I didn’t want to share my Athena paper doll because the fashion illustration was historically inaccurate. It was silly, so here it is in its imperfect glory.
Now that I have shown you my defective work, I will have to finish it. I have a second page where I stopped. It has a shield and another dress.
Ancient Greek fashion
The ancient Greeks didn’t have sewing machines. They used fabrics and tied them into dresses.
Even in Rome, dresses, called Stolas in Latin, were very large tied fabrics.
I am a language student and I want to offer you some tips that work for me.
I call my way of language learning Emotional Learning. When I engage emotionally with a language, I learn it faster and stress free.
Emotional Learning is engaging with material in the new language in an emotional way with poetry, music, and literature. It is fun and entertaining. This is not the boring learning at school.
The goal of emotional learning is to have fun and to really enjoy each interaction. For example, if I love magazines and start getting magazines in Italian, I’d enjoy and learn. Or if I was a fan of comics and started getting comics in some other language, I’d expect every new issue, and I would enjoy it so much.
1. Use fun literature for reading in your target language. I use poetry because it is short, beautiful, and rhyming aids memorization.
2. Listen to music on your target language. I love Italian music, and most of my Italian interactions are with their awesome music. Choose your favorite songs and karaoke! It will be awful at first, but you will be so proud when you learn a little bit of the song, but most importantly, you will learn a bunch of words and phrases.
3. Use free and easy to use apps and tools. I use Duolingo every day. I also use Spotify to listen to Italian music. I listen to Italian and Latin podcasts on YouTube. I gave collections of language learning graphics on Pinterest and more. I follow people who speak languages I want to learn on X. This is easy free learning.
4. Write by hand on the new language. Handwriting aids in memorization. Create flash cards and flip through them for study. Create art or a meme. I wrote an Italian poem, and it helped me learn.
5. Teach someone. When you teach yo in learn twice.
6. Change your phone’s language. I learned so much Italian from doing this.
7. Change your passwords to a powerful phrase in the target language.
If you study Spanish, consider my Spanish with poetry lesson Rima y Ritmo
Follow my language learning blog posts on my Creative Children blog.
Greek on Duolingo. I’m finally understanding, but it is difficult. I’m currently working to have more Greek XP than Italuan on Duolingo, and the last 3 courses are my kids.
I changed my phone’s language to Italian for free and stress free language learning.
I had doubts, and in my worst nightmare, I saw myself lost and not being able to understand or change my GPS. Actually, I could get lost if the GPS gives me directions in Italian, so I have to test it and change it to English prior to use because driving is no joke.
I have been doing this for two days and it has been a great success and worth the slight discomfort.
Words I learned from changing the language on my phone:
Titolo: title
Pubblica: publish
Ottobre: October
Inizia: start
Verso: verse
Piu tardi: later
Registro: register
Sabato: Saturday
Ristoranti: restaurant
Deserto: desert
Aperto: open
Salva: save
Lingua: Language
Ora: now
Messaggi
Cerca: search
Weird ways to study a language
I changed my password to another language.
Do karaoke in my target language
Write in my target language then use AI to review your accuracy
Have set up passwords in languages I study
Jokes using vocabulary from language class
If you speak Spanish and need to learn English, join me on Sundays for the free English class courtesy of Family Help.
I changed my phone’s language to Italian for free and stress free language learning.
I had doubts, and in my worst nightmare, I saw myself lost and not being able to understand or change my GPS. Actually, I could get lost if the GPS gives me directions in Italian, so I have to test it and change it to English prior to use because driving is no joke.
I have been doing this for two days and it has been a great success and worth the slight discomfort.
Words I learned from changing the language on my phone:
Update on my learning Italian using music: Words I learned exclusively from music.
I learned these words completely from music. I searched all these words in the dictionary. For some I had an idea what they meant, some I simply became familiar with the word enough that once I could recall it, I searched it for the correct spelling and meaning.
Collaboration with Lilli (9), who helped me create the lesson, game, graphics, and learned alongside me.
I saved many Athena photos, illustrations, and more to this Pinterest board. For inspiration click and see the different Athena goodies with links to more Athena content.
Athena was the Ancient Greek goddess of war and wisdom
Athena Symbols: Olive tree and owls
Athena was born fully grown in armor
Lilli’s Athena art with her ancient Greek name in capital letters.
