The Power of Mythology

Lesson Overview

Unit: Writing Adventures in Aru (Lesson 3 of 10)
Year Group: Year 6
Subject: English (ELA)
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 15 students
UK National Curriculum Area: Writing – Composition, Creativity, and Research

Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the Year 6 English National Curriculum objectives, specifically:

• Writing - Composition:

  • Identifying themes and conventions in myths.
  • Using discussion to generate and develop ideas for writing.
  • Considering the audience when writing creatively.

• Research and Note-Taking:

  • Retrieving, recording, and presenting information from non-fiction sources.

• Creativity and Expression:

  • Planning and writing a coherent piece using appropriate vocabulary and structure.

---

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Identify mythological figures referenced in Writing Adventures in Aru.
• Conduct brief research on a chosen mythological character.
• Plan and write a creative prompt imagining a new adventure for that character.

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction – Setting the Scene (10 minutes)

Begin with an engaging discussion:

1. Quick Reflection (5 minutes)

   • Ask students: What do you remember about mythological elements in the story so far?
   • Encourage them to share their thoughts about supernatural beings, gods, or legendary creatures.

2. Mythology in Storytelling (5 minutes)

   • Explain: Many stories borrow ideas from real-world myths—why do writers do this?
   • Briefly introduce mythological figures mentioned in the book and their origins.

2. Researching a Mythological Figure (15 minutes)

Each student selects a mythological character from the book (provide a short list for guidance).

1. Paired Research Task (10 minutes)

   • Pupils will work in pairs to find 5 key facts about their chosen character using classroom resources.
   • Encourage them to find:
     • Origin (Greek, Hindu, Norse, etc.)
     • Appearance
     • Powers or abilities
     • A famous myth involving them
     • Their symbolic meaning

2. Mini Presentation (5 minutes)

   • Each pair shares a 30-second summary of their mythological figure with the class.

3. Creative Writing Prompt: A New Adventure (25 minutes)

1. Imaginative Scenario (5 minutes)

   • Pose the question: What if your chosen mythological character appeared in a modern-day setting?
   • Brainstorm different surroundings (e.g., in a bustling city, deep in a jungle, on another planet).

2. Planning the Adventure (5 minutes)

   • Provide students with a structured writing frame to plan their story idea:
     • Who: The mythological figure
     • Where: A unique setting
     • What challenge: A problem they must solve
     • How: The actions they take

3. Writing Time – Story Opening (15 minutes)

   • Students begin writing their first paragraph, focusing on setting the scene.
   • Remind them of descriptive details (senses, atmosphere, dialogue).
   • Encourage varied sentence structures and ambitious vocabulary.

---

Plenary – Performance Share (10 minutes)

1. Writer’s Chair (5 minutes)

   • Three volunteers read their openings aloud.
   • Class provides positive feedback and one improvement suggestion.

2. Reflection Questions (5 minutes)

   • What was the hardest part of this task?
   • How did researching first help your writing?
   • What would you add next to develop your story?

---

Assessment & Differentiation

Assessment Opportunities

• Informal questioning during discussions.
• Checking research notes for key facts.
• Monitoring engagement during story writing.

Differentiation Strategies

• Support for Lower Ability: Provide sentence starters and writing scaffolds.
• Challenge for Higher Ability: Encourage a deeper emotional connection in their storytelling, using foreshadowing or metaphor.

---

Resources Needed

1. Excerpts from Writing Adventures in Aru (highlighting mythological references).
2. Printouts with brief summaries of key mythological characters.
3. Word banks with ambitious descriptive and action verbs.
4. Planning sheets for the writing activity.

---

Teacher Reflection Post-Lesson

• Did students engage with mythology references?
• How well did they integrate research into storytelling?
• What adjustments might enhance creativity in future lessons?

This exciting blend of research and imaginative writing will provide a highly engaging and academically rigorous experience for Year 6 pupils as they craft myth-inspired adventures!