an Epic Hero Lesson Plan
The following lesson plan was intended as an introduction into the themes of the Odyssey before we started reading the poem itself. Throughout the unit on the Odyssey, I had my students focus on the idea of heroism, both the classical ideal of Odysseus as an epic hero, and their own modern preconceptions of heroism. This lesson took advantage of their background knowledge on heroes and helped them see that heroism and epic hero stories are told over and over again, throughout history. I used songs, movies and books as well as a brief direct instruction to help them master the specific idea of an epic hero and the path that an epic hero usually follows. I did not go into depth about Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey in this lesson, but focused on the aspects that are typically present during an epic heroes’ journey.
This lesson uses multiple methods to explain and demonstrate knowledge of an epic hero, using song, drawing, and verbal/written descriptions to help learners master the concept of an epic hero. By connecting the idea of a classic epic hero to modern epic heroes, students are able to tap into their background knowledge, as well as build a framework for this concept that allows them to overcome any misconceptions they might have had about this idea. (InTASC 4:a, d, e). By using so many methods to help students access the knowledge, instruction is differentiated to help learners of all styles gain a greater mastery of content (INTASC Standard 7:b, c, k). Because students are constantly being questioned and monitored for understanding, the instruction can be modified and adjusted if any students are having difficulty with concepts (InTASC Standard 8:b, i).
This lesson uses multiple methods to explain and demonstrate knowledge of an epic hero, using song, drawing, and verbal/written descriptions to help learners master the concept of an epic hero. By connecting the idea of a classic epic hero to modern epic heroes, students are able to tap into their background knowledge, as well as build a framework for this concept that allows them to overcome any misconceptions they might have had about this idea. (InTASC 4:a, d, e). By using so many methods to help students access the knowledge, instruction is differentiated to help learners of all styles gain a greater mastery of content (INTASC Standard 7:b, c, k). Because students are constantly being questioned and monitored for understanding, the instruction can be modified and adjusted if any students are having difficulty with concepts (InTASC Standard 8:b, i).
In case of any difficulties reading the lesson plan, a downloadable file is included below.
the_odyssey_lesson_plan_day_1.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Below are links to the materials necessary to teach this lesson.
the_epic_journey_and_the_epic_hero.pptx | |
File Size: | 823 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
epic_hero_notetaker.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
epic_hero_cartoon_activity.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |