Year of the Ancients
Winter 2019: Ramayana
This winter in writing the 6/7 Band will continue our exploration of ancient cultures through the lens of storytelling with one of the central epics of Indian culture: The Ramayana.
As part of their introduction to narrative storytelling, the Otters have explored the role of creation stories and fables in establishing cultural norms and identity. Having been introduced to standard plot structure and character roles, the Otters will be taking a step further as they explore the concept of the "Monomyth" or Hero's Journey.
In building their skills as writers, the Otters will continue refining their understanding of the different tools used in descriptive writing, such as figurative language, comparisons and imagery. Throughout the class, students will create a glossary of terms with which to practice their spelling, and will work to advance their knowledge of parts of speech.
To find more information on projects and assignments, please view the
class syllabus.
Why Use a Graphic Novel?
Like the Odyssey, the Ramayana in its original form is quite an undertaking to read! However, it is a wonderful way to introduce students to how ancient stories impact modern storytelling and ideas. In the case of the Ramayana,
Sanjay Patel's depiction of the classic story provides an accessible portrayal of Hindu deities that highlights the characteristics that make them uniquely Indian.
Using a graphic novel provides access to a wide range of reading ability; as described by Scholastic.com, "Graphic novels can be a way in for students who are difficult to reach through traditional texts. Even those deemed poor readers willingly and enthusiastically gravitate toward these books."
Linking what they read with imagery will further aid Otters in their understanding of and ability to use descriptive writing.
