When learning about the Greek and Roman gods, there is a lot of keep track of:
- which ones are gods, and which ones are goddesses?
- which ones are Roman, and which ones are Greek?
- who is god or goddess of what?
Have your students draw/write out this chart to keep track of it all.
I think this a powerful tool for the visual learner. They can color code blue for the male gods and pink for the female goddesses. Additionally, they can see that the Roman gods were equal to the Greek gods, just with different names. Students can have a simple (easy to draw) image to remember who was the god/goddess of what.
For those who are more kinetics type learners, try incorporating these images into motions or sign language. Put an imaginary crown on to remember that Hera is the queen, pretend to shoot a bow for the god and goddesses of war (or do the actual sign language motion for war), and pretend to make a call or write a message for the messenger god Hermes.
Why Study Greek and Roman gods (and mythology)?
Check out this article from Classical Conversations website: Pagan gods in Classical Education?
There are so many references to them in literature and in the study of history that it can not be avoided. In fact, today, I was reading a Wonder Woman book with my little guys and it had so many references to the Greek gods.
I’m currently using Favorite Greek Myths by Mary Pope Osborne to dive into the stories with my older kids. The first story is about Helios, the sun-god, which goes along well with our Essentials writing assignment.
Even the Bible mentions a few of these gods as Paul encounters pagan worship on his missionary journey. At our church right now, we are studying through the book of Acts during Sunday school. This week we happen to be on Acts 14, where Paul and Barnabas are called Zeus and Hermes by the people. The people mistook them for gods because of the power they showed – the power from God to heal. This has been a great discussion with my kids this week.
These were the words of Paul regarding pagan worship.
15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14:15-17
For more information about the Greek/Roman gods see this chart.
If you would like a pdf of the chart with the symbols, please subscribe to cycle 1 resources below!!