Myths and Urban Legends

Primary note: I am from America, and many of the legends are focused around North, South, and Central America.

These are also super simplified versions of legends/myths, so please don't come at me for inaccuracy, though I'm open to feedback.

I have two versions of this lesson. Version 1 is slightly lower level (SHS), and version 2 is a little more writing intensive.

Materials:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Dice (d6) (or a way to roll 1-6)
• Whiteboards/blank paper/cards labeled a-d
• Worksheets

Part 1:
A brief and very simplified PowerPoint explanation of popular mythology. This includes Greek/Roman, Norse, Egyptian, Native American, and Mexican. My JTE at one school also suggested adding the 3taro video to help introduce the students to the concept of myths and legends, as well as give a Japanese example of both a myth and legend.

Part 2:
Next is a group game (PowerPoint). Divide the class into about 4-6 groups. I gave each a d6 die, but you can do something else for this. Team 1 will roll the die for the first question. Click the number of the corresponding cryptid/urban legend. Everyone can answer. Unless you think otherwise, you should remind them that you don't expect them to know these answers! They should just make educated guesses!
Give them about 15-30 seconds to discuss with their team, then write their answers or show their cards, depending on what you choose. Award one point per correct answer.
Rotate through teams rolling dice until all cryptids are revealed. (The back arrow will take you back to the main screen. Keep track of what cryptids you have already covered.)

Part 3: (Version 1: Make Your Own Myth)
Students will now create their own myth. Review any unfamiliar vocabulary, and discuss the sentences they should construct.
I've broken down everything into categories that are easy to review and for students to pull from the word bank.
I included my own example myth, feel free to substitute your ideas or leave it out completely. (The slide is hidden because it's not used in version 2 so make sure to unhide it)
I drew my own myth on the spot as I explained the sentences, and my students really got a kick out of it, so I recommend you come up with something you can draw as an example as well!
(10-15 minutes)
After about 10-15 minutes (or whatever works for your class) tell them they can start drawing their myths. Students usually get really into this, so it's up to your discretion how much 'creative time' you want to give them versus 'English/writing time'. However, definitely make them WRITE FIRST or they'll just spend the whole time drawing lmao.
I collect their worksheets to admire their creations!

Part 3: (Version 2: Teach Me a Japanese Legend)
Students will think of a Japanese myth or urban legend they want to share! Separately or within their teams, they should think of one urban legend or myth and describe it with the name, features, location, and general story. They should write at least 5-6 sentences.
Briefly, they will share their stories in their groups.
If there is time, they will choose one member of the group to share their story to the whole class (janken, dice, whatever you decide!)
All other students will listen to the story and description, and draw a picture of what they hear on a blank piece of paper. Whoever has the most accurate picture wins!

It's so cute to see the kind of legends and myths students create or share!! I'm very into mythology and urban legends so this lesson has been a blast for me! I hope you can have a good experience with your students with this as well! :)

Files:

Small files

Make a Myth.pdf (57.8 KB)

Teach Me a Japanese Legend.pdf (218 KB)

Medium files (requires an account to download) -

More information

Mythology and Urban Legends.pptx (37 MB)