Title – Beginning “The Odyssey”

By – Keren Crosby

Primary Subject – Language Arts

Secondary Subjects – Art

Grade Level – 9th grade

Subject: English I

Grade Level: Freshmen

Time Estimate: 2 days

Unit: “The Odyssey”

Topic: Guided note-taking/ Homeric similes

Goal(s):

• TLW know how to take notes on a piece of literature.
• TLW know how to identify the main events in a story.
• TLW understand various literary devices.
• TLW appreciate the place of “The Odyssey” in modern times.
• TLW understand the translation process of a text.

Objective(s):

1) TLW identify the main events of a story.

2) TLW identify characteristics of main characters.

3) TLW identify literary devices in a section of the story.

4) TLW discuss the story’s place in society and respond to questions from the instructor.

5) TLW record notes individually and will compare notes with other students in group.

6) TLW create a children’s book translating a section of “The Odyssey”.

7) TLW draw illustrations reflecting the story.

8) TLW follow instructions.

9) TLW cooperate with a group

TEKS: §110.42B

1a; 2a,b,c,d; 3a,b,d; 5a; 6a,b; 7a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i; 8a,b,c,d; 9a,b; 10a,b,c; 11a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h; 14a,b,c,d; 15a,b; 16a,d,e,f

Materials/Resources/Technology needs: Class textbook, note template from teacher, pen/pencil, printer paper, markers, construction paper, masking tape.

Focusing Event: Instructor will ask students, “What is an Odyssey?” Class will discuss the definition of “odyssey”and will share individual experiences with regards to personal trips and problems experienced along the way. Teacher will transition from discussion of personal odysseys to discussion of Odysseus and his odyssey.

Teaching/ Learning Procedures: Instructor will begin reading the beginning of the story to the class. Instructor will stop periodically to ask questions regarding text. Questions will involve plot, literary devices, and personal response. Instructor will guide students to record important elements of plot and literary devices in notes. Instruction will cover the prayer to the muse, Calypso’s island, and Odysseus’ story to the islanders through the Lotus Eaters. After completing these sections, students will complete assignment about Homeric similes. Students will compose their own Homeric simile, write it on a white sheet of printer paper, and illustrate/color the simile.

Formative Check(ongoing or specific): Instructor will measure comprehension by answers given to questions and by notes taken during class. Instructor will measure understanding of Homeric similes by evaluating student-created similes.

Reteach (alternative used as needed): To increase comprehension of the elements of the story, instructor will write notes on the board, ask for student questions, and provide one-on-one help for students when composing similes.

Closure: Instructor will thank students for their hard work during the classes. Instructor will ask students to think about other odysseys that people go on in life. Instructor will remind students to complete Homeric simile assignment for homework.

Assessment/Summative Evaluation: Notes taken (note quiz grade). Homeric simile (daily grade).

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Keren Crosby

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