Mythology is a type of storytelling that is deeply ingrained into our culture and how we understand ourselves as individuals and a society. In studying mythology, we have the opportunity to examine how this component of everyone’s world is manifested not only through examining the structural foundations of such texts, but also examining where there are similarities and differences. By studying the latter, we have the chance as educators to not only bring students together under a common language, we also have the opportunity to celebrate the rich differences that make us unique. Through storytelling, we allow ourselves the opportunity to understand ourselves and explain to others why we are the way we are.
In developing this unit, I am prompted to consider my own journey. Seven years ago, I arrived at the school I currently teach, which coincided with the arrival of a large number of students immigrating to the United States from various parts of the Middle East. In this moment, the next stage of my teaching career was launched. The culture clash between the arriving students and the existing population led to a rather tense classroom environment, at times. It was my position as the teacher, the protagonist/hero of my own story, to reach a destination in a way that all of my students made that journey completely. In the process, it has been part of my job to bridge the gap between existing cultures and developing a shared environment that respects all students and their lifestyles. Across the board, I think one of those ways is by examining mythology.
