Rediscovering Ancient Myths with "Narcissus and Echo" Teaching Resource and Educational Digital Download

In Greek mythology's vast and enthralling realm, two tragic characters stand out, captivating the hearts of students and teachers alike: Narcissus and Echo. These emblematic figures, embodying love, beauty, and vanity, have permeated our culture and language, leaving indelible imprints. To immerse ourselves and our students in their dramatic tale, I have created an educational resource, a comprehensive teaching kit that explores their narrative in engaging and thought-provoking ways.

This resource is not just a static, lifeless document. It is an interactive, vibrant educational tool designed to spark interest and facilitate discussion. With a target audience of middle and high school students, the kit is available as a PDF, Google Slides, and as an Easel Activity and Assessment (exclusive to TpT), offering multiple avenues for engagement.

Educational Digital Downloads Like This One are Available from Stones of Erasmus. 

Feature-Rich Learning Experience

The resource features a meticulously curated three-day lesson calendar with helpful teacher's notes. An intuitive anchor chart detailing key characters and places provides learners with context and geographical understanding of where these tragic Greek youths lived. A map activity brings this historical context to life, setting the stage for the narratives of Narcissus and Echo.

For the heart of the lesson, there are two-story versions of the Narcissus and Echo myth, each provided with a student-friendly reading protocol. The narratives, followed by a 9-count question bank, aid comprehension and promote discussion. A custom note-taking template ensures students actively engage with the material.

To further enrich the lesson, Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards are included. This innovative technique encourages students to explore vocabulary visually, diving deeper into the terms and contextual entries that fit the story.

Active Understanding and Summative Assessment

The learning process doesn't stop there. Half-sheet exit tickets offer a quick way to gauge student understanding at the end of the lesson. Simultaneously, a writing activity serving as a summative assessment challenges students to write a detailed five-paragraph essay exploring the characters of Echo and Narcissus.

A further reading list, often mistaken as merely a bibliography, provides a wealth of additional resources for those wanting to delve deeper into the myth. Whether for additional assignments or individual exploration, these resources facilitate a more profound understanding and engagement with the tragic tale of Echo and Narcissus.

Teachers will appreciate the included answer keys for all student-facing documents. These keys guide students on what to expect in their written and oral responses.

Integrating the Old with the New

This resource, created with high school students in mind, is an excellent addition to any English Language Arts Mythology unit. It encourages students to discuss beauty, vanity, unrequited love, anthropomorphic personification, and more.

Moreover, this resource can easily be paired with a larger unit on Ovid's Metamorphoses, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology. It supplements a unit on Graeco-Roman Mythology, offering links to full-text primary resources online.

To explore more myths and legends, check out similar resources on the stories of Cupid and Psyche, Zeus and Metis & The Birth of Athena, Apollo and Daphne, and many more lessons included in the Middle and High School Mythology Series.

A Gift of Knowledge

Lastly, I'd like to thank the New York Public Library Digital Collections. They have made a wealth of public domain material available to the public, a generous gift to educators and learners alike.

Discover a new world of ancient tales with this resource, and join me on a journey through the enthralling stories that have shaped human culture and thought. Embark on the path of knowledge at Stones of Erasmus, © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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Discovering the Divine Huntress: A Journey into the Realm of Artemis, Or, Diana

In the bustling city of Ephesus, amid the bustling marketplaces and thriving harbors, stood the magnificent Temple of Artemis. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this sacred edifice was a testament to the divine Artemis (or Diana), the revered Olympian goddess of the moon and the hunt. A deity of nature and wildlife, her influence, much like her arrows, stretched far and wide. Today, let us rekindle the flickering flames of ancient fires and bring to life the enigmatic goddess and her magnificent temple.

As an educator who designs digital downloads, I've found that the allure of Artemis provides a rich, captivating context for teaching and learning. With this in mind, I've created an engaging, resource-packed digital download that uncovers the mysteries surrounding Artemis and her legendary temple.

Take a Sneak Peak at the Artemis (Or, Diana) Educational Digital Download

The Quintessence of Artemis

With this comprehensive resource, navigate the mythic landscape of Artemis, or, as the Romans called her, Diana, tracing her origins from a probable river or vegetation goddess to the celestial twin of Apollo. The fascinating intricacies of her cultic status offer fertile ground for intriguing discussions and insights.

