Greek Mythology and History Unit Study
My boys are really into Greek mythology. I think at this point they know more about mythology than I do. So we started reading the Percy Jackson series at bedtime to pursue this interest. As we have been reading they have learned so much about not only the Greek gods, but also about random things like the St. Louis Arch, the geography of New York City, the history of Rockefeller Plaza and Radio City Music Hall, and they even learned what water mattresses are (and now they both want one).
Because of all this learning going on, we have kind of gradually turned this into not only a bedtime reading, but also a daytime read-aloud. They beg to read another chapter every time, and I'm all for it!
Summer is coming to an end. For the new school year I was planning on doing a Gather Round unit to start out our homeschool year, but they have been so into Percy Jackson, and I see their interest peaked, and they are learning so much, that I figured we might as well just turn this into a unit study and go all-out on all things greek god and greek history!
We are currently on book 2 of the Percy Jackson series, so we will just continue on reading through the entire series to start out our school year. Here are some items below that I have found to beef up the study and learn a little more about the ancient Greeks.
GREEK MYTHOLOGY AND HISTORY UNIT STUDY
READ-ALOUD:
Percy Jackson Series
.
The Percy Jackson book series is really the basis of our unit study. It all started with reading these books, the interest got peaked, and we are rolling with it. There are learning so much from the books about not only Greek history and mythology but also about modern culture, so we are just using the info we gather from the book and looking up things as we go, learning, and enjoying ourselves. My boys love it and they ask to read more at the end of every chapter. They are learning without even realizing it, and that is the absolutely best way.
.
.
.
HISTORY:
See Inside Ancient Greece
This is one of those gorgeous Usborne lift the flap books that you just want to cuddle up on the couch together and read. It's packed with interesting facts that will get the conversation going and help you learn more about ancient Greece, all while the kids can be hands on lifting flaps and interacting with the book.
.
.
History Pockets Ancient Greece
History Pockets are really good for beefing up any unit study. They help to create a portfolio of all that you have learned in an interactive and creative way.
.
.
These DK Eyewitness books are like having a museum in your home. It's so nice to be able to see real archaeological objects all in one book.
.
.
.
Learn all about the Parthenon and Greek architecture. Use this one as a read-aloud or let your kids read it on their own and write an informative paragraph about what they learned.
.
.
What Was Pompeii?
Another great read-aloud or independent reading book. After reading this book, incorporate some language arts into your studies by asking your student to write a newspaper report of the events of Pompeii.
.
.
Who Was Alexander the Great?
Learn all about Alexander the Great and when they finish reading, ask your upper elementary or middle schooler to write a short biography on Alexander the Great. Encourage your child to take notes while they read to help make the writing process easier after they finish the book.
.
.
What Are the Summer Olympics?
Learn about the history of the Olympics with this book. There is also another one that includes the Winter Olympics. Include language arts by asking your middle schooler to compare and contrast Olympics of the past with Olympics of today. They could complete a Venn diagram and then write a compare/contrast paragraph.
.
.
These Blast Back books are so much fun. There is an entire series, and they just make learning so interesting for kids! This is one the kids can read on their own, or you can snuggle up and read it together. These books take you down some great rabbit trails, so be prepared to blast off with lots of learning!
.
.
.
.
Vacation Under The Volcano (The Magic Tree House)
For your younger students, the Magic Tree house has two books that would work great for your Ancient Greek Studies: Hour of the Olympics and Vacation Under the Volcano (about the Pompeii eruption).
MYTH VARIATIONS:
D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths
If you're looking for an all-in-one source for the most popular Greek myths, this is the one to get. Illustrated beautifully and well-written, this book of myths is the absolute best source.
.
.
As always, Usborne does a wonderful job of beautifully illustrating the classics. Short and concise, the myths included are easy to read and filled with beautiful illustrations.
See a flip through of this book at my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/4lnrpEG-6jY
.
.
.
READERS:
Ancient Myths Collection 16 Book Set
If you have an early reader and want them to read the myths on their own, this Greek Myths book set is great. It includes the most popular Greek myths with illustrations. The writing and font size is easy to read and the vocabulary used is understandable for elemtary aged readers. This is a great tool if you want your kids to read the myths on their own.
.
Here is the inside of one of these readers to give you an idea of the reading level. Pretty much every page includes illustrations so it's an easy read.
.
These are the myths that are included in the collection.
.
