An English teacher who is passionate about PBL and diverse world literature.
Vampires are one of the most ancient and widely known mythical creatures, present in many cultures around the world. The oldest recorded vampire myth of from a Babylonian prayer describes demons that devour flesh and suck blood, emphasizing the vampire’s origins as a symbol of primal fear. “Spirits that minish the land, of great strength… … Continue reading Vampires Through Time: Fear, Desire, and the Shadow Self
Greek fatalism stemmed from the belief in the omnipotence of the Fates, who determined the destinies of mortals. This idea of predestined fate influenced various aspects of Greek life, including religion, philosophy, and literature. The Fates, also known as the Moirai, are three sister goddesses responsible for assigning destinies to mortals and cutting their life’s … Continue reading Teaching About Greek Fatalism through Mythical Heroes
There seems to be a divide in some circles of ELA teachers between content-based and skills-based instruction. However, there really doesn’t have to be. By providing our students with a rich thematic approach to a central text and a compelling essential question to anchor it in, we can do both! In today’s post, I am … Continue reading Are monsters born or created? A Thematic Approach to Frankenstein
Mythical heroes is one of my favorite things to share with my World Literature classes each year! These heroes can reveal so much about a culture’s values, but so can the mighty weapons they are chosen to wield. These mythical weapons come with unique powers and gifts that fight for the good in the world … Continue reading 7 Mythical Weapons and What They Can Teach Us
The study of 4 Greek Mythical Heroes delves deep into the cultural values of Ancient Greece, exploring the enduring themes of loyalty, glory, intelligence, and hospitality. The stories of Hercules, Achilles, Perseus, and Atalanta exemplify these ideals and offer timeless lessons on the human condition and destiny. Continue reading 4 Greek Mythical Heroes to Teach
The content explores the inclusion of female mythic heroes in literature studies. It introduces Atalanta, Hua Mulan, Queen Boudica, Lúthien, and Hervor as exemplary figures. Each character defies stereotypes and embodies courage, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. Their stories transcend cultures, offering inspiration for the exploration of the human experience. Continue reading 3 Female Mythical Heroes to Teach in World Literature
Teaching Literary Analysis Through Archetypes A few years ago I found myself beginning my journey into teaching World Literature to 10th graders. The first 2 weeks of school can be challenging. Your classes are leveling out. You are trying to build relationships while also starting off with some content. Many of my fellow teachers were … Continue reading Teaching Literary Analysis Through Archetypes
Maybe you’re a kindred spirit who has been reading King Arthur tales for as long as you can remember. Or maybe you are only familiar with King Arthur due to all of the modern movie adaptations. Or maybe you’re someone who has never attempted anything King Arthur and wonder if it is still relevant today. … Continue reading Teaching King Arthur In the 21st Century Classroom
10 (or more) Mythical Heroes to Teach in High School Each year, I love to start my World Literature class by taking a deep look into mythical heroes from several cultures and discuss how these heroes reflect the best aspects of the culture. We explore the timeless tales of heroes like Beowulf, Achilles, Hua Mulan, … Continue reading 10 (or more) Mythical Heroes to Teach in High School
Around the World With Mrs. C 