Our recent history lessons have us traveling to Ancient Greece, and we’ve been reading lots of different myths.
Ancient Greek Mythology is one of the subjects (among many!) I knew nothing about and feel/felt completely inadequate teaching. But homeschooling is a collaborative learning journey, and we’re discovering together. It’s even surprised me to be right there with my five- and seven-year-olds LOVING the adventures of the Greeks outwitting the Trojans as they disguised themselves inside the belly of a wooden horse or of Theseus saving his people from the human-eating Minotaur.
(Not to mention I’m feeling so smart to be learning these classics I never learned in my own schooling!)
I think most of what’s made this discovery so inciting for us is that there are so many the kid-friendly recollections of of these ancient myths. Maybe I have a simple mind, but introducing and exploring a subject with children’s literature is not only captivating for kids, but provides that basic foundation that makes them want to know more.
The thought of reading Homer’s Iliad and the Odyssey was overwhelming (and let’s be honest–boring), but with Tales from the Odyssey, Mary Pope Osborne skillfully turns the epic poem into an exciting adventure that has entranced us into traveling on the stormy sea with Odysseus and overcoming the one-eyed giant.
And the kids and I are laughing about what we might wish for after reading The Adventures of King Midas and his golden touch.
{Reading Your Way Through Ancient Greek Myths}
If you’re completely intimidated by ancient history or mythology like I was, try taking a baby step with a children’s version of a historical classic. It’s amazing how these simple stories and colorful illustrations can take mythology from such a “greek” subject to an adventurous journey!
Here are a few to check out:
The Adventures of King Midas | Favorite Greek Myths | Greek Gods and Goddesses (Coloring Book)|The Trojan Horse | Tales from the Odyssey | A Child’s Introduction to Greek Mythology | D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths | The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus | It’s All Greek to Me
Tomorrow I’m sharing a fun printable craft to go along with one of the most popular stories in Greek history! See you then!
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OOooo! This is just right for me right now! We are just beginning Ancient Greece (well, we took a little break for spring and Easter =) and I’ll look into your recommendations for sure! I’m off to check out your printable! I’ll be pinning this one so I can remember the books, too!
I totally agree! I have tried and failed at reading the Odyssey and the Iliad, but the children’s books (we have read the same ones you mentioned) have given me a good enough foundation that I hope, one day, I will be able to read a real translation and know more of what is going on. I think my kids will be able to successfully read them when they get older because they will be familiar enough with the stories to not be intimidated by them. Great post! Visiting from Trivium Tuesdays.
I used to love ancient history and myths… My grandfather’s dictionary + world knowledge all in one book used to provide hours of fun. I’d like to give to my kids too. Great post Pam.