Objective: To create a group story using the form of a previously-read myth.
Materials: The myth, “Nut’s Children,” found on pages 25-29 of Nicholson’s and Watt’s Ancient Egypt, and large chart paper.
Procedure:
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1. Review and discuss the parts of this previously-read myth, “Nut’s Children.” (It is important that you select a story that the students have already become familiar with). The following questions may help to facilitate the discussion:
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What angers Ra?
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What curse does he put on Nut?
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How does Thoth plan to help her?
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How is Khonsu tricked?
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What finally happens so that Nut can have her children?
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2. Together as a large group, plan the main components of the new story comparing it with “Nut’s Children.” Create a process chart asking for ideas about the characters, setting, problem, actions and resolution. A sample process chart is shown below:
Ra
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principal
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Nut
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students at our school
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Thoth
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gym teacher
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Khonsu
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Michael Jordan
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a huge palace on the Nile
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Lincoln-Bassett gymnasium
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in long ago times
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this school year
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playing senet
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playing basketball
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Thoth keeps winning
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gym teacher successfully shoots
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more baskets
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Khonsu loses more light
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Michael Jordan becomes tired out
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Thoth wins 5 extra days
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gym teacher wins more gym time
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for the students
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Nut’s children are born
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students have longer gym classes
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3. Together brainstorm a descriptive word chart, locating words in the myth and using similar or opposite words for the new story. A sample chart is found below:
gods
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people
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furious
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angry
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huge
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big
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sad
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unhappy
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strong
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energetic
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greatest senet player
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greatest basketball player
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lucky
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skillful
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extra
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more
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overjoyed
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happy
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weakened
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tired out
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4. Display the process chart and word chart for all to see and on a fresh piece of large chart paper begin group composing of the new story. The teacher acts as the recorder as individual students suggest sentences that tell the story in sequence. (The story may end up being quite similar to the original myth following much of the same structure. It’s up to the group and how willing and able they are to go off in new directions).
@UL:5. The finished story is then displayed in the room. Students may choose to take ideas from it when creating their own versions of the story or when creating new stories.