An Array of Learning Tools

The resource comes with a plethora of pedagogical tools designed to foster a deep understanding of Artemis and her world. It includes a three-day lesson calendar complete with teacher’s notes, an anchor chart of key characters and places, and student-friendly reading cards exploring Artemis at Ephesus and her representations in literature and art.

The 18-count question bank ensures comprehensive topic coverage and encourages critical thinking. A custom note-taking template fosters active engagement, while the Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards help students visually explore and grasp complex terms and ideas.

Evaluating Understanding and Deepening Knowledge

Exit tickets, collected at the end of each lesson, provide immediate feedback on students’ understanding. As a summative assessment, a writing activity encourages students to delve deeper into the characteristics and symbolism of Artemis, particularly focusing on her as a representation of female power, nature, and fertility.

The included further reading list isn't just a bibliography—it's a portal for deeper exploration and individual or group projects. By assigning different sources to students, you can create an engaging space where learning expands beyond the confines of the classroom.

Fitting Mythology into the Middle and High School English Language Arts Curriculum

Designed with high school students in mind, this Artemis resource fits seamlessly into an English Language Arts Mythology unit. It provides an opportunity to discuss female goddesses, the role of women in society, and fertility symbolism in art and literature.

The resource stands strong as an independent lesson but can also be paired with a broader unit on early Greek myths, primordial stories, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, or Edith Hamilton’s Mythology.

So, take your students on a mesmerizing journey into the realm of Artemis—a world where gods, goddesses, and the intricacies of the ancient Mediterranean world come to life. Explore more mythology-related resources at Stones of Erasmus, © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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Keeping the Hearth Fire Burning: The Tale of Hestia and the Vestal Virgins

A flame flickered persistently in ancient Rome at the heart of the city. This was no ordinary fire but the sacred flame of the goddess Vesta, the Roman equivalent of Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth. Handpicked from Rome's noble families, six Vestal Virgins were tasked with a sacred duty — keeping the flame from going out. It was believed that the stability of Rome, its people, and its vast empire depended on this flame. So important was this duty that should a Vestal Virgin fail and the flame extinguished, she would be buried alive. Such was the reverence to Vesta, the humble goddess of the hearth.

Just as the Vestal Virgins were responsible for maintaining the sacred flame of Vesta, I believe it is our role as educators to keep the love of knowledge alive and burning brightly in our students' minds. With this ethos, I have created an educational resource that delves into the story of Hestia (or Vesta), offering a fascinating three-day lesson plan designed to fully engage students in exploring this remarkable goddess.

Hestia, or as the Romans know her, Vesta, is the Goddess of the Hearth Fire.

A Pathway to Ancient Mythology

This resource, available as a digital download in PDF, Google Slides, and Easel Activity and Assessment formats begins with an overview of Hestia and her place within ancient mythology. The daughter of Titans Kronus and Rhea, and one of Zeus's siblings, Hestia was an original Olympian. Although not as well-known as some of her Olympian siblings, her significance, particularly to the Romans in the form of Vesta, is fascinating and illuminating.

With an extensive teacher three-day lesson calendar, complete with notes, this resource guides educators through an immersive exploration of Hestia and her role in ancient society. Reading cards focus on aspects of Hestia's life and influence, including her depiction in art and culture, her symbolization as the goddess of the hearth fire, and an intriguing look at the Vestal Virgins and their crucial role in Roman society.

A Bronze Sculpture of Hestia Now
Housed in the Louvre Museum

To ensure your students are making the most out of this resource, it includes a 22-count question bank for quick comprehension checks and a custom note-taking template to encourage accountability. To further help students fully engage with the subject matter, the resource offers Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards, helping students to think about vocabulary visually in a four-section square, encouraging a deep understanding of terms and concepts related to the story.

Extend the Learning Journey

I've included a further reading list, not just as a simple bibliography but as a way to encourage students to delve deeper into the subject. Assign different sources to students and organize presentations where learning can go deeper into the story. Answer keys are provided for all student-facing documents, giving teachers plenty of guidance on what to expect from students in their written and oral responses.

Educational Digital Downloads from Stones of Erasmus are
Chock Full of Resources for the Middle and High School Classroom

Designed for high school students and suitable for an English Language Arts Mythology unit, this resource can be used as a standalone lesson or paired with a larger unit on early Greek myths, primordial stories, or well-known literature such as Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and Fasti, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology.

