Mythology and the elementary language arts
Date
1978
Authors
McIntyre, Harold Neil
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Abstract
The purposes of the study were twofold. First, to show children the commonalities of man's supernatural beliefs through a comparative study of Ancient Greek and North American Indian mythologies. Second, to formulate a curriculum guide using mythology as content. This guide is intended to be used as an aid to the teaching of Language Arts in the elementary grades of the school system of British Columbia.
The study was organized around two main focal points: a review of the literature, and the formation of a curriculum unit. Themes from mythology and elements of the curriculum unit were brought together to form sample lesson plans. These plans integrate mythological motifs with the Language Arts programme. Mythology has been employed as a vehicle for speaking and writing lessons, thus allowing children to focus on the universality of mythical motifs.
In the final chapter the conclusions and implications are set forth. It was concluded that when children's consciousness is awakened to archetypal images, they are able to evaluate what they have unconsciously known all along, thereby arriving at a better self-understanding.
Language implications are set down under two headings: Language Development and Growth, and Personal Growth, each dependent upon the other. The child uses the language of mythology to express his own ideas and in doing this he learns the power of language as an expression of himself.