Myths and Legends

Unit: Exploring Myths & Legends – Lesson 1 of 2

Duration: 60 minutes
Class: 5th and 6th Class (Ages 10-12)
Class Size: 10 students
Country: Ireland

---

Curriculum Alignment: IE Primary School Curriculum Framework, Strand: History

Relevant Curriculum References:

• History Strand Units: Stories from the Past (SESE - History)
• Learning Outcome: 5th/6th Class
  • Explore stories from their own and other cultures, identifying their significance and themes.
  • Understand how stories reflect societal values, beliefs and traditions.
  • Ask questions and gather information from stories, pictures, and artefacts.
• Key Competencies:
  • Being Literate: Developing reading, comprehension and oral expression skills with supports for diverse learners.
  • Managing Information: Using visuals and storytelling to understand and present concepts.
  • Staying Well: Encouraging engagement through accessible materials and collaborative learning.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define what myths and legends are and explain the key differences between them.
2. Identify common themes found in myths and legends (heroism, morality, supernatural elements).
3. Recognise examples of myths and legends from Irish culture and other countries.
4. Reflect on how these stories convey societal values and beliefs.

---

Success Criteria

Students will demonstrate understanding by:

• Accurately explaining the difference between myth and legend in their own words.
• Naming at least two themes found in myths or legends.
• Describing one myth or legend from Ireland and one from another culture.
• Participating in discussion and sharing thoughts on why these stories are important.

---

Resources Needed

• Large colourful visual aids/posters with definitions, examples, and key themes.
• Audio recordings or video clips of selected myths/legends (dyslexia-friendly format).
• Story cards with simple language and images illustrating myths/legends.
• Whiteboard & markers.
• Worksheets with dyslexia-friendly fonts (OpenDyslexic or Comic Sans), enlarged spacing and simple sentence structures.
• Interactive storytelling props (e.g., masks, simple costumes).
• Tablets or audio devices for individual listening stations (optional).

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Set the Context:
  Use a simple, engaging story prompt: “Have you ever heard tales of heroes or magical creatures?”
• Activate Prior Knowledge:
  Ask students if they know any myths or legends and what makes a story special or different from a fact.
• Present Visual Aid:
  Show clear, colourful posters defining myth and legend.
• Explicit Teaching:
  Explain definitions clearly with simple examples. Use graphic organisers (e.g., Venn Diagram) to show differences and similarities.

Instruction Tip: Use clear, slow speech; repeat definitions. Check understanding by asking students to nod or thumbs-up/down.

---

2. Exploration & Storytelling (20 minutes)

• Group Listening Activity:
  Play an audio recording of an Irish myth (e.g., The Children of Lir) with a printed illustrated storyboard for follow-along.
• Discussion:
  Pause at key points to discuss the themes of heroism, morality, or supernatural elements.
• Comparative Story:
  Share a legend from another culture (e.g., Greek legend of Hercules) using images and a brief story summary.

Differentiation:

• Provide printed story summaries in dyslexia-friendly fonts.
• Use props or gesture-based storytelling for kinaesthetic learners and those with language processing difficulties.

---

3. Group Activity: Identifying Themes (15 minutes)

• Interactive Sorting Game:
  Provide story cards depicting different myths and legends with images and keywords.
• In small groups, students sort cards under headings: Heroism / Morality / Supernatural.
• Groups share their thoughts aloud with teacher support.

Differentiation:

• Buddy pairing for students who need peer support.
• Visual clues and prompts on cards to assist theme recognition.

---

4. Reflection & Discussion (10 minutes)

• Whole-class circle chat facilitated by teacher, encouraging students to share:
  • Which story they liked best and why?
  • What they think myths/legends teach us about people or society.
• Teacher models answering with clear sentence starters, e.g., “I think this story teaches us that…”

---

5. Wrap-Up & Assessment (5 minutes)

• Exit Ticket:
  Each student writes or draws one thing they learned about myths or legends on a sticky note or worksheet corner.
• Teacher collects for quick formative assessment.

---

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners Including Dyslexia

• Use multi-sensory teaching: auditory, visual, tactile activities to cater for varied learning styles.
• Present written materials in clear fonts, large print, and high contrast to ease reading.
• Incorporate audio supports and storytelling to reduce reading load.
• Provide plenty of wait time and opportunities for oral responses.
• Use graphic organisers and visuals to aid comprehension and note-taking.
• Allow movement breaks or hands-on activities (e.g., props) to engage kinaesthetic learners.
• Use peer support systems and positive reinforcement to build confidence.

---

Reflection for Teacher

• Monitor student engagement during listening and group activities.
• Note any vocabulary or concepts students find difficult and plan scaffolds for next lesson on myths and legends.
• Gather feedback on dyslexia-friendly materials and adjust future resources accordingly.

---

This lesson plan offers a multisensory, inclusive approach that meets IE Curriculum aims by encouraging inquiry, cultural awareness and critical thinking about historical stories. Its clear structure and supports ensure all students, especially those with dyslexia, can access and enjoy learning about myths and legends.