Unveiling Mythology to Teens: Insights from the Humanities Classroom

In this post, I talk about simple ways teachers in a middle or high school humanities classroom can explore the vast richness of a diverse set of myths.

Storm-Tossed and Star Crossed: Paris and Helen's Epic Journey to Troy

In this captivating illustration, Paris and Helen, the ill-fated lovers, braved a tempestuous sea to reach the legendary city of Troy. The turbulent waves and dark skies mirror the tumultuous fate that awaited them. Meanwhile, Cassandra, the prophetess cursed with foresight, stands witness to their arrival, her eyes carrying the weight of the tragedies to come. This vivid scene captures the essence of their epic tale, where love and destiny collide amidst the fury of nature.

Along with the stories from the Trojan War, embrace a rich trove of mythology resources that comprise a range of digital resources, ideal for middle and high school students. I understand the breadth of mythology can be overwhelming, with countless tales and myriad versions.

The Power of Sustained Reading in an Age of Distraction

In today's digital world, we are bombarded with information from all sides. A tweet here, a blog post there, or perhaps a quick audio snippet from a podcast. But when was the last time you truly committed to an author's work, something that demanded more than a mere few minutes of your attention? This is what I pondered upon recently in a conversation with a former student. 

Concept Art "Reading is Essential, Children,"
made by one of my Tenth Graders.

The Definition of 'Book'

One of my former students said to me, when I told them what they had been reading. "Why does it have to be a book?" He meant that he did a lot of reading, he thought. Just not "books." When we talk about books, what often comes to mind is a traditional, bound, printed matter that you purchase or borrow. However, a book can be so much more. A book can be an ebook, an audiobook, a text message series, or even a PDF. It doesn't have to be a lengthy piece; it just needs to offer a sustained treatment of a subject or a narrative, with a beginning, middle, and end. 

The Digital Era and Sustained Reading

The digital age has unquestionably expanded our avenues for consuming content. From TikTok videos and YouTube shorts to tweets and social media posts, we live in a fast-paced, internet-driven world. While these platforms offer unique and engaging content, they often don't require long-term engagement from the audience.

Research indicates that reading for pleasure has declined among young people. Studies by the National Center for Education Statistics support the notion that not only are kids reading less for enjoyment, but this trend extends to individuals under the age of 55 as well. However, it's not entirely fair to place the blame solely on technology and mass media.

One contributing factor could be the way reading is taught in schools, particularly over the last few decades. English and Reading teachers are frequently under pressure to adhere to standardized curricula that focus heavily on skill development, often at the expense of fostering a love for reading.

Prudence, Wisdom, and Self-Care: The Uncommon Story of Zeus and Metis

We've all heard of Zeus, the King of the Gods, known for his godly escapades and tumultuous love affairs. However, little is spotlighted about Metis, Zeus’s first wife and the Greek personification of prudence. Often sidelined by mainstream mythological tales, the story of Zeus and Metis carries essential lessons on prudence, wisdom, and self-care—virtues that have seemingly fallen by the wayside in today's fast-paced world.

The Writer's Imagining of Metis
as Drawn on an Ancient Greek Vase.

The Misunderstanding of Prudence

Unfortunately, prudence often suffers from a negative connotation, easily confused with being a prude or overly cautious. Yet, the virtue signifies the art of making thoughtful and balanced decisions that bring the least harm and greatest good. A case in point is Prudential, one of America’s leading insurance companies, built on the very tenets of safeguarding and caution. 

The Transformative Tale of Zeus and Metis

In Greek mythology, Metis embodies the virtue of prudence. Pursued by Zeus, she transforms into various animals to escape his advances—a common trope in Greek mythology. Zeus, afraid that Metis would bear a child more powerful than him, swallows her whole. While this may seem like the end for Metis, she continues to live within Zeus, imparting wisdom and prudential advice.

Wisdom Versus Prudence

The child born from this unique union is Athena, the goddess of wisdom. However, it's suggested that Athena lacks the maternal warmth that defined Metis. Herein lies the nuanced difference between wisdom and prudence: wisdom often focuses on knowledge and rational decisions, while prudence adds an emotional layer, emphasizing care for oneself and others.

