The Lightning Thief Extension Activities
Three exciting learning activities to complement author Rick Riordan's modern myth
- Grades: 6–8
About this book
1. Imagine you have just discovered that you are a half-blood. What cabin do you think you will end up in at Camp Half Blood? What are the possibilities? Write a creative piece describing your arrival and discovery of your true parentage.
This activity gives students a chance to think about their own personal strengths and how they are connected to the gods. Are they generous like Hermes? Wise like Athena? Do they resist restriction like the sea? Teachers may wish to fully explore each of the gods attributes before students begin this project. In addition, students may want to make a list of all their personal characteristics before deciding which god they are related to.
2. This book is the first in a series. Luke is still at large, Cronos is growing stronger, and Percy is about to step out into the world as the acknowledged son of Poseidon. What will happen next? Like the Oracle, make four predictions about the next book. What will happen in it? Share your predictions, the clues that support them, and create a group chart showing what you, as a group, think are the most likely upcoming events.
Children love imagining what will happen next. Doing so also encourages them to go back to the book for a closer reading and a hunt for clues. In addition, their interest in the upcoming book is encouraged.
3. World War II is revealed in the book to actually have been triggered by an epic battle between the gods. How can a modern event be explained by the gods? Pick a current event-an earthquake, a battle, or even a surprising celebrity love affair-and explain how the gods were really behind it. You can present your explanations as a television newscast!
Children apply their knowledge of mythology with this project. You may want to read some Greek and Roman myths before you start-the story of Troy, how fire came to man, Pandora's box, etc.