SUBJECT AREA/ SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL: Language Arts & Visual ArtsThe Odyssey Illustrated Narratives (9th Grade)
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Major Art Modality Utilized: Visual Art, Artistic Language
Standards Addressed in
this Lesson:
1. Summarize and
paraphrase literary and
informational text (SAT I,
ACT) (LA09_B2005-12)
2. Expand vocabulary
through reading in all
content areas, etymology,
and the use of dictionaries
and other references
(GPS, HSGT)
(LA09_C2005-19)
3. Read for a variety of
purposes in all content
areas; expect reading to
make sense, to answer
questions, or to stimulate
ideas (GPS, HSGT, SAT I,
ACT, CE) (LA09_B2005-9)
4. apply a variety of twodimensional design tools
and skills, such as
sketchbooks/journals, to
organize and convey
ideas, emotions, and
moods (GPS)
(VA2D_A2011-2)
Multiple Intelligences Addressed: Visual-Spatial, Linguistic
Lesson Abstract: Using their study of The Odyssey, students create a graphic novel to
illustrate the major plot points. The pictures serve as notes and reference for the
assignment.
Materials Needed: Text of The Odyssey, blank paper, assorted colored pencils or crayons.
Procedures:
1. After a brief introduction to the format/poetry of The Odyssey, students will participate in
reading the poem aloud with teacher-guided questions. At the end of each Episode, allow
students to briefly summarize the major plot points.
2. List the major plot points on the board for the class to see. Indicate the characters
involved, the setting, and a general description of the conflict.
3. Allow students to sketch out a series of comic panels illustrating the plot points. They
should be encouraged to include details that will help them remember the story and
characters. Remember to tell students that the goal is not to create a perfect illustration
but rather a functional visual representation of the events. If students would like to label
things or include dialogue, that is fine as well.
SUBJECT AREA/ SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL: Language Arts & Visual ArtsThe Odyssey Illustrated Narratives (9th Grade)
Area for Teacher Notes:
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Procedures: (continued)
4. As students are reading, encourage them to list words they don’t know or questions
they have about the reading on the backside of the comic panels. The comic books
become a reference for discussion and a storage place for notes.
5. Once the class has completed their reading of The Odyssey, students can bind their
pages together in order, creating a full comic book of the story. They can use the comic for
reference in crafting essay responses or completing quiz/test assignments.
6. The illustrated narrative books can be expanded to include student-written/ illustrated
chapters of the story (ex: a “lost” adventure of Odysseus that is an original student
creation) to allow for creative writing expression within this unit.
Assessment:
Students will have achieved the learning objective if they can recall the plot line of The
Odyssey and create thoughtful responses to teacher-posed questions.
Resources/ Links:
Chopstick Book Binding: http://www.instructables.com/id/Chopsticksitck-binding/
Teacher-Guided Questions: http://library.thinkquest.org/19300/data/odyssey.htm