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The Lightning Thief

Monday, April 18th, 2016 Presented by: Theatreworks USA Grades: 2 - 6 Dreamcatchers Teaching Guides align with the Common Core State Standards and New Mexico State Learning Standards. To a degree, the Greek and Roman mythological heroes are just the first superheroes. They appeal to children for much the same reason. These gods and heroes may have powers, but they get angry and they do the wrong thing. They are human, too.” ‘‘ –

Synopsis Based on the New York Times Bestseller by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief renders ancient into present-day reality in this action-packed, funny, bold, and wonderfully imaginative musical. Twelve-year-old is about to be kicked out of boarding school again, but that’s the least of his troubles. Lately, legendary monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of his Greek mythology textbook and into his life. To his astonishment, he learns that his true father is Poseidon, the God of the Sea. What’s more, Percy has managed to anger a few of the major Olympian deities: Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect! Now he has ten days to find and return Zeus’s property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. To succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him, solve the riddle of the Oracle (which warns him of betrayal by a friend), and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves. The show features creative costumes and sets, electrifying choreography, captivating music and lyrics, and mesmerizing fight scenes all within the storyline of important moral lessons and the ageless truths of a “hero’s quest.”

Standards NMCCSS New Mexico Content Addressed By English Language Arts: Standards: Speaking and Listening Fine Arts/Theatre & Music: Content Attending the (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL): Standards 3 & 5 - Comprehension and Performance Collaboration

2 The Lightning Thief Teaching Guide Dreamcatchers Vocabulary studied Norse mythology that he CHIRON: Eldest and wisest of the started to get into reading. centaurs Agony: suffering in pain or distress his parents and grandparents were all CYCLOPS: One-eyed giant Demigod: the offspring of a god and teachers. a mortal, or a mortal raised to divine FURIES: Avenging spirits controlled by rank thought he was going to be a rock Hades Eavesdrop: to secretly listen to what is star when he grew up. He worked his HADES: God of the underworld and said in private way through college playing in bands brother to Poseidon and Zeus on the weekend. Expelled: kicked out HARPIES: Female monsters in the showed the manuscript of The form of birds with human faces Envy: to be jealous Lightning Thief to his middle school HERCULES: Son of Zeus. Mortal hero Half-Blood: half mortal, half god students before getting it published HERMES: God of the trade Immortal: lives forever; cannot die and got their feedback. KRONOS: Titan god of time and Oath: a promise Son of the Sea God was the original title of this book, but his students told the ages; fathered the gods and Oracle: a wise person who some him to change it. They felt that the goddesses of Mt. Olympus believe can predict the future original title gave away the secret of MEDUSA: Gorgon sister who bragged Pawn: a person who can be used for Percy’s dad too quickly. about her beauty and was turned into another person’s purposes Other: a monster by Athena Pseudonym: a fictitious or made up The director of the film version of : Monster with the body of name The Lightning Thief, Chris Columbus, a man and head and tail of a bull Rebellious: fighting against rules or directed the film versions ofHarry ODYSSEUS: Leader in the Trojan War authority Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and PAN: God of the wild, shepherds and : half human, half goat Harry Potter and the Chamber of flocks Secrets. Scrawny: very skinny POSEIDON: God of the sea, brother of In 2010, The Lightning Thief was Smirk: a sly smile Zeus and Hades, and Father of Percy adapted and released as a graphic Jackson Souvenir: something that serves as a novel, illustrated by Attila Futaki. reminder (i.e. from a trip) PROMETHEUS: Titan god of Greek Gods & Mythical Creatures forethought. Entrusted with task of Talon: the claw of an animal (esp. a molding mankind out of clay bird) APOLLO: The youthful god of the sun and music : Poets and companions to Interesting Facts ARES: The fierce god of war Pan for Students ATHENA: The goddess of wisdom and TITANS: The Elder Gods who ruled the Rick Riordan: arts earth before the Olympians overthrew them didn’t like to read books as a child. CENTAUR: Mythical creature with It wasn’t until he read the Lord of the head and torso of a man and body of ZEUS: King of the gods, ruler of Rings trilogy in middle school and a horse mankind

