Introduction
Theseus and the Minotaur
In this unit you are going to write your own version of the ancient Greek legend of Theseus and the Minotaur. It is a story that has been told in many ways over the centuries, but now is the time for you to make it your own.
First of all, let’s make sure we know the story. Here’s a basic version.
Theseus and the Minotaur Reading Comprehension
This story is so old that no-one knows who told it first. The good thing about stories like that is that you can do whatever you like with them to make them your own. Here’s what some students have done.
Some made a funny video.
Theseus and the Minotaur Video
Others wrote stories that added a lot of extra detail about character, motive and plot. Here are some.
Theseus and the Minotaur, by Emma Larsson
Theseus and the Minotaur, by Ella Faris
Finally, learn from the professionals. Pixar always tell good stories. Here are their secrets!
Now, if you feel inspired, it’s time to begin your own story. Let’s plan, first.
Follow the different stages of the story in the documents below. They will give you some idea of the techniques you need to learn to be a successful writer.
The Beginning
The Middle
The End
MYTHS
http://greece.mrdonn.org/myths.html
Myth words and their meanings: http://www.thehellenictimes.com/language.html
ten_characteristics_of_a_myth–ta-2
Writing Tips
Use some of the ideas below to help you become a better writer. We will go through these in class; then you should use these tips to improve your story – your teacher will expect to see signs in your story that you have used some of these ideas.
Now, write your story. Follow the instructions posted on Veracross.
Remember, the best stories – like the best of all student work – will be published in the Purple Duck, the school literary magazine. Find it by clicking on the duck!
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Activities
Theseus unit 5
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Newspaper Article
At the end of this unit you will try a different task. Newspaper articles also tell stories, but in their own way. Newspapers also have their own design and layout. An important part of English A is learning and practicing different styles of writing. In this task, you are going to design your own newspaper front page, featuring all the usual items found on a typical front page, plus two articles written by you.
Use these documents to help you.
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English Games
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/english/spelling_grammar/punctuation/play/
http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/braingames/iknowthat/Paintball/Medium.cfm