.
Greek Myths: Jason and the Argonauts
If your child loves comics, this Usborne Graphic Legends series is wonderful. The illustrations are so well done and it's easy reading for young readers. I included some images of Jason and the Argonauts below to show you what the inside of this book looks like:
The Odyssey
Of all of the Usborne Graphic Legends books that my youngest son has read, The Odyssey is his favorite. He loved it! Here are images so you can see the inside of this book as well:
.
MAD LIBS AND TRIVIA:
These funny fill-ins are so great for grammar with a mythological theme! These work just like any other madlibs. You're asked to give a noun, verb, adjective, etc and then you read the myth with the words you've added. It always ends with lots of laughs, making grammar very fun! Here are some images of the inside so you can see:
.
.
If there is a single resource you should buy to go along with your Greek Mythology unit study, this is THE ONE to buy!!! I cannot express my love of this book enough. It is filled with the most gorgeous mazes you have ever seen. They are challenging enough for a middle schooler, but still, my first grader was able to do them. Information about the myths are included so you can read about each one before you do the maze. The book is so beautiful you almost don't want to write in it, but you must because the mazes are fantastic! Go ahead and write in it and enjoy the mazes. If you didn't, it would be like not eating a cake because it's too beautiful. Just enjoy the luxury of using such a gorgeous resource!
.
.
Greek Myths Magic Painting Book
Another really fun activity is the Greek Myths Magic Painting Book. This is a great option to keep little hands busy during read alouds.
.
.
.
Uncle Goose Greek Mythology Blocks
I don't believe I've ever seen such a beautiful set of learning blocks in my life. These can be used in so many ways! With 32 characters beautifully illustrated on one side of the block, and their names and roles listed on the other sides, you can quiz yourself to see if you know the god's name and role. Stack them up into piles for the ones you get correct and incorrect. One side of the blocks can be used to piece together a map of the Mediterranean region. Not only are these educational, but they are also beautiful. Display them on your coffee table as a both gorgeous and educational decoration piece.
Project Genius Grecian Computer Mechanical Math Puzzle
.
"In the summer of 1901, a mysterious contraption was discovered deep under water in a shipwreck near the Grecian Island of Antikythera. The mechanism has long been referred to as the world’s first analogue computer. It was allegedly used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses, as well as the 4 year cycle of the Olympic games." - Manufacturer
.
Bend your mind and practice your thinking skills with this super cool Grecian computer wooden game! Rotate the dials until each of the 12 columns add up to 42. It's almost like an ancient rubik's cube!
.
.
Ancient Greek Mythology Puzzle
My kids absolutely love a good puzzle. Especially my oldest. This 252-piece ancient Greek puzzle (available on Zazzle). I like how it uses actual Greek art. I think that's a neat way for kids to really familiarize themselves with the style of Greek art.
.
.
.
GAMES:
Olympus Fluxx
If you've ever payed any of the games in the Fluxx series, you'll know how this works. The game starts out with rules, but those rules constantly change. It's a fun card game and such a great way to really let the mythology sink in.
.
.
Greek Mythology Top Trumps Card Game
We love this game. It's fast and the rules are easy. It's basically like War, but doesn't take near as long to play. You are trying to get the highest stat for each mythological god or beast. This is a really good game option for when you don't have much time.
.
.
Zeus on the Loose
Such a great concept! And this one is also fast playing. This incorporates both mythology and math all in one game! Your goal is to reach the top of Mt. Olympus while having Zeus in your possession. You add your cards as you go, and each time you reach a multiple of 10 you get to take Zeus. Use some of the other gods as helpers to strategically reach your goal. The rules are simple, and the play is fast. And I just love that it covers two subjects in one: mythology and math.
.
.
Ravensburger Horrified: Greek Monsters
Ravensburger always does games right. This is a cooperative game where you are all working together to recapture mythological monsters that have escaped Pandora's box. The game play is a little longer on this one at about an hour. But the cool thing is it can be played with only one player. So, if someone really loves this game and has some time, they could even play it on their own!
.
.
.
SCIENCE:
A unit study wouldn't be complete without some science. This unit is very heavy on the history, but there is an excellent option to add in some science! We all know the constellations get their names and stories from Greek mythology, so blast off with some space studies and try and learn all of the 12 main zodiacs and other constellations while you study ancient Greece!
