-Mythology Lesson Plan-

"Pun"ny Mythology"

Author: Jolene Schneider
Activities and Procedures:
- The following story is put on poster board. In place of the underlined words, I tape the "real candy". The posters are propped on the chalkboard, and the story is read to the students. After the story is read, I ask the students if there a re any questions. The posters are then taken down. Students take out paper and list as much of the candy as they can remember. Students usually are keying into the story so they are surprised that you ask them about the candy. The students who have lis ted the most are usually allowed to choose a piece of candy.
  While students are listing the candy, we practice some memory techniques. We work on visualization, remembering the story, and thinking of any candy that might have been used.
  Finally, students are introduced to the word "pun" and they practice writing some of their own.
The Story:
- Hello, my name is Aphrodite. I am the goddess of love and beauty. I'm going to tell you about my son, Whatchamacallit, Cupid. Some of these stories are real Whoppers. In Roman mythology, my son's name is Eros. Cupid is kno wn as the god of love. Cupid was a mischievous, Chunky, little son who darted about with a bow and a quiver full of arrows. They were arrows of love, and he delighted in shooting them into the hearts of unwary victims. You know, he was not a Butterfinger... he was usually a very good shot. Actually, he was a Cracker Jack with his bow and arrow. But sometimes he had some problems. Whoever was hit by one of his arrows fell head over heels in love with the first person he/she saw. Then my son would laugh mockingly.
  I understand that you have already read one story where Cupid shot his arrow. ...I remember that day. We were having a Carefree day. I was sitting on the sides of a Mound playing with my son when I saw Hades, god of the underworld. I said , "Mmm". I told Cupid to shoot his arrow. I wanted Hades to feel the pangs of love just like everyone else. I have to Snicker to myself now that I think about it. Cupid did as I asked. He chose his sharpest and truest arrow, drew the st ring and shot straight into Hades' heart. Payday!! There were Starbursts. Hades immediately threw down his Trident and fell in love with Persephone. Of course, you remember the rest of the story. Do you remember how Hades tricked Persephone into eating part of a pomegranate, the Juicy Fruit? Yes, my son had a part in the explanation of the seasons.
  Cupid had a part in the Trojan War, too. He is the one who shot the arrow of love into the heart of Helen. Helen was the most beautiful woman in the world, Bar None. Helen immediately left her husband and eloped with Paris. Paris had stolen her Heart. They landed in Troy, and the Trojans wanted her back. For ten years, the Greeks and the Trojans fought a war over Helen.
  My son, Cupid, even had a part in the story of Jason and the Argonauts. Cupid helped Medea fall in love with Jason. Medea was Jason's Lifesaver. They became Sweet Tarts. Medea helped Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece.
  Here's another story of Cupid... Apollo lived on Mt. Olympus. Every night he played his Lyre while the Muses sang. The music was a Bit O'Honey. Apollo was supposed to be a perfect example of male beauty, but he never had as much luck with the gi rls as the other gods. Daphne was his first love. He called her his little Dove. But when my son shot Apollo with a love arrow, he also shot Daphne with an arrow that resisted love. Daphne was always running away from him. She was Skittleish. She treated him like the man from Mars. She wanted to avoid him so much that she changed herself into a Laurel Tree. He searched everywhere...all of the galaxies including the Milky Way.
  So now you know some stories about my son, Cupid.
  I'm certain that Cupid is wandering your Halls. Hugs to all of you. I hope you have a Bubblicious day!
  Let's see how well you were listening to my stories about Cupid... I hope you weren't an Airhead during my story. The prize is $100,000.00.

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