Greek Myths & Legends

Description of Learning Unit:

In this unit, your child will explore Greek mythology, as well as some of the heroic legends of Ancient Greece. Fun hands-on activities include making a Medusa wig and a replica of the Trojan horse. Skills will be mastered through the use of internet-based learning tools, printable worksheets, coloring pages, online games and videos. This unit is designed to last one week, depending on how often you teach history.

List of Objectives:

• To learn why myths were important to the Ancient Greeks.
• To know who Homer was, or may have been, and why he is famous.
• To become familiar with the characters and plots of many of the most famous Greek myths and legends.

List of Materials and Supplies Needed for This Pathway:

Links to Related Pathways (if any):

Links to Online Lessons:

This page provides a good, simple overview of what the Greek myths were about, including a brief discussion of polytheism and monotheism. 

This lesson discusses Homer's Odyssey. 

This lesson tells the tale of the Hercules, son of Zeus.  

This lesson discusses the Trojan War and the legend of the Trojan Horse.

This short lesson discusses the Greek storyteller, Aesop, in addition to one of his fables. 

This lesson discusses the dark age of Ancient Greece. 

From this site, you may access easy reader versions of famous Greek myths, including a kid-friendly version of Homer's story of the Trojan horse. 

Reference Websites:

This site provides illustrated reference information about all the major figures in Greek myths and legends.  

Hands-On Projects and Activities: 

In Greek mythology, Medusa had snakes for hair. In this craft, you can make your own Medusa wig. 

In this activity, your child will create the Greek goddess, Athena. 

In this activity, your child will create a replica of the Trojan horse. 

In this activity, your child will create the Greek hero who beheaded Medusa--Perseus. 

Use pipe cleaners to create a simple Medusa wig you can wear on your very own head. 

Learning Tools (worksheets, drills, printables, online games, tests, etc.):

In this printable worksheet, you will search for the names of the 12 gods of Ancient Greece. 

This online puzzle features a child's artwork of the Cyclops from Homer's Odyssey. 

Have your child color this picture of Zeus. 

Have your child complete this quiz about the Greek Gods and Goddesses. 

Copywork helps us with our writing skills and also helps us remember parts of a story. Enjoy writing a few of the following sentences in your copywork notebook or on tablet paper.

Have your child use one or both pages to create a narration about what he or she has learned. (Younger children may dictate their observations to you.) Illustrate if desired. 

Free Online Video:

This is a cute video about Odysseus and the Cyclops created and narrated by a 7-year-old girl. 

Free Online Audio: 

This site has stories of Homer and other myths adapted for young listeners. Included are downloadable audio versions of the stories of Helen of Troy, Achilles and Hector, The Wooden Horse, and the journey home of Odysseus--including the Circe the Witch and the one-eyed giant, the Cyclops. 

Free E-Books (and classics available in most libraries):