The Self-Care Connection

Prudence is not just about minimizing risks; it's a form of self-care. It requires a delicate balance of wisdom and empathy to make decisions that are beneficial not only to oneself but also to those we care about. This often involves taking a step back, evaluating the situation, and then proceeding with caution and consideration.

The Living Legacy of Metis

While Metis might have met an unfortunate end, her essence lived on, both in Zeus’s wisdom and Athena’s intellect. This eternal legacy serves as a lesson that prudence, wisdom, and self-care are deeply intertwined virtues, worth much more than their misunderstood reputations. 

Through the tale of Zeus and Metis, we find a treasure trove of life lessons waiting to be applied in our own lives. Far from being forgotten, their story teaches us that prudence is not a constraint.

Find Mythology Content and More! On the Stones of Erasmus Store

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How to Find Cheap Books: A Savvy Reader’s Guide

Reading is a lifelong passion of mine. I've bought books from garage sales for a dollar, and I've also purchased expensive hardcovers from museum bookstores. It's all part of being a book lover! But let's face it: books can get expensive.

Online Marketplaces

• Amazon Used Books: When it comes to purchasing books online, Amazon is a go-to destination. But before you click "Buy Now" on that brand-new hardcover, take a moment to explore the used book options. Often, reputable sellers like Better World Books offer used copies for as little as $1 to $3. However, keep in mind that shipping and handling costs can add up, so consider that in your budgeting.
• Other Online Vendors: Besides Amazon, websites like AbeBooks and Better World Books provide affordable book options. You'll have to pay shipping, but if a book usually costs $30, you could find it for as little as $10. Keep in mind that used books, whether you buy them online or at a shop, often have evidence of use, such as folded pages and markings inside the books left by previous owners. When shopping online for used books, be sure to read the description notes carefully, as sellers will tell you the condition of the book. Each used book is different!

Annual Sales and Book Fairs

• Major Annual Book Sales: If you live in a large metropolitan area, keep an eye out for major annual book sales like the Symphony Book Sale in New Orleans run by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. They rent out the University of New Orleans arena to sell their books! In New York, if you like antiquarian books (which are definitely more expensive), go to the annual Antiquarian Book Sale. These events often offer thousands of books for as low as $1. Yes, it's almost like a treasure hunt for book lovers! 
• Don't know what's available in your area? Look for non-profit organizations, hospitals, schools, churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other venues to see if they have book sales. When I worked at a small liberal arts college, you'd be amazed at how many donations of books we'd receive. So it doesn't hurt to ask around to see if organizations have books to either sell cheaply or even give away.

Local Discoveries

• Your Local Book Shop: Yes, locally-owned bookshops still exist! Support them and buy a book. Even bookshops that sell new books at full price often have books for sale in a bin or in a box. Just ask. The classy Argosy bookshop in New York has an outside table with books for as little as a dollar.
• Specialized Bookstores: If you're in a place like New York City, visiting used bookstores like The Strand near Union Square or Argosy Books in Midtown Manhattan can be a treat. If you're on the West coast — try Moe's. These stores often put out cheaper books on tables outside the shop. The drawback? They might not have the latest releases or bestsellers.
• Neighborhood Garage Sales: Never underestimate the power of a weekend garage sale. Many people put out books they no longer need, and you can often find gems for free or at a nominal price.
• Public Libraries: Your local library might have sales or even give away books that are being taken out of circulation. Although time-consuming, the hunt can yield rich rewards.
• Street Vendors: On major avenues like Malcolm X Boulevard or Broadway, or in Union Square, you'll often find men with tables full of books, usually going for a dollar.
• Thrift Stores: Don't underestimate the joy of discovering a unique find at Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or Housing Works! While these thrift stores primarily focus on kitchen utensils and clothing, they often feature a book bin or a dedicated wall for used books. Generally, thrift stores offer the lowest prices, but keep in mind that they don't curate their book selection. The condition you find the book in is what you get.

