The Gods of Greece
by Calvert School
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: The Gods of Greece by Calvert School. Spiral bound paperbacks, student book and lesson manual for $29. Available from Calvert School.
The Gods of Greece, part of Calvert School's third grade curriculum, is now available as an enrichment program. With the purpose of establishing "a good foundation" for "future studies in history and literature," the program has thirty-nine story lessons and four review lessons.
The student book begins with a "Pronouncing Index," in which the Greek names are phonetically spelled. Forty-four stories one to five pages in length follow, and each story has a coloring page with attractive line drawings, many of which were "derived from painted figures on Greek vessels from around the world." An explanation of all the art, found at the end of the volume, encourages the child to seek more information in a museum, library, or on-line. The book ends with a worksheet to help the children recall the stories and an index.
The lesson manual has step-by-step instructions for the parent to read the story, discuss particular items in the drawings, and ask comprehension questions. Additional information about Greek and Roman culture is also offered for the parent to share, and parallels between the way the gods acted and character traits in humans are pointed out. The review lessons ask the student to recall stories and what he liked about them. The manual ends with a list of recommended additional books.
Two Biblical references may be found in the lesson manual. The story of Lot's wife is suggested for further reading when one of the stories involves a character having to remain in the Underworld because she looked back as she was leaving. Another connection is made between a great flood in mythology and the story of Noah's ark; however, the parent is told to tell the student that "nearly all early cultures had a flood story," and "one reason might be that people liked to live near rivers, where floods are common."
Recommendation: The Gods of Greece is a fun way to introduce young students to Greek mythology. The attractive coloring pages will add appeal to the brief, but interesting stories. The lesson manual makes implementation and covering of key points easy for the busy parent, and the one questionable reference is easily omitted. At $29, The Gods of Greece offers very good value to budget-conscious families.
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
HomeschoolChristian.com's History Resources Section for ideas, links, living books, and more!
Review of Child's History of the World by Hillyer
Review of Child's History of the World CD-ROM
Review of Ancient Greece CD-ROM by Calvert School
Review of Guided Course for Famous Men of Rome
Review of Famous Men of Greece
Find more helpful reviews on HomeschoolChristian.com's Review Page Index!
Reviews represent the opinions of the authors rather than the views of HomeschoolChristian.com.