Uncle Goose Constellation Blocks with Basswood Tray
What better way to include science in your Greek Mythology unit study than to learn the constellations and their Greek origins. This Uncle Goose constellation block set is absolutely out of this world! Quiz yourself, stack them up, and memorize the constellation shapes with this stunningly gorgeous block set.
From the manufacturer: "Find all 12 zodiac constellations in this 32-piece block set. Discover 20 more constellations from the Southern and Northern hemispheres. Two debossed sides present the constellation with and without connecting lines. Four printed sides feature the constellation symbol, name, hemisphere, and scale of magnitude. Enjoy the basswood storage tray with a star map printed inside. You’ll find the following 32 constellations in this star-studded set. 1. Andromeda 2. Aquarius 3. Aquila 4. Aries 5. Bootes 6. Cancer 7. Canis Major 8. Capricornus 9. Carina 10. Cassiopeia 11. Centaurus 12. Cetus 13. Draco 14. Gemini 15. Hydra 16. Leo 17. Lepus 18. Libra 19. Lynx 20. Lyra 21. Orion 22. Pavo 23. Pegasus 24. Perseus 25. Phoenix 26. Pisces 27. Sagittarius 28. Scorpius 29. Taurus 30. Ursa Major 31. Ursa Minor 32. Virgo."
.
.
Combine art, mythology, and science with this incredibly gorgeous book about the constellations. The manufacturer describes it well: "This beautifully packaged book covers the night sky's most brilliant features--such as the constellations, the moon, the bright stars, and the visible planets--as well as less familiar celestial phenomena like the outer planets, nebulae, and deep space."
.
.
Make your learning come alive with living stories about the constellations from around the world. This is a beautifully illustrated and gorgeous book to keep on your shelves after you have finished this unit. This book is a good way to bring your youngest children in on your constellation studies.
.
.
Round out your science studies of the constellations with this stunningly beautiful book about the Universe. Go down all the space rabbit holes you'd like. This book includes superb photography and images with bite size chunks of information that are not too overwhelming to children. This book is excellent for K-8 studies.
.
.
Creativity for Kids String Art Star Light Craft Kit - Create a DIY String Art Star Lantern - Projects for Kids
While you're studying the stars, include a fun star craft that you can use as decoration in your child's bedroom! The way this craft works is you blow up a star shaped balloon and wrap it in string. Once you're finished, you pop the balloon and pull it out and it leaves you with a light-up star that glows in the dark!
.
.
Space Science 6-in-1 Craft Kit Gift for Kids Ages 6-10 - Solar System Arts Toys
If you're looking for even more crafts to go with your space and constellation studies, this kit is really adorable. It includes a board game, planets mobile, rocket craft, constellation lacing, and a DIY kaleidoscope.
.
.
.
Teachers Pay Teachers Finds:
I know I've found an abundant amount of resources, and it may be hard to choose just a few, but I like to find all the options and pick from there. One last source I'd like to share are some really creative add-ons that I found on Teachers Pay Teachers. I've looked through so many options and these below are my favorites. If you have an upper elementary or middle schooler, these will be great ideas for them to add some extra language arts and history.
Olympics in Ancient Greece, Then and Now: Reading Passages, Compare & Contrast
Conclusion:
If you do even just a portion of all of these books and activities your Greek Mythology Unit Study will feel as epic as Mount Olympus itself!
I have included a TON of resources here and I know it's a lot to choose from. We won't even do all of it ourselves. I think it would be impossible to squeeze it all in. We will have to pick and choose what looks like the most fun. It will be hard to choose because it all really does look very engaging.
Get your kids involved and show them the options. Ask them what looks interesting to them. Kids learn best when they are interested. Pick projects that they can be excited about. If they are not excited and fascinated and engaged, they just won't learn near as much. It's scientifically proven. And that's the great thing about homeschooling. You can choose what interests you! You aren't tied to doing what a curriculum creator decides you will like. You can decide it for yourself! Let your kids help decide what to do and follow their lead and their interests!
We will continue to do these activities and play the games until we finish the Percy Jackson book series. After we read all the Percy Jackson books, we will watch the movies and then move onto a new topic! I expect us to spend about 6 weeks on this unit.
.
.
Questions/Suggestions:
If you have any other finds to add to this list, please leave a comment below! I'm always looking for more ideas.
.
.
Thanks so much for visiting! Let's be friends! Follow us on:
Read more
Comments
Be the first to comment.
✕