by John McBride

Introduction:
A prime component for the propagation of culture is found in mythology. Myths are cultural stories that a people tell about themselves in order to explain the world about them. While myths can share some similarities in characteristics from culture to culture they are inherently unique as are the people who tell them. An excellent way to introduce students to cultural diversity is through the study of mythology. By studying mythology students are able to come to an understanding of the rich cultural diversity that makes up our society as well as gain a greater appreciation of the common human elements that bind us together.

This unit lesson plan is specifically designed for use in a seventh grade language arts class. With few modifications it could be considered appropriate for any secondary language arts curriculum. The primary focus of this plan will be the study of mythology through reading and the exploration and analysis of cultural concepts through written work and classroom discussion. Students will read myths from Mexico, Ireland, Africa, and Europe as well as Native American and Western American mythology. An important component of this lesson plan is the use of culturally appropriate music to accompany each day's lesson. The time span of this lesson encompasses approximately ten, 65-minute class periods.

This paper will provide detailed examples of the first two days of lesson plans as well as a general outline of the remainder of the unit. The final product of this unit is a student presentation of a myth that is culturally relevant to them.