Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6Th Grade

Home , Acastus, Amyntor (son of Ormenus), Chiron

Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6th Grade

Week of 1/11/2021

Grade Subject

6th ELA

Weekly Focus

The students will continue to read two myths that focus on teaching lessons. Throughout this week, students will focus on using text evidence in their explanations, looking at how the author describes characters and their actions and write well developed paragraph(s) and an essay for given prompts.

Standards

6.RL.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite textual evidence to support conclusions. 6.RL.KID.2: Determine the theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text. 6.RL.KID.3: Describe how a plot of a story or drama unfolds, as well as how characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. 6..W.TTP.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence (introduce claim, support claim(s), organize reasons and evidence, effective conclusion).

Achieve3000 Article of the Week 3rd Block completes on Tuesday 1/9, 2nd, 4th, 6th on Wednesday 1/10

“The Lessons of Peter Tabichi” https://portal.achieve3000.com/kb/lesson/?lid=18142&step=10&c=1&sc=276&oid=0&ot=0&asn=1

“Theseus and Minotaur” “Chiron, the Wisest Centaur” (found on commonlit.org) (found on commonlit.org)

"Theseus and the Minotaur" "Chiron, the Wisest Centaur"

Tasks

Task 1 -- Read “Theseus and Minotaur” and answer the text-based questions Task 2 -- Complete the short writing prompt on “Theseus and Minotaur” Task 3 -- Read ”Chiron, the Wisest Centaur” and answer the text-based questions Task 4 -- Complete the short writing prompt on “Chiron, the Wisest Centaur” Task 5 -- Complete the writing prompt on “Theseus and Minotaur”, “Chiron, the Wisest Centaur”, and last

Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6th Grade week’s text in the synthesis writing section.

“Theseus and the Minotaur” Text-Based Questions

1. How does the author characterize Theseus in the story? Cite evidence from the text in your response.

2. PART A: How does the interaction between Theseus and King Minos in paragraphs 12-15 contribute to the plot as a whole? A. It establishes King Minos as Theseus’ central challenge in the labyrinth, setting up the king’s battle with Theseus. B. It creates an atmosphere of fear which remains with Theseus as he travels the labyrinth. C. It helps the reader to fully visualize the new setting of Crete through the eyes of Theseus. D. It further contrasts King Minos’ villainous ways with Theseus’ bravery, setting Theseus up as the hero.

3. PART B: Which later quote from the story confirms your answer to Part A? A. “Theseus walked carefully through the dark, foul-smelling passages of the labyrinth, expecting at any moment to come face-to-face with the creature.” (Paragraph 19) B. “He was picked up between the Minotaur’s horns and tossed high into the air. When he landed on the hard cold stone, he felt the animal’s huge hooves come down on his chest.” (Paragraph 20) C. “As the Minotaur bellowed in his ear and grabbed at him with its hairy arms, Theseus found a strength which he did not know he possessed.” (Paragraph 21) D. “Theseus felt all over the floor in the pitch darkness and kept thinking he had found it, only to realize that all he had was a long wiry hair from the Minotaur.” (Paragraph 23)

4. PART A: What does the word “tyrant” most closely mean as it is used in paragraph 7? A. A person who runs a country B. A leader who torments people C. A soldier who is ready to fight D. An innocent young citizen

5. PART B: Which quote from later in the story best supports your answer to Part A? A. “As the ship docked in Crete, King Minos himself came down to inspect the prisoners from Athens.” (Paragraph 11) B. “He enjoyed the chance to taunt the Athenians and to humiliate them even further.” (Paragraph 11) C. “‘Those are brave words for one so young and so feeble.’” (Paragraph 15) D. “Standing behind the king, listening, was his daughter, Ariadne.” (Paragraph 16)

6. How do the actions of Ariadne help further the plot? Cite evidence from the text in your response.

“Theseus and the Minotaur” Short Writing Prompt

The Ancient Greeks often told myths to explain how things came to be and to teach a lesson. What do we, as readers, learn from this myth about power? Cite specific details from the text in your explanation.

Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6th Grade

“Chiron, the Wisest Centaur” Text-Based Questions

1. PART A: Which sentence describes the main idea of the interview? A. Chiron is a special centaur who stands apart from the others by helping gods and humans. B. Despite the challenges of Chiron’s childhood, he has been able to find happiness and peace with his daughter. C. Chiron has lived an unhappy life, as he was rejected by his parents and his fellow centaurs. D. Chiron has been unable to focus on mentoring young heroes because of the prophecies around his death.

2. PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A? A. “It is true, my early years were not easy. As a baby, I was abandoned by my parents, Cronus and Philyra.” (Paragraph 2) B. “And thank the stars for Apollo and Artemis. What else do you think separates you from other typical centaurs?” (Paragraph 3) C. “Eventually, Peleus returned to me and asked me to train his son, Achilles. Now Achilles is one of the greatest archers in the world!” (Paragraph 6) D. “I don’t pretend to know anything for certain, and I try to shy away from looking into my own future. However, my gifted daughter Melanippe has foretold my death.” (Paragraph 10)

3. PART A: Which of the following describes how Hermes feels about Chiron? A. Hermes is jealous of all of the important gods and humans Chiron has worked with. B. Hermes feels somewhat uncomfortable by Chiron’s unusual appearance as a centaur. C. Hermes feels excited for Chiron to mentor him and improve his own skills. D. Hermes is impressed by all that Chiron has overcome and accomplished.

4. PART B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A? A. “And thank the stars for Apollo and Artemis. What else do you think separates you from other typical centaurs?” (Paragraph 3) B. “Speaking of which, the hero Peleus speaks very highly of you. How long have you known him and how did you make such a strong impression on him?” (Paragraph 5) C. “Just incredible. We really are blessed to have such a talented centaur in our midst.” (Paragraph 9) D. “do you have any predictions about what, if anything, may ultimately cause your death?” (Paragraph 9)

5. What is the relationship between Chiron and other important figures in Greek mythology?

Paired Text Short Writing Prompt

Using evidence from the text, explain how the author describes Chiron’s character.

Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6th Grade Synthesis Essay Writing Prompt

Are the gods in Greek mythology fair? After reading “Apollo’s Tree” and “Arachne” last week, and “Theseus and the Minotaur” and “Chiron, the Wisest Centaur” this week, answer the question in an argumentative essay with examples to support (prove) your point. Be sure to use evidence from the texts.

Teacher Notes / Optional Extra Resources

"Apollo's Tree" "Arachne"

Theseus and the Minotaur By E2BN.org 2006 In ancient Greece, people told myths to explain the ways of the world. Myths often portrayed brave heroes and vicious monsters. The ancient Greeks also believed in powerful gods who watched over Earth and intervened when they saw fit. In this particular myth, a prince from Greece’s capital city of Athens travels by sea to another city, Crete, in order to fight a monster. As you read, take notes on how Theseus’ actions and characteristics help drive the plot.

King Minos of Crete was a powerful man, feared by the rulers of the lands around him. When he demanded goods or men for his great armies, they felt they had to agree. When he demanded they send tributes 1 to honour him, they sent them without question. It was the only way they could stop him going to war with them. But his demands on Athens became too much for them to bear.

King Minos had a great palace built for himself. Inside this palace, Minos had built a giant maze, a labyrinth, and, at the centre of the maze, he kept a terrifying creature – the Minotaur. Now this was no ordinary animal; it was a monster, half man and half bull.

It was powerful and savage,2 and it loved to eat the flesh of the humans who had been shut into the labyrinth by King Minos. They would wander through the maze, completely lost, until at last they came face to face with the Minotaur. Not a great way to die, really.

As for Athens, Minos demanded that every year King Aegeus of Athens send him seven young men and seven young women.

“Why do we send these young people to Crete every year?” Theseus, the King’s son, asked his father. “And why is it that none of them ever return?”

“Because if we did not send them, Minos would wage war on us and it is a war that we would not win,” said King Aegeus. “And they do not return because they do not go to Crete as slaves. They go as food for the Minotaur.”

Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6th Grade

“Father, this is terrible,” shouted Theseus, “we cannot let this go on. We cannot sacrifice any more of our young citizens to this tyrant. When it is time to send the next tribute, I will go as one of them and I vow that it is the last time the Minotaur will be fed with the flesh of any of our people.”

1. In this context, a tribute is a payment made by one state or ruler to another, especially as the price of peace, security, protection or to recognize authority 2. Savage (adjective): fierce, violent, or uncontrolled

Try as he might, his father could not persuade him to change his mind. Aegeus reminded him that every year, other young men had sworn to slay this terrible beast and they had never been seen again.

Theseus insisted that he understood the dangers but would succeed. “I will return to you, father,” cried Theseus, as the ship left the harbour 3 wall, “and you will be proud of your son.”

“Then I wish you good luck, my son,” cried his father, “I shall keep watch for you every day. If you are successful, take down these black sails and replace them with white ones. That way I will know you are coming home safe to me.”