3 The Lightning Thief Teaching Guide Dreamcatchers About the Author Rick Riordan (born in 1964) is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the Kane Chronicles, the Heroes of Olympus, and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. fterA graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a double major in English and History, Rick taught at public and private middle schools in the San Francisco Bay area and in Texas for fifteen years. While teaching full time, Riordan began writing mystery novels for adults but soon turned to children’s fiction. He startedThe Lightning Thief as a bedtime story for his oldest son, Haley, who refused to read but loved listening to his dad’s tales about Ancient Greek gods. The Lightning Thief’s hero, Percy Jackson, resembles Haley in more than one way: they both have ADHD and dys- lexia, and as a result, they don’t do well in school. Riordan admits that introducing this less-than-perfect hero into children’s fiction has been extremely rewarding. Today, over forty million copies of hisPercy Jackson, Kane Chron- icles, and Heroes of Olympus are in print in the United States, and rights have been sold in more than 37 countries. Riordan lives in Boston with his wife and two sons and now writes full-time.

4 The Lightning Thief Teaching Guide Dreamcatchers Grades: K-2 Create-a-Creature NMCCSS: Vaasl.org English Language Lesson 1 Arts: In The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson encounters several mythical creatures, the first of which is a Minotaur: a Reading Standards man with the head of a bull. In this lesson, students will create their own mythical creatures taking inspiration from the creatures found in Greek mythology. for Literature (CCSS. ELA-Literacy.RL): Objectives Key Ideas and Details Students will: Integration of • Use a choice grid to select the components of a unique creature creation. Knowledge and Ideas • Name and write a description of the new creation. Writing (CCSS. ELA-Literacy.W): Text Types and Materials Purposes • Activity sheet: Create-a-Creature (pg. 6) • Pencils Speaking and Listen- ing (CCSS.ELA- • Markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc. Literacy.SL): • Selection devices (i.e. dice, spinner, etc.) Comprehension and • Optional: books that contain drawings and photographs of animals Collaboration Procedure 1. Ask students if they know the 4. Demonstrate how to use the as possible. Make sure all 5 names of any mythical creatures. selection device in conjunction features of the creature are New Mexico Examples may include Pegasus, with the activity sheet. The num- included in the drawing. Centaur, Cyclops, Medusa, and ber rolled or spun represents what Content 6. Allow students to work for Minotaur. Ask students to describe type of body parts their creature about 20 minutes. Standards: the creatures. What makes these will have. Fine Arts/ Visual creatures mythical? What makes 5. Encourage students to use their 7. In small groups, have students Arts: Content them unique? prior knowledge of the various share their creatures. Encourage Standards 2, 3 & 5 students to give feedback to each 2. Tell students that they will be animals that make up their crea- other and share their ideas. creating their own mythical crea- ture to inform their choices when tures and coming up with names answering the questions on the 8. Bind all of the activity sheets for and interesting facts about activity sheet. together in a class book. Have the their creature, highlighting what a. Interesting facts about class think of an alliterative title for makes it unique. students’ creatures can include the book. information about the creature’s 3. Distribute “Create-a-Creature” a. Examples: “Curious Classroom personality, behaviors, habitat/ activity sheets and selection Creatures,” “Mythical Monsters,” environment, favorite foods, etc. devices (dice, spinner, etc.) Review “Bizarre Beasts,” or “Annoying the directions. b. Drawings should be as detailed Anonymous Animals.” Extensions/Modifications • After students share their ideas, give them time to make adaptations to their creatures before collecting them for the class book. • Make up your own characteristics for the creatures. Generate ideas as a class and make your own grid of features. • Write a poem about your mythical creature. The poem should be funny. Include the creature’s name and describe some if its physical characteristics. • Write a story about an adventure involving your mythical creature. The creature can be the main character or a challenge the main character has to deal with.

Assessment • Students create a mythical creature by following instructions and successfully completing the activity sheet. • Creature characteristics are thought out and are the result of informed choices. • Quality of participation

