Spinning
Tales
Grade Level: 3rd and 4th
Subject: Language Arts
Learner Outcome:
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The student will know why we have myths
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The student will know how to locate a myth on the Internet.
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The student will be able to retell a myth and share it with the class,
through, storytelling, puppeteer, PowerPoint or any other type of presentation.
Duration:
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40 minute lesson plus sufficient amount of time to search Internet
and to prepare myth for sharing.
Materials:
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Internet accessible computer(s)
Technology Tools/Coursework:
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Scan converter or projection TV
Teacher Notes:
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This lesson will vary depending on the number of computers.
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Online tutorial This site can
be used for students who may need additional help.
Procedures:
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Introduce myths and tell where they come from.
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Explain the myth on how we got spiders.
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Go to African-American
folktales and look at an Anastasia myth. (Select myths
and fables)
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Show students how to do a search on the Net. Or use online tutorial.
(See teacher notes)
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Explain Search engines. Discuss words students can use to complete
a search for myths.
The Ashanti trickster/culture hero is also
called 'the Spider'. He is the intermediary of the sky god Nyame, his father,
on whose command Anansi brings rain to quench the forest fires and determines
the borders of oceans and rivers during floods. The chameleon later usurped
Anansi’s place as representative. His mother is Asase Ya.
Anansi is sometimes regarded as the creator of the sun and the moon
and the stars, as well as the one who instituted the succession of day
and night. It is also believed that he created the first man, into which
Nyame breathed life. A typical trickster, he is crafty, sly, villainous,
but he also taught mankind how to sow grain and how to use the shovel on
the fields. He set himself up as the first king of the human beings and
even managed to marry Nyame's daughter. Anansi is one of the most popular
characters in West African mythology.
Look for myths about Ananse on the Internet.
The Spider of the Akan-Ashante folktales are known as Anansesem.
The Encyclopedia Mythica
Earthlore
Modifications:
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The children may work in pairs or small groups to prepare their storytelling.
Enrichment:
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The student(s) may share their presentations with a lower grade.
Evaluation/Assessment:
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The students will present their presentation to the class.
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The students will use a
table to evaluate each others
presentations.
West Virginia Instructional
Goals and Objectives (IGOs):
Listening/Speaking
3.14
Reading Comprehension 3.15
Computer Technology 3.85; 3.86; 3.88; 3.90
Listening/Speaking
4.11; 4.17
Reading Comprehension 4.19
Computer Technology 4.96; 4.97; 4.98
National Standards:
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Demonstrate competency in speaking and listening as tools for learning.
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Demonstrate competency in the general skills and strategies for reading
a variety of literature.
Reference:
Books on Anansi:
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Kimmel, Eric A., Anansi And The Moss-Covered Rock, Holiday House
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McDermott, Gerald, Anansi The Spider, Henry Holt and Company
Created By:
Jayenne Elementary School
