Mythical Worlds Begin

Overview

This is Lesson 1 of 8 in the "Mythical Adventures Unleashed" unit, designed for Year 4 students (ages 8-9). This 60-minute lesson introduces myths and legends, focusing on Greek storytelling. Pupils will explore the structure and features of myths, listen to an engaging retelling of Theseus and the Minotaur, and participate in discussion and creative activities to deepen their understanding.

---

National Curriculum Links (English – Year 4)

• Reading – comprehension

  • Understand what they read by drawing inferences such as inferring characters’ feelings, thoughts and motives from their actions (NC PoS: Reading, Y4).
  • Discuss words and phrases that capture the reader’s interest and imagination (NC PoS: Reading, Y4).
  • Identify themes and conventions in a wide range of books (NC PoS: Reading, Y4).

• Writing – composition

  • Plan writing by discussing writing similar to that which they are planning to write, learning from its structure and vocabulary (NC PoS: Writing, Y4).
  • Develop positive attitudes to writing by exploring different genres and purposes (NC PoS: Writing, Y4).

• Spoken Language

  • Prepare poems and plays to read aloud and to perform, showing understanding through intonation, tone, volume and action (NC PoS: Spoken Language, Y4).

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

• Know the definition and features of myths and legends in storytelling.
• Identify key story elements: characters, setting, problem, and resolution.
• Listen attentively to a myth (Theseus and the Minotaur) and articulate its key features.
• Begin to use imagination to visualise mythical settings and characters.
• Participate collaboratively in group discussions.

---

Resources

• Large colourful story map/chart illustrating Theseus and the Minotaur
• Audio recording or animated video retelling Theseus and the Minotaur (narrated at an accessible pace)
• Visual props/models: mini Theseus, Minotaur, labyrinth puzzle pieces
• Whiteboard or visualiser for story element charts
• Individual story planning frames (template)
• Paper, pencils, and colouring supplies
• Myth/legend feature cards (brief, simple explanations)

---

Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details & Differentiation
0-10 mins	Engage & Introduce	- Begin by asking "What is a myth or legend?" Gather ideas, record on board. - Introduce key features of myths using simple feature cards (magic, heroes, challenges, lessons). Use visual aids and examples to clarify.
10-25 mins	Listen & Visualise	- Play animated/audio retelling of Theseus and the Minotaur (5-8 minutes). - Ask pupils to close eyes and imagine: What do you see? Hear? Feel? - Use props (mini models) to illustrate key scenes during playback pause.
25-40 mins	Discuss & Identify Story Elements	- Create a large story map on whiteboard with pupils, identifying: characters (Theseus, Minotaur), setting (labyrinth), problem (monster threat), and resolution (Theseus wins). - Use questioning to stimulate deeper thinking (Why did Theseus go into the labyrinth? What makes this a myth?).
40-55 mins	Active Story Planning	- Hand out planning frames with story element prompts. Pupils draw or write key parts of the story in pairs or small groups. - Differentiation: Support pupils who need help by providing sentence starters or picture clues. Advanced learners can add extra detail or invent an alternate ending.
55-60 mins	Share & Reflect	- Invite some pairs/groups to share their plans or drawings. - Recap main features of myths & the story elements learned. - Set a curious question for next lesson: "What other myths might you want to explore?"

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Visual learners: Use plenty of visuals – story maps, props, animations, and colour-coded story elements to support understanding.
• Auditory learners: Emphasise the storytelling audio and class discussion. Use expressive reading to engage.
• Kinesthetic learners: Incorporate hands-on models and mini drama role-play retelling small scenes.
• Additional support: Provide sentence starters, story maps with images for pupils with EAL or SEND to scaffold expression and understanding.
• Challenge: Provide advanced pupils with the challenge to suggest a modern myth or legend or write a short alternative ending independently.

---

Assessment for Learning

• Observe pupil participation in discussion and story mapping activities. Do they identify characters, setting, problem, and resolution?
• Review paired story plans for understanding of mythical story structure.
• Listen to pupils’ imaginative responses during visualisation and sharing.
• Use questioning to check comprehension and inference skills based on NC guidance.

---

Extension Activities

• Pupils write their own short myth incorporating traditional elements learned.
• Create a class mythical creature and design a short legend for it.
• Drama activity: Act out a short scene from Theseus and the Minotaur using puppets or masks.
• Research task: Compare a Greek myth to a local or family legend and identify similarities/differences.

---

Teacher Reflection Notes

• Did pupils engage actively with the story and visual aids?
• Were story elements clearly understood and articulated?
• How effectively did differentiation support all learners?
• Which pupils showed particular enthusiasm or creativity to inform future groupings or extension?
• Plan to use this assessment data to tailor the following lessons in the unit to deepen comprehension and creative writing skills related to myths.

---

This plan injects imagination and hands-on exploration into Year 4 English learning while firmly aligning with the National Curriculum's reading, writing, and spoken language programmes of study. It creates a rich environment for visualisation, discussion, and creative response to ancient storytelling, setting a strong foundation for mastering myths through the unit.