5 The Lightning Thief Teaching Guide Dreamcatchers b

6 The Lightning Thief Teaching Guide Dreamcatchers Grades: 4-6 Even Gods Have NMCCSS: English Language Lesson 2 EduPlace.com Arts: Bad Hair Days Reading Standards In The Lightning Thief, ancient Greek gods and goddesses are present in the modern world. In this lesson, students will have the chance to familiarize themselves with classic tales in Greek mythology and speculate for Literature (CCSS. how some of the better-known characters in these stories might behave in present day situations. ELA-Literacy.RL): - Key Ideas and Objectives Details Students will: - Craft and Structure • Research chosen gods or goddesses from Greek mythology. - Integration of • Relate their research to present day experiences. Knowledge and Ideas • Write a narrative that exhibits characteristics of the god or goddess addressing a realistic school problem. Writing (CCSS. Materials ELA-Literacy.W): • Examples of Greek mythology • Computer access and library access (for research) • Writing supplies - Text Types and Purposes Procedure - Production and 1. Gauge student knowledge about a daily basis. Some examples are: Distribution of Greek mythology. Depending on Resources a. Missing the bus to school. Writing student familiarity, a brief introduc- b. Having a hard time with a tion to Greek mythology may be GreekMythology.com Speaking and particular subject in school. helpful prior to this lesson. Theoi Greek Mythology (CCSS. c. Disliking what is being served in Listening 2. Read a Greek myth to the class. ELA-Literacy.SL): Rick Riordan Educational the cafeteria for lunch today. You may wish to select one with Resource d. A bully is picking on him/her. characters that are familiar to the - Comprehension e. Being caught by a teacher students or characters featured in and Collaboration doing something that is against the play. The Lightning Thief fea- mythology. They will need to use in- the rules. tures Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Ares, ternet and library resources to learn Dionysus, Athena, Aphrodite, Hera, the following about their character: f. Being picked last for a team. Demeter, Hermes, Artemis, and a. The origin and background g. Not getting along with another Medusa, among others. information of the character. student in class. 3. Discuss the characteristics of b. Any superhuman qualities, h. Not finishing homework on a myth. Discuss the characters in strengths or powers. time. the story and what their personal- c. Stories and/or people this 6. Instruct students to pick one of ity traits are. How are these traits character is connected with. the problems and write a narrative describing how their selected god important to the message of the d. Character flaws that cause story? Generate a class list of or goddess would deal with and problems for this person. common qualities that gods, god- resolve that problem. e. Any areas that this character desses, and heroes hold. Encourage 7. Have students share their writing students to use both the selected has rule over. in small groups. Groups should myth and their prior knowledge to Note: This could be assigned as discuss the writing, share thoughts inform their answers. homework. and ideas, and offer feedback. 4. Tell students that they will need 5. In the next class period, start a Allow students time to edit their to select one Greek god or goddess discussion about common elemen- writing based on the feedback of to research. It may be helpful to tary/middle school problems. Gen- their peers. provide students with a list of the erate a class list of some common 8. Have students share completed main gods and goddesses in Greek problems that students deal with on writing with the class. Extensions/Modifications • Students may work in small groups or pairs to share the research and writing tasks. Group presentations may be made in lieu of a written narrative. • Choose only one school problem to work with. Students will have to think about how their selected god or goddess would approach the same problem. Have students compare the various responses. Assessment • Narrative demonstrates general understanding of the characteristics of the selected god or goddess. • The problem has a good resolution. • Quality of participation

