Today, will be an exciting day full of story-telling to celebrate World Book Day.  We are taking a very short break out of our timetable to fully immerse ourselves in exciting narratives. 

Our main focus will be on myths and legends.  A legend is a semi-true story, which has been passed on from generation to generation.  A myth may or may not be based on a true story, but can also contain supernatural beings.

So, today we will be looking at Greek myths obviously, but also stories from British history too.

There will be three zooms today, with tasks, however, you also should watch these three animated stories if possible.  They are all approximately 2 – 3 minutes long.

https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/short-stories/nessie-the-loch-ness-monster

Enjoy the animated story about the Loch Ness Monster.  What do you think?  Is the mythical beast real or not?

https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/short-stories/george-and-the-dragon

Did you know that George is the patron saint of England?  Why do you think this is?  Should a legendary figure from history – the story may or may not be true – be our patron saint?

https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/short-stories/robin-hood

Was Robin Hood a villain or a hero?  Does it matter if he was real or an invented character?

The first zoom will be at 9:15.  We will read two Greek Myths together: The Story of Pandora’s Box and The Story of Icarus.  Your task will be to illustrate a scene from one of the stories. You can use either of the stories we have just read OR one of the animated stories. You might design a pair of wings, or a box that Pandora could have used.  You might (though you don’t have long) create the Loch Ness Monster out of recycled materials!  You might have a Robin Hood Costume and act out a scene.

At 10:15, we will read The Story of Persephone together and a task will be set.  Which, of the 6 stories you have learnt about this morning, do you think is the best?

You should put together a short presentation to demonstrate your answer.  This can be a poster, a power point, a key note document, bullet points ready for a verbal discussion, or anything else you can think of.

If you can put the presentation together, with evidence of notes (this is VERY important), you can be awarded objective 23 in the back of your reading book.  Quite a lot of you already have one mark – from your computer presentations at school – but you need 2 marks, so this is a GREAT opportunity!

We will meet again at 11.15 on Zoom for you to show your work.  You should of course attach your work – if you can – to your portfolio (particularly for those who don’t like Zoom). 

I hope you enjoy all the stories today – you are building increased familiarity which myths and legends which is also an objective in the back of your book!

This afternoon, it’s screen free time again, so have a look at Mr Kirby-Bowstead’s menu of activities.  We can’t wait to see what you achieve!

Have a wonderful, wonderful day, full of magic and mystery.

Send us lots of photos!