Explore other Middle and High School Mythology Series lessons for more comprehensive mythology resources, such as Artemis (Or, Diana), Hades the God of the Underworld, Niobe and Her Children, and the highly popular Plato's Cave lesson.

Join me in bringing ancient mythology to life in the classroom. Keep the flame of knowledge burning, just like the Vestal Virgins kept the flame of Vesta. Head over to my website, Stones of Erasmus, and explore the world of mythology through these captivating educational resources. © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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The Marble Maiden: Pygmalion, Galatea, and the Art of Love

In the sun-bathed island of Cyprus, a young artist named Pygmalion sought a beauty so perfect, so flawless, it could not be found in any living woman. Driven by an obsession of his ideal, Pygmalion turned to the marble blocks of his studio. His skilled hands chiseled the cold stone, shaping curves and contours until a woman of unearthly beauty emerged. She was so lifelike that one could swear she would move if spoken to. He named his creation Galatea, and against all odds, fell passionately in love with her.

As strange as it sounds, Pygmalion's tale is more than a story of love; it is a tale of artistic devotion, obsession, and the blurred lines between the creator and creation. And now, you have the opportunity to bring this intriguing Greek myth to your classroom, through an engaging and comprehensive resource I've crafted especially for middle and high school students.

Educational igital downloads like
This One are Available from Stones of Erasmus.

Introducing Pygmalion and Galatea: An Exploration of Myth and Art

This resource, offered as a PDF, Google Slides, and an Easel Activity and Assessment (exclusive to TpT), centers around the captivating narrative of Pygmalion and Galatea. With a three-day lesson plan complete with teachers' notes, it provides a structured, in-depth look at this myth, setting the geographical context with a map activity that situates the tale in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

Within this resource, reading cards offer two different versions of the Pygmalion and Galatea story, as well as an analysis of the myth through Clement of Alexandria's perspective. There are also art and literature connections which include a 16th-century artistic representation of the tale by Hendrick Goltzius, and a study of the myth's representation in various other forms of art.

To ensure your students' engagement, the resource offers a 14-count question bank for comprehension checks, and a custom note-taking template to encourage personal accountability. Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards offer students an effective way to visually understand the vocabulary related to the story. And just before wrapping up the class, a half-sheet exit ticket helps you gauge your students' understanding of the lesson.

Dig Deeper, Learn More

The learning doesn't stop here! I have included a further reading list, not just as a simple bibliography, but as a stepping stone to deeper exploration. By assigning different sources to students and organizing presentations, the learners can delve further into the story.

A unique aspect of this resource is the writing activity, which serves as a summative assessment. It asks students to analyze Pygmalion's character as either a "creator" or a "misogynist," stimulating thought-provoking discussions about gender, representation of women in literature and art, and more.

Answer keys are provided for all student-facing documents, giving you ample guidance on what to expect from students in their written and oral responses.

This resource can stand on its own, or can be paired with a larger unit on Graeco-Roman mythology or other popular texts like Ovid's Metamorphoses, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology.

If you found this resource compelling, you might also be interested in other lessons included in the Middle and High School Mythology Series, such as Cupid and Psyche, Zeus and Metis & The Birth of Athena, Apollo and Daphne, and the ever-popular Plato's Cave lesson.

Come, join me on my journey as we breathe life into ancient myths. Visit Stones of Erasmus on the web and together, let us make learning an adventure. © 2023

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Unveiling Ancient Stories with the "Leda and the Swan": Educational Resource for Middle and High School Students

One of the greatest charms of teaching is the opportunity to transport students back in time and space to explore the grand narratives that have shaped our civilization. With my latest educational resource - "Leda and the Swan," - we journey to ancient Greece, where gods, mortals, and mythical creatures intertwine in tales of love, power, and transformation.

Leda, the Swan, Zeus, and even the infamous Helen of Troy play critical roles in this captivating narrative. If these names spark your curiosity, this resource is your roadmap into their world.

Educational Digital Downloads Like This One are Available from Stones of Erasmus.

Multifaceted Learning Experience

This comprehensive digital download is designed to provide a robust, enriching learning experience. It includes a well-structured three-day lesson calendar with teacher's notes to help you smoothly navigate through the materials. A detailed anchor chart of key characters and locations sets the backdrop of the narrative, inviting students to visualize the surroundings of Sparta and the broader Mediterranean region through a map activity.

