Literacy Speaks Volumes

Writing a Myth Myths are stories that people have told and passed down to others through the ages. Very often they try to explain something about the natural world. People everywhere tell myths. In the northern African desert, in the Central American jungle, and on the Canadian plains. You can, too. Why is the sea salty? Why do people sneeze? Make up a myth to explain anything you like. Or, if you know a myth from your culture, retell it in your won words. that's how myths stay alive. Atalanta the Huntress (a myth) Sometimes when you read a story, it doesn't end quite as you imagine it will. Sometimes you want a different ending, the right one--yours. Here's your chance to step into the author's shoes. Write a new ending to the myth about Atalanta.

Photo of Thomas taken when he was around nine. What's the difference between a god and a hero in Greek and Roman mythology? The heroes seem so much more likable and approachable. While both gods and heroes had human flaws, the heroes seemed to accept their flaws and learn to adjust their lives around them. The gods had flaws, but they didn't see them as real issues that needed to be dealt with. As I begin the unit on Traditional Tales, I need to think how I really feel about these stories. I like stories, but my interests really lie in folktales and stories passed down from the lips of Southerners who usually have a natural "gift of gab."  Greek and Roman myths can't hold a candle to the stories that I love. I love the cadence and rhythm of a good story told by a true Scots-Irish American. These stories are so much more romantic than the glorified stories of the ancient Greeks and Romans. But alas, I must teach the curriculum, so I have grow...