Identifying Similarities Trickster Tales From Around the World

Getting Started:• Assign new roles for yourself in your Learning Groups• Facilitator/Questionaire (generates questions for the group to

discuss as your read)• Recorder (functions to document the collective responses of the

group)• Fact-Finder (uses all available resources to answer “big

questions” relating to relevance)

• Determine how you will read and annotate each of the following three trickster myths:• “The Trickery of Hermes” pg.3-8 In your Greek Myths text• “Coyote & Turtle Run a Race” A myth from the Caddo people• “Anansi and the Ear of Corn”– A myth from the Ashanti people of

West Africa

Learning Objective: To draw a reasonable and logical conclusion about the people who created these trickster myths.

Purpose for Annotating:• What seems to be the conflict in each of the myths? • A brief summary of 20-25 words for each is sufficient

• What are some of the most notable qualities of the myth’s characters?

• Identify:• What is the nature of the “trickery” in the myth?• Purpose of this myth? • In other words, what moral, values and/or lessons did each

myth teach its audience?

• Drawing Inference:• What values and beliefs can you conclude were important

to each of the cultures based on their myths?• Make some predictions about what was important to the

survival and everyday lifestyle of the people

Research• Conduct some informal research about the people and their

myths• What did you learn about them:• Where did they live? Were they in the mountains? Near water? • Where did they get their food? Did they hunt or grow food?

Did they trade with other groups?• Make some inferences from your research about what was

important to them.

Specifically make some reasonable and logical predictions about whom each of the characters in each of the myths represents?• In other words, who or what is symbolized

in each of the myths?

Analyzing Myths to Determine Their Purpose• Read each of the three myths with your Learning Group• Determine what each myth has in common• Synthesize your information to create a claim statement

that summarizes what you inferred was important to these cultures based on your analysis of these myths

• Support your claim with specific evidence from each of the three texts

• Provide a fully elaborated explanation for each example• Analyze the significance of your findings. In other words,

what reasonable and logical conclusions can you make about the values and beliefs of these ancient people.

Synthesizing Your EvidenceUnlike previous SEEA paragraphs in which your group made either comparisons or contrasts of your evidence, this assignment requires you to SYNTHESIZE your evidence.

• This means you’ll need to combine evidence from a variety of sources to make meaning of the three trickster myths

• Only then can you make meaningful and thoughtful analysis of the purpose each of the myths served in their respective cultures• What did these people value and believe in order to SURVIVE?• HOW do you know this?

• Your Purpose for Writing: • To support a claim statement responding to this question to begin your analysis.

How to Synthesize Your Evidence• What inferences can be made from your group’s

annotations and independent research? • This includes both • Literal Interpretations• What is the obvious lesson being taught in each trickster

myth?

• Inferential Interpretations• What are some reasonable & logical conclusions you can make

about the people who created the myths?

• To accomplish this you’ll need • conducted independent research on each of the cultures

represented, • made thoughtful annotations, and• challenged yourselves to draw reasonable and logical

conclusions about the symbolism hidden within each myth

Writing Your Paragraph: Use this SEEA formula as a Guide to Draft• State a claim about the common theme and/or cultural

values shared between each of the three (3) cultures (Caddo, West African & Ancient Greek) your group has identified through your additional research.• (HINT: Focus on the archetype of their “tricksters” or the nature of

the trickery in each of these myths– Were the similarities or differences greater?

• Cite good examples (either direct quotes if 10-15 words or less or paraphrased summaries if more than that) to support your claim statement.

• Explain how the examples your group selected clearly relate to your claim about the common cultural values and/or beliefs.

• Analyze the significance of your research and evidence by showing the relevance of your findings. • In other words, what was important about what you researched?

How were important cultural values and beliefs captured, preserved and passed down through their myths?

The Writer’s WorkshopParticipation in the Writer’s Workshop is symbiotic:• Choose another group in class and exchange

drafts of your paragraph.• Process:• 1. Using the grading rubric as a guide, read and discuss

the other group’s paragraph with members of your own group. (3-4 mins.)

• 2. Determine 2-3 specific areas to provide feedback on both the strengths and weaknesses of their draft

• 3.Meet with the other group; led by each of your facilitators, take turns sharing your suggestions and comments regarding one another’s drafts (4-5 mins)

• 4. With your own group, discuss which suggestions provided by the other group would be the most beneficial to apply during the final revision process of your SEEA paragraph

Self-Assessment and Reflection• Before you submit your Synthesis SEEA

paragraph, be sure to review the grading rubric with your group:1. Assign your group’s paragraph a grade in

EACH of the categories2. Provide an explanation for the score(s) you

assigned yourselves3. Consider including some reflection on what

were some of your successes? Your struggles? Explain

4. Identify one or two specific areas where your group has made a big improvement in since you’ve begun working together this quarter.

Reading Comprehension Questions for the Myth of Pyramus and Thisbe (pgs. 124-128 in your mythology text)Instructions: After reading, answer the following questions in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the problem that Pyramus and Thisbe face from their families? 2. What is the solution they came up with to solve their problem? 3. What three objects are located in the area where they decide to meet? 4. What incident happens to Thisbe as she is waiting under the tree for Pyramus? 5. What is the name of the item Thisbe dropped on the ground? 6. What action does Pyramus perform when he thinks Thisbe is dead? 7. What continues happen even to today to the white fruit of the mulberry tree as a result of the lovers’ tragedy? 8. What proposal would you make to improve Pyramus and Thisbe’s situation? 9 a.) What other famous story does the plot of Pyramus and Thisbe remind you of? b.) What differences do you notice between these two stories? 10. What is the story location clue in the Story of Pyramus and Thisbe?