Epic Lesson Plans

Students study the epic poem of the Ramayana to identify the main characters. They examine the poem as it teaches proper behavior through the actions of Rama and Sita as the complete guiding questions. They recognize the elements of the Epic Hero Cycle in the poem and complete an associated worksheet.

Students investigate how the visual images of Ramayana show the actions, events and lessons of the epic poem. They discuss how the visual images give non-verbal information and messages which extend their understanding or visual literacy. They complete a web-based interactive activity.

Students read and respond to articles in CALLIOPE magazine entitled, "Epic Heroes." In this epic hero lesson, students read a magazine page by page that includes selections about epic heroes in articles about the "Iliad," "The Gates of Troy," and others. They discuss what a hero is and what makes them epic.

Students determine what elements make Ramayana an epic poem. They look at how it fits the Epic Hero Cycle, and what lessons are taught through the examples of the characters. They complete the associated worksheets.

Young scholars examine how the epic poem, "Ramayana" teaches dharma, one of Hinduism's most important tenets. They read the abridged version of the "Ramayana," identify the main plot points, complete a chart, and write an essay on a moral dilemma from the poem.

Students analyze the epic poem form and its roots in oral tradition. In this epic poetry lesson, students research the epic hero cycle and recognize the pattern of events and elements. Students analyze the patterns embedded in the stories.

Students read a version of Ramayana and explore the elements of the epic hero cycle. In this Ramayana analysis lesson, students retell the basic narrative of the Ramayana and identify the main characters. Students identify elements of the Ramayana that make it an epic poem. Students write an expository essay explaining why the Ramayana is an epic poem. Students also complete Epic Hero Cycle charts and write character descriptions.

Students explore Hindu culture by examining the characters of the Ramayana and the choices they make. In this Indian epic lesson, students define the term dharma and discuss Hinduism. Students review the important plot points of the Ramayana and analyze the characteristics of Rama and Sita. Students choose a moral dilemma from the story and write an essay of a situation exemplifying dharma.

Students, after reading the Odyssey and discussing the characteristics of an epic and an epic hero, watch Superman, the movie. They list all the characteristics of an epic hero on the board.

Pupils define epic poetry and the epic hero cycle. They identify and explain the elements of epic poetry. Student describe how the narrative structure of epic poems aided in their use as an oral storytelling form.