The Joy of Serendipity

• Serendipity: Sometimes the best finds are unplanned. While walking around your neighborhood or grabbing a coffee, you might stumble upon free books that people leave outside their homes.
• Free Books: Yes, you can find various places that offer books for free. Libraries and religious organizations are common sources, as well as individuals like the woman who leaves books on her stoop. Additionally, neighborhood organizations often sponsor "Little Free Libraries," where you can take a book and leave one in return. Personally, I have a soft spot for the Brooklyn Book Bodega (full disclosure—I volunteer there), which provides free books to New Yorkers.

Tips for eBook Lovers

Finding cheap eBooks is trickier. However, if you're adept at internet searches, you might find a PDF version of the book you're looking for, although the legality of this varies.

So, there you have it: a plethora of options to get your hands on cheap books. Whether you prefer physical copies or eBooks, there's something out there for every budget-conscious reader. Happy reading!

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Unlock Your Learning Potential: 16 Essential Resources at Just $2 Each! 🌟

As the school year gets into full swing—or if you're like me, gearing up to start teaching right after Labor Day—the need for effective educational tools for our middle and high school students couldn't be more crucial. 

In reviewing some of my most valued resources, I was thrilled to discover that 16 of them are available for just $2 each! Now that's a deal worth exploring!

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use — with printable PDFs and student-facing digital materials for each resource.

• Resources were all modified this Summer, ensuring up-to-date content.

Sharpen Your Analytical Skills

• Introduce resources aimed at analytical skills like:
• "Thinking & Writing: Graphic Organizer for Analyzing Quotes & Textual Evidence"
• "Opposing Viewpoints Debate: On Judging Appearances"

Master The Writing Process

• Focus on resources that target writing skills:
• "Detail Observation Guide: Enhance Narrative & Expository Writing"
• "Prewriting-Drafting-Revising: ELA Writing Cycle Guide"

Tools for Organized Learning

• Resources that help students stay organized:
• "Student Writing Presentation Toolbox for Middle & High School"
• "Student Writer's Portfolio Tracker: Organize & Showcase Work"

Multi-dimensional Writing

• Resources that help students explore different modes and purposes of writing:
• "Writing Modes: ELA Exercise for Improving Writing Skills"
• "Purpose & Mode in Writing: Comprehensive Chart for Student Success"

Boost Creative and Factual Writing

• Resources that offer brainstorming and research techniques:
• "Using Print & Non-Print Sources | Classroom Success for Writing"
• "Clustering Guide: Brainstorming Activity for ELA/Writing Students"

Reading for Success

• Encourage independent reading:
• "Teen Book List: Promoting Independent Reading for Grades 7-12"

Conclusion

I made each of these resources myself based on years of working in middle and high school English Language Arts and Humanities classrooms. You can't go wrong! And, listen, they're all each only $2. #winning

Call to Action:

Grab these essential resources as a bundle, save even more, and take your teaching (and your kids' learning) to the next level! 🚀

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Shaping Tomorrow's Citizens: Education, Religion, and Cultural Norms in the Classroom

In this blog post from Stones of Erasmus, I connect philosophical ideas with practical aspects of teaching and societal values. Let's invite reflection on the role of education, the influence of religion, and the importance of cultural norms in shaping the citizens of tomorrow.

The sun may appear small and lightbulb-like to the viewer,
but it's actually a massive fusion-powered
 fireball that sustains life on Earth.

Parity in the Classroom: The Common Gifts of Our Students In every classroom, there lies a hidden world of potential. That gossipy student in the back row? Perhaps a budding playwright, weaving tales for the stage. Our students are not just learners; they are creators, thinkers, and future citizens. The Personal Stance vs. The Professional Stance Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's a national effort to produce productive citizens. But what does that mean? Producing productive citizens is about nurturing individuals who contribute positively to society and the economy. It's about fostering responsibility, hard work, and a commitment to the common good. It's about developing skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork that are vital in today's workforce. The Image of Citizenship: A Reflection of Values What should citizens of a country look like? The nineteenth-century image of the American family was a myth, yet it shaped perceptions. Today, we recognize that there is no one specific way citizens should look. Every individual is unique, bringing their own strengths and perspectives. The goal is to cultivate responsible, engaged members of society who contribute to the common good. Religion and Education: A Complex Relationship "Orderliness is godliness." This saying reflects how we often infuse public education with ideology, including the notion to "pull yourself up by your bootstrap." But do religious influences benefit the school system? The Puritans were able to impose their ideology, but the relationship between religion and education is complex. Some believe that religious values can create moral grounding and community. Others see challenges in separating church and state, ensuring inclusivity for all students. Folkways and Mores: The Fabric of Society Folkways and mores are the threads that weave the social fabric. Folkways are the everyday customs and traditions, while mores are the deeper, moral values that guide a culture. Together, they shape our collective identity. Opinions: The Personal Take on Knowledge An opinion is more than a fleeting thought; it's your unique perspective on what you know. It's a reflection of your understanding, your beliefs, and your individuality.