7 The Lightning Thief Teaching Guide Dreamcatchers Questions to Bonus Explorations Engage & Connect After seeing the show, ask your students to answer these Lessons & Activities Outreach Activities questions: Have students read the book before If the battle scenes in The Lightning • Before seeing this show, I didn’t seeing the musical and discuss the Thief caught your imagination, you will know that… differences. Was the musical how enjoy the Archery Shoppe —one of the you imagined it from the book? Then top five largest archery shops in the • This show made me think about… compare it to the film. How are the nation. • The part that most grabbed my three mediums different? Discuss what Another way to enhance your chances attention was… versions they liked best and why. to win an epic battle is by learning how • Overall, the show made me feel… Make a family tree for Percy Jackson to fence! At Duke City Fencing , you will • Something I want to share with using the references in the book to learn what it takes to be a master. my family about the experience is… Greek mythology. Come see real sword fights at the • To be a good friend means… Have students each draw a name of Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival one of the Greek gods/goddesses and Highland Games! The festival • If I were a Greek god, I would want to be _____, because… out of a hat. Then have them research brings to New Mexico an ever-shifting the name they picked and give a short kaleidoscope of Celtic song, dance, • If my mom or dad was a Greek presentation on their god/goddess. traditional clothing (aye, the kilt!), foods, god, I would want them to be Percy Jackson often feels like an language revival, stories, poetry, humor, _____, because... outsider, or like he’s not “normal” until history, and Celtic sports. • If I were granted one magical item he discovers he’s a demigod. Have Cloud Dancers Therapeutic of my choice, it would be _____, students write about a time when they Horsemanship Program is an with the power to... felt different. Did it make them feel Albuquerque-based recreational special? Did they feel alone? How did program founded in 1982 for people they deal with their feelings? with disabilities. “Unsolved Mysteries” Percy has special powers with the Videos gods on his side, but often, when students see trouble at school (like Resources Interview with the author Rick Riordan bullying), they don’t know who to turn Books at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to. Have students write down one or (audio) All books listed below are by Rick two incidents where this happened to Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Riordan and published by New York them at school or with friends. Then, Lightning Thief (2010). Director: Chris Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for have them put their answers in a hat so Columbus Children. it’s anonymous. Draw from the hat and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013). talk about each scenario. If students are (2005) The Lightning Thief Director: Thor Freudenthal comfortable, role-play some solutions. (2006) Scholastic The Lightning Thief (2007) The Titan’s Curse Discussion Guide (2008) The Battle of the Labyrinth Fast Times @ Homeschool High Some (2009) The Last Olympian Lesson Plans Spence, L. (1921). An Introduction to Fabulous Classroom Percy Jackson Mythology. New York: Moffat Yard and About the Company Teaching Resources & Lesson Plans Company. Available online on Project Since the creation of Theatreworks BookLad.org An assortment of lesson Gutenberg USA in 1961, its mission has been to plans and resources. create, produce, and provide access Websites TheatreworksUSA Company study to professional theatre for young and guide. The Online World of Rick Riordan For family audiences nationwide, including Lessons from ARTSEDGE more facts about Greek mythology or disadvantaged youth and underserved Exploring American Tall Tales Use for a teacher’s guide for The Lightning communities. Theatreworks USA has drama to explore American tall tales. Thief. brought literary- and historically-based What can they tell us about the GreekMythology.com A collection of shows that stimulate reading and American spirit? brief introductions to many Ancient discussion on cultural, historical, and Writing an Original Fable How are Greek gods and myths. social issues to audiences all over the fables written? Theoi Greek Mythology A guide to US and Canada. The theater is actively Writing Myths How can myths help to Greek mythology and the gods in involved in numerous educational and explain nature and science? classical literature and art. community initiatives, encouraging A World of Myths How did past Vaasl.org Lessons by Lynne Farrell positive values and life-long civilizations explain natural phenomena? Stover: “Mythical Monster Match” and appreciation for the arts.

8 The Lightning Thief Teaching Guide Dreamcatchers Popejoy Hall, New Mexico’s The Los Alamos premier nonprofit venue for the performing National Bank arts and entertainment.

About the Schooltime Series Schooltime Series The Schooltime Series presents national and interna- The Schooltime Series tional touring companies and performers that you will is a proud member of not see anywhere else in or around Albuquerque. These companies are selected with youth and family audiences in mind, from titles and materials that reflect the cultural diversity of our global community. These professional performing artists create educational experiences designed to encourage literacy, creativity, The LANB Popejoy Schooltime Series communication and imagination. is supported in part by awards from: Join our community and sign up for our monthly newsletter at: facebook.com/schooltimeseries. Click The Eugene and Marion on “Join My List,” or send an e-mail with your name Castiglia Popejoy Children’s and e-mail address to schooltime@popejoypresents. Schooltime Endowment com requesting to be added to the newsletter list. The Popejoy Schooltime Education You can contact us at schooltime@popejoypresents. Endowment com or visit us at www.schooltimeseries.com. Etiquette The performing arts—theater, music and dance—are all collaborative endeavors. They require the cooperation of many skilled people: playwrights, directors, perform- ers, designers, technicians, lyricists, choreographers, musicians, and the audience. Live performances can transport you to other times and places but to do so, they require you, the audience, to listen, observe, dis- cover, and imagine. The inside of a theatre is called a “house.” There are rules inside the house to make the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone. A summary poster of Theatre Etiquette is available on our website. Please post it and discuss it with your students and chaper- ones before attending this show.

Dreamcatchers are teaching guides produced by the Education Department of Popejoy Hall, New Mexico’s House Policies premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and Please visit our website for detailed information about entertainment located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. House Policies. This includes our guidelines on safety, Popejoy Hall’s Mission: To provide access to the special needs, food and drink, backpacks, cell phones, performing arts for all New Mexicans. photography, recordings, and more.

The Los Alamos National Bank Popejoy Schooltime Series is a program of The University Credits of New Mexico. Selected Dreamcatchers Teaching Guide materials provided by Theatreworks USA, Quizlet, The Official Website of Rick Riordan, Schmoop.com, and other resources noted within this guide.