EPISODE · May 15, 2025 · 18 MIN
TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Studying the Odyssey for 9-10 Grade ELA [Ep 258]
from Brave New Teaching: A Podcast for High School and Middle School Teachers · host Marie Morris & Amanda Cardenas, Secondary ELA Teachers
Teaching The Odyssey doesn’t have to be stuck in surface-level plot points. It can be the unit where students are guided through their own epic journeys!In this third episode of our Hero’s Journey series, we’re diving into how we’ve completely reimagined teaching The Odyssey to ninth graders. If you’ve been following along, you know we started this series with an overview of using the Hero’s Journey as a curriculum tool, then explored what it looks like in middle school using The Hobbit. Now we’re shifting the focus to high school—and it’s not just about leveling up content, it’s about deepening the purpose.We’re talking essential questions, student-centered analysis, and ways to move from plot summaries to powerful conversations, like whether or not you can still be a hero if you never leave home. We’re also sharing how this unit can end with a project that feels more personal, more reflective, and way more meaningful than a traditional essay or presentation.Resources and Related Episodes:Freebie: Hero’s Journey Evidence TrackerEpisode 15, To Write an Essential QuestionEpisode 16, To Find Supplementory TextsEpisode 256, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Dos and Don’ts of Unit DesignEpisode 257, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Studying The Hobbit for Middle School ELASHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode258"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩💻Join Happy Hour!Curriculum RehabDown with the Reading QuizShop the BNT Resource LibraryConnect with us on Instagram @bravenewteachingSubscribe to our YouTube Channel
What this episode covers
Teaching The Odyssey doesn’t have to be stuck in surface-level plot points. It can be the unit where students are guided through their own epic journeys! In this third episode of our Hero’s Journey series, we’re diving into how we’ve completely reimagined teaching The Odyssey to ninth graders. If you’ve been following along, you know we started this series with an overview of using the Hero’s Journey as a curriculum tool, then explored what it looks like in middle school using The Hobbit. Now...
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TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Studying the Odyssey for 9-10 Grade ELA [Ep 258]
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