William F. Natale Jr.
Adapted versions of stories of the Greek gods and heroes are very rich in the ingredients enjoyed by upper elementary grade students. Studies have determined approximate ranges of interest that most children seem to have in common at certain stages.
Children in the intermediate grades are interested in adventure stories, fantasies, family life, famous people . . . Boys generally are most interested in real life adventures. Girls prefer- fantasy. . . .
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Myths can give also something of an introduction to people (Greeks, Roman, etc.) and to literature that the students will study more intensely in the higher grades. They will see that many of our ideas of law, government, architecture and art have roots in these earlier civilizations.
How do we get children to want to read and write? I will now present a number of strategies using mythology which will help stimulate children to read and to write.