As the ship docked in Crete, King Minos himself came down to inspect the prisoners from Athens. He enjoyed the chance to taunt the Athenians and to humiliate 4 them even further.

“Is this all your king has to offer this year?” he jeered. “Such puny 5 creatures. Hardly even a snack for the mighty creature within the labyrinth. Anyway, let’s get on with it. I am not a hard-hearted man, so I will let you choose which one goes first into the Minotaur’s den. Who is it to be?”

Theseus stepped forward.

“I will go first. I am Theseus, Prince of Athens and I do not fear what is within the walls of your maze.”

“Those are brave words for one so young and so feeble.6 But the Minotaur will soon have you between its horns. Guards, open the labyrinth and send him in.”

Standing behind the king, listening, was his daughter, Ariadne. From the moment she set eyes on Theseus, Ariadne fell in love with him. As she listened to her father goading7 and taunting the young prince, she decided that she would help him. As he entered the labyrinth and the guards walked away, she called softly to him.

“Theseus, take this,” she whispered. “Even if you kill the Minotaur, you will never find your way out again.”

She threw him a great ball of string and he tied one end of it to the entrance. He smiled at her, turned and began to make his way into the maze, the string playing out behind him as he went.

Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6th Grade Theseus walked carefully through the dark, foul-smelling passages of the labyrinth, expecting at any moment to come face-to-face with the creature. He did not have long to wait. Turning a corner, with his hands held out in front of him feeling his way, he suddenly touched what felt like a huge bony horn.

In an instant his world turned upside-down, quite literally. He was picked up between the Minotaur’s horns and tossed high into the air. When he landed on the hard cold stone, he felt the animal’s huge hooves come down on his chest. Every last breath seemed to be knocked out of him and he struggled to stay alive in the darkness.

3. A harbour is a place on the coast where ships may find shelter 4. Humiliate (verb): to make someone feel ashamed or foolish 5. Puny (adjective): small and weak 6. Feeble (adjective): lacking physical strength, especially due to age or illness 7. Goad (verb): to provoke or annoy in order to create a reaction

But Theseus was no ordinary man. He was the son of the King, he was brave and he was stubborn. As the Minotaur bellowed 8 in his ear and grabbed at him with its hairy arms, Theseus found a strength which he did not know he possessed.

He grabbed the animal’s huge horns, and kept on twisting the great head from side to side. As the animal grew weak, Theseus gave one almighty tug on the head, turning it almost right around. The creature’s neck snapped, it gurgled its last breath and fell to the floor with an enormous thud.

It was over, he had done it. The Minotaur was dead. All he had to do was make his way out of... and then he realised the awful truth. In the struggle, he had let go of the string, his lifeline. Theseus felt all over the floor in the pitch darkness and kept thinking he had found it, only to realise that all he had was a long wiry hair from the Minotaur.

Despair 9 set in and Theseus wondered if this was where his life would end, down in the dark, all alone, next to the stinking body. Then, his hand brushed a piece of string and, with a whoop of delight, he knew he had found the thread which would lead him back out. As he neared the entrance of the labyrinth, the darkness began to fade and he made out the figure of Ariadne, waiting for his return.

“You must take me back to Athens with you,” she cried, “My father will kill me when he finds out that I have helped you.”

“But of course you must come with us,” said Theseus, “it would be cruel to leave you here.” Quickly and quietly, they unfurled10 the great black sails of their ship and headed for home.

“I cannot believe how my life has changed,” said Ariadne, as they sailed across the calm seas towards Athens. “To think that I am free of my cruel father and that I will soon be married to a great prince.”

“Married?” said Theseus, “Oh, yes, that will be... er... wonderful.” But in truth, Theseus did not really find her attractive.

Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6th Grade So, when their ship docked at an island on their way home, to collect fresh water, Theseus sent Ariadne off to find bread and fruit. The moment she was gone, he set sail and left her on the island. Now, you might think that this was a bad way to reward someone who had helped him and had saved him from certain death.

The Gods clearly thought the same thing, for they had a further horror in store for him, as a punishment for his ungrateful treatment of the young girl.

In his haste 11 to get away, Theseus forgot to change his sails to white. King Aegeus, waiting on the headland, saw the ship approaching with its black sails flying in the wind.

“My son has failed and he is dead,” he cried. And in despair, he flung himself from the cliff into the raging waters below. From that day on, the sea was named in memory of Theseus’ father, and to this day, it is known as the Aegean Sea.