Engaging Content, Packed with Features

Dive deeper into the myth with our reading cards, focusing on different variations of the "Leda and the Swan" myth and its connections to art and literature. The student-friendly reading protocol simplifies the process, making the narrative more accessible to learners.

The resource includes a 15-count question bank and a custom note-taking template to enhance understanding and encourage active participation. This method encourages accountability and reinforces the lesson content.

Vocabulary Learning Made Fun

Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards are another highlight. Students can enrich their understanding of terms, geography, and challenging words that fit into the story context by visualizing vocabulary in a four-section square- for meaning, examples, non-examples, and a sketch.

Comprehension and Critical Analysis

A half-sheet exit ticket system allows you to measure student understanding towards the end of the lesson, providing valuable feedback. The resource also includes a writing activity and a summative assessment that involves students tracing the myth's variations and delivering a literary analysis, complete with a grading rubric and sample answer set.

In-Depth Exploration

The further reading list offers a wealth of additional resources for students who wish to explore the myth more comprehensively. Use these resources for additional assignments, independent studies, or group projects, encouraging a deeper dive into the narrative.

The resource provides answer keys for all student-facing documents for teacher convenience, offering guidance on expected student responses.

Integrating into the Curriculum

Designed with high school students in mind, the "Leda and the Swan" resource fits perfectly into an English Language Arts Mythology unit. It provides an opportunity to discuss animals in literature, metamorphoses, gender roles, relationships, and the syncretic nature of myths.

The resource can serve as a stand-alone lesson or pair nicely with a larger unit on early Greek myths, primordial stories, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology.

Explore More Myths

For more mythology-related resources, explore the stories of The 12 Olympians, Cupid and Psyche, Zeus and Metis & The Birth of Athena, Europa and the Bull, and many more lessons included in the Middle and High School Mythology Series.

In conclusion, I sincerely thank the New York Public Library Digital Collections for their immense contribution to public domain materials. Join me in this journey through the timeless narratives that have shaped human history and thought, only at Stones of Erasmus, © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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Clip Art: New York City Food Truck

Are you hungry on a Saturday night in Queens? You can find any number of food trucks on Northern Boulevard or Roosevelt Avenue to sate your late-night craving. My favorite is hot, steamy birrias, a Mexican dish of stewed meats seasoned especially with chili peppers. 

Source: Created by Stones of Erasmus, coloring page (with digital elements added by open-source artificial intelligence). This image is created and made with love by Stones of Erasmus (stonesoferasmus.com).

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The Importance of Academic Honesty: More Than Just Avoiding Plagiarism

Once upon a time, the academic world was synonymous with trust, respect, and integrity. Each scholar and student knew they were part of a community built on the exchange of ideas, original thought, and depth-filled debate. But over time, this commitment to honesty was eroded by shortcuts, temptations, and, sadly, plagiarism. In fact, the term "plagiarism" itself is derived from the Latin word "plagiarius," which means "kidnapper" or "thief."

I have developed worksheets educators can use
with students to promote academic honesty
and integrity in the classroom.

Educate. Set Expectations

As an educator, it's time to renew our commitment to academic integrity and end the cycle of plagiarism. Teaching our students about intellectual honesty isn't just about deterring them from theft—it's about preparing them for the challenge of creating academic work, both for college and while in high school, and equipping them with the tools to navigate complex intellectual landscapes.

The first step to overcoming plagiarism is understanding it. You'd be surprised to find out that your students have a lot of preconceived notions of what constitutes "original" work. Open up the conversation. And then set expectations. That's why I've developed a comprehensive guide on Academic Honesty and Integrity, designed especially for high school students (it also works for middle school students).

Comprehensive Guide on Academic Honesty and Integrity

This resource includes an Anchor Chart and a Student Worksheet, each geared towards engaging students in deep, meaningful discussions on plagiarism, academic honesty, intellectual freedom, and understanding opposing viewpoints. The included teacher's note offers guidance for implementing this resource effectively.

As a bonus, I've made our guide available in print and digital versions, with an editable Google Document to help you seamlessly fit this critical topic into your existing curriculum.

In teaching our students to be honest scholars, we discourage plagiarism and encourage intellectual growth, respect for others' ideas, and a stronger academic community. Reinforce the importance of academic honesty in your classroom with this resource, and let's start building a future of original thinkers and respectful scholars.