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Tracking & Analyzing Myth Variations: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Graphic Organizers and Visual Aids in the Classroom

What is a trope tracker? Tropes are repeating narrative bits that show up in works of literature. For example, I love the "gods behaving badly" trope, which often appears in Greek and Roman mythology. Zeus, the king of the gods, is also a philanderer. This trope shows up in contemporary television shows, like Homelander, a kind of gussied-up "gods behaving badly" superhero who is far from a homely, humble hero. 

Who would win in an epic battle? Zeus or Homelander?
Image Credit: (l) Zeus with eagle and lightning, Athenian red-figure amphora ca. 5th Century B.C.E., Musée du Louvre
(2) "Homelander," from The Boys, Amazon Prime Entertainment © 2019

When teaching mythology, there are not only dozens of variations within one myth, but tropes in myths are scattered across art and literature. One of the pleasures of reading myth is tracking and analyzing these tropes. Explore tools for tracking myth variations with graphic organizers, anchor charts, and visual aids. Enhance student engagement in mythology.

Myths have always fascinated creative types, students, writers, and even television show writers, but tracking variations in different versions can be a challenge. 

That's where using a comprehensive teaching resource comes into play! Designed to help middle and high school students explore the rich world of mythology, the toolkit includes graphic organizers, anchor charts, entrance and exit tickets, and even a BINGO-style Trope Tracker. 

The Homelander/Zeus Connection: A Case Study in Mythological Tropes

It sounds far-fetched that Homelander, the main antagonist of a TV series on Amazon Prime, could be tracked and traced back to Zeus, a god who represents supreme authority on Mount Olympus. But that is where the fun starts. Both characters are powerful, charismatic, secretly sadistic, narcissistic, and sociopathic. Homelander is the leader of the Seven, a team of superheroes who are sponsored by Vought International; whereas, Zeus is a leader of twelve on Mount Olympus, and he runs things down on Earth. That checks a lot of boxes. As the god of the sky, thunder, and justice, Zeus's actions and decisions profoundly impact both gods and mortals; and so does a superhero — but unchecked power can become corrupted quickly. 

Using Graphic Organizers to Understand Myths

Of course — that is just one example, and I purposely used popular culture as a way to make a dramatic point. But tropes can crop up anywhere, and it is important as a reader to employ an organizational strategy. That's why the resource includes an anchor chart that can be printed, hung in the classroom, or projected on a smartboard for a mini-lesson. It's a versatile tool that aids in reading myths and completing the "Variations on Myths" graphic organizer. The entrance and exit tickets, in addition, offer a creative way to check for understanding and build background knowledge.

Trope Trackers: A Fun Way to Engage Students with Myths

Our graphic organizer is a valuable tool for tracking students' thoughts on myths, whether reading Edith Hamilton’s version of “Cupid and Psyche” or “Prometheus,” and comparing it with the well-researched and academic version from Robert Graves. It encourages students to compare and contrast different versions, including multimedia adaptations from popular distributors like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney or Warner Brothers.

Notes to the Teacher

This digital download doesn't include the text of any myth, but it provides a structured way to engage students with the variations they find in myths. Whether you're teaching classic texts or exploring modern interpretations, these tools foster a deeper understanding of mythology.

Note: This content is protected under U.S. copyright law. Please respect the commercial non-distribution license and support teacher-authors by sharing our store with others who may be interested. Thank you for enhancing the study of myths in your classroom!

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