8. Bellow (verb): to shout in a loud or deep voice 9. Despair (noun): a feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will get better 10. to open something, like a flag, so that it is spread out 11. Haste (noun): speed or hurry, often made with urgency

Chiron, the Wisest Centaur By Meredith Engel 2018 Centaurs are creatures that have the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse and appear in various works of fiction and Greek mythology. One of the most well-known centaurs in Greek mythology is Chiron. In this fictional interview with Hermes, the Messenger of the Gods, Chiron discusses his life and his accomplishments. As you read, take notes on how the author describes Chiron’s character.

HERMES: This is Hermes, Messenger of the Gods, reporting for the Greek Mythology News Network, live from Mount Pelion.1 We’re lucky today to be joined by Chiron the Centaur — the extremely talented mentor who trained many of the heroes we feature regularly on our show. Chiron, I’ve heard you had a challenging childhood — what happened and how did you get through it?

CHIRON: It is true, my early years were not easy. As a baby, I was abandoned by my parents, Cronus 2 and Philyra. My mother was disgusted by my half-human, half-horse appearance. Luckily, the god Apollo and his sister Artemis discovered me, and they found it in their hearts to take me in and raise me as their own. From Apollo, I learned about music and medicine. From Artemis, I learned about archery 3 and hunting. With their guidance I have been able to master all of these skills and more.

HERMES: Fascinating! And thank the stars 4 for Apollo and Artemis. What else do you think separates you from other typical centaurs?

CHIRON: Well, as you can see, my two front legs are not horse legs but human legs — this is a significant difference. Additionally, I enjoy wearing human clothing from time to time, something my centaur brothers and

Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6th Grade sisters never try. I embrace 5 civilization, that’s why I’ve been able to develop friendships with gods, goddesses, and humans alike.

HERMES: Speaking of which, the hero Peleus speaks very highly of you. How long have you known him and how did you make such a strong impression on him?

1. Chiron’s homeland 2. Cronus overthrew his father to be leader of the Titans, until he was later overthrown by Zeus. 3. the skill of shooting arrows with a bow 4. a phrase expressing extreme gratitude for the way something is 5. Embrace (verb): to support or accept something enthusiastically

CHIRON: I’ve known Peleus for many years. As a young man, he was left stranded in the wilderness by the traitor Acastus. Fortunately, I came across Peleus and was able to restore him to his full strength and even give him some advice as to how to win over the woman of his dreams, Thetis the ocean nymph! 6 Eventually, Peleus returned to me and asked me to train his son, Achilles. Now Achilles is one of the greatest archers in the world! Possibly even better than me...

HERMES: Oh, wow! I didn’t know you trained Achilles! Do you have any other stories about students of yours whom our viewers may have heard of?

CHIRON: Well, Ajax, who fought alongside Achilles in the Trojan War, was also brought to me as a young boy for training. And of course, Apollo, my adoptive father, brought his son Asclepius to me, as well. Asclepius was particularly adept 7 at the healing arts,8 and I’m honored to have had a hand in sculpting the great god of medicine. Actually, one of my favorite stories isn’t about my years as a teacher but rather as a healer. You see, tragically, Phoenix — another one of Achilles’ mentors — was blinded during a fight with his father, Amyntor. Using my knowledge of herbal medicine, I was able to restore Phoenix’s sight. This is certainly one of my proudest accomplishments.

HERMES: Just incredible. We really are blessed to have such a talented centaur in our midst. 9 Well, Chiron, I know your time is short, just one last question though. Seeing as you are an oracle 10 — on top of all your other abilities — do you have any predictions about what, if anything, may ultimately cause your death?

CHIRON: I don’t pretend to know anything for certain, and I try to shy away 11 from looking into my own future. However, my gifted daughter Melanippe has foretold my death. Though she was disturbed by the vision and is not willing to speak openly about it, she did mention it involved Heracles and an arrow... My only wish is that my death is not in vain,12 that someone or something else benefits from my passing.

HERMES: Oh my! For the sake of the world, I certainly hope Melanippe is wrong! Well, you heard it all here first folks! Tune in after the break for Cooking with Hestia. 13

6. a mythological spirit of nature 7. Adept (adjective): very skilled at something 8. the arts and sciences involved in healing or treating mental or physical illness

Wilson County Schools Blended and Remote Learning Wilkins ELA 6th Grade 9. a phrase meaning “among us” 10. a person with great wisdom who makes predictions about the future, usually aided by the gods 11. to avoid something you dislike or fear 12. to be useless because it did not achieve something 13. the goddess of domestic activities