Learn More. Follow Stones of Erasmus

Browse more educational resources at Stones of Erasmus, and join us on our journey to inspire integrity in education. © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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Celebrating 1,000 Posts: Reflecting on My Blogging Journey on Stones of Erasmus (Is it a Milestone Worth Celebrating? Yes! I Think it Is.)

Celebrating 1,000 posts on Stones of Erasmus! From poetry to lesson plans, join me in reflecting on my journey as a writer and educator.

1,000 Blog Posts Later

Writing my 1,000th post for my blog, Stones of Erasmus, is a milestone that I find challenging to write about. I started this blog when I was still a Benedictine monk, and it has stayed with me through various life changes, including my stint as a high school English teacher in New Orleans, my time at the New School for Social Research, and my New York City sojourn.

Initially, my blog was a mishmash of embarrassing pieces of poetry and ersatz literary criticism, sprinkled in with some theology and movie reviews. Over time, my blog has evolved and become more focused. Although it still includes some of those early elements, such as movie reviews and records of my visits to random art museums, it now features a lot of educational content related to my teaching career.

One of my earliest obsessions was making things up, and my journey as a teacher has allowed me to indulge that passion. I create digital educational resources such as clip art and lesson plans that I share on my blog. I also write about my creations, sharing my experiences with my readers.

A Writer's Blog As An Excuse To Journal

Writing on my blog has also allowed me to indulge in another childhood obsession: keeping a journal. I still have my first spiral notebook, which contains my first journal entries from the end of my fifth-grade year through the monotony of sixth grade. As an adult, I have only read it once. However, I am considering adding it to my blog, which would be a fun and nostalgic experience.

Answering Questions from My Students

Some of my high school students have asked me about my blog, such as whether I make any money. The answer is yes and no. I used to use AdWords from Google, but I stopped using it. My blog does make money, but it is minimal, around one hundred dollars a year. The income comes from people clicking on a link to one of the digital educational resources I sell, such as my popular lesson plan on teaching Plato's Allegory of the Cave to middle and high school kids.

The Future of Blogging
Another student asked me why I continue to write my blog when long-form writing appears dead. My blog is more permanent than other forms of social media, and I enjoy the idea that more people are likely to stumble upon it, whether through a Google search or a link somewhere. I am always surprised when old posts receive a resurgence, such as a post I wrote years ago about words from Greek mythology or a post I wrote about The Iliad, which has remained popular for some reason. The difference between long-form blogging and other types of content on the internet is that blog writers offer a unique perspective on things. I enjoy reading other blogs, such as those written by nannies or teachers, because they share their personal experiences, which is powerful.

As my blog has evolved, I have also learned some important lessons about writing. One of the most important lessons is to keep writing, even when I do not like it. I easily get discouraged when I get few views or comments on my blog. However, I have learned that if I keep writing, eventually, people will discover my work, and it will find an audience.

Another lesson I have learned is the importance of editing. Writing is a process that takes time to craft a well-written post. I often write several drafts before I am happy with the final version. It is also essential to proofread my work carefully, looking for spelling and grammatical errors. Reading my work out loud is helpful, as this helps me catch mistakes I might have missed otherwise.

Finally, I have learned that blogging is a community activity. Blogging is not just about writing for myself but also about connecting with others with similar interests.

Drum roll, please.

Here are my favorite selections from Stones of Erasmus (in no particular order):

• Grandson and Grandfather: Birthday Portrait
• Story from the Classroom: A Severe Whooshing Sound
• Top Ten Movies in Black & White
• Blaise Pascal On The Contradictory Nature of Human Beings
• Repost from Kurt Vonnegut: Liberal Crap I Don't Want to Hear Anymore
• Book Review: Repulsion as Metaphor
• Travel Postcard: That Time I Visited a Public Library in Saltillo, Mexico
• On Writer's Block — A Journal & Rant
• Thinking About the Roman God Janus On New Year’s Eve
• On St. Ann and Bourbon: A Story of a Mardi Gras Day

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Clip Art: A Boy Akimbo Pondering Dasein

A portrait of an adolescent boy looking askance at the camera, discussing the beauty of wonder and being against the backdrop of dasein.

Source: Created by Stones of Erasmus, claymation (with digital elements added by open-source artificial intelligence). This image is created and made with love by Stones of Erasmus (stonesoferasmus.com).

Update: I created a remix.

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