Lesson Plan (7 to 9 year olds) Introduction to Athena in Greek Mythology
Here’s an Introduction Lesson Plan about Athena for children ages 7 to 9. It’s designed to be fun and creative, involving hands-on activities like making a paper doll, storytelling, and a coloring project to keep kids engaged while learning about Greek mythology.
Lesson Plan: Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and War
Age Group: 7-9 years old Duration: 60-90 minutes Objective: Students will learn about Athena, her role in Greek mythology, and express creativity through art, storytelling, and crafts.
Materials Needed:
Printable Athena paper doll template (with Greek dress, armor, and owl accessories)
Markers, crayons, colored pencils
Scissors, glue
Construction paper for comic book creation
Copies of Athena myth stories (simplified versions)
Athena coloring pages
Whiteboard/Chalkboard (for brainstorming)
Lesson Breakdown:
1. Introduction to Athena (10-15 minutes)
Discussion: Start the lesson by introducing Athena. Use simple language to explain that Athena is the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts in Greek mythology. Mention that she is famous for her intelligence, bravery, and protection of the city of Athens.
Ask Questions:
What do you think a goddess of wisdom and war would do?
Why do you think people respected her so much?
Fun Fact: Share that her favorite animal is the owl because it symbolizes wisdom.
2. Create a Paper Doll (15-20 minutes)
Activity: Hand out a printable paper doll template of Athena. This template should include:
A basic doll figure (Athena)
Traditional Greek clothing (a flowing dress, armor)
Accessories like an owl, helmet, spear, and shield
Lizzie’s Athena
Instructions:
Have students color the doll and clothing, then cut out the pieces.
Glue or attach the clothing onto the doll to create their own mini Athena.
Discussion While Working:
Talk about why Athena wore armor even though she was peaceful and loved wisdom.
3. Read a Short Myth about Athena (10-15 minutes)
Storytelling: Read aloud a simplified myth about Athena. You could choose:
Athena’s Birth: How she was born from Zeus’ head.
Athena and the City of Athens: How she gave the olive tree to Athens.
Interactive Discussion:
Ask them: What was your favorite part of the story?
How do you think Athena felt when she helped the city of Athens?
4. Create a Story or Comic Book (15-20 minutes)
Activity: Provide each child with construction paper to create a simple 3-4 panel comic strip or short story. The prompt could be:
“Athena Goes on an Adventure”: Have the children imagine a fun adventure for Athena, like her helping a hero or solving a tricky problem using her wisdom.
Steps:
Draw pictures of Athena and her adventure.
Add speech bubbles or a few sentences to describe what’s happening.
Encourage Creativity: Allow the kids to come up with their own ideas, such as Athena talking to animals or meeting other gods.
5. Coloring Time (10-15 minutes)
Activity: Hand out Athena coloring pages that depict her with owls, a spear, or in her flowing gown.
Optional Discussion: While they color, discuss how Greek gods and goddesses were often drawn or sculpted in ancient times.
6. Class Sharing (10 minutes)
Share Creations: Let each student show their paper doll and comic strip or story to the class.
Encouragement: Praise their creativity and highlight fun details in their stories or drawings.
Wrap-Up:
Review: Ask them to name one thing they learned about Athena today.
Closing: End with a question to spark curiosity for next time: “If you could meet Athena, what would you ask her?”
Follow-Up Activity for Home:
Encourage students to research more about Greek mythology with their parents or continue coloring and creating new stories about Athena.
This lesson plan balances learning with creative play, making it a fun and memorable introduction to Athena and Greek mythology for younger children!
Athena Creation Myth
Creative Athena Activity Ideas
Color Athena coloring pages
Create an Athena paper doll and learn about the Ancient Greek costumes
Create a story with Athena as a character
Write an Athena song or poem
Dress up as Athena
Athena Trivia Game: Simple
Here’s a fun and easy Athena Trivia Game for children, designed to teach them about the Greek goddess in a playful way! Each question includes simple multiple-choice options to keep it engaging and interactive.
Scroll down to review your answers.
Athena Trivia Game
Question 1: Who is Athena the goddess of?
A) The Sea
B) Wisdom and War
C) Music
Question 2: What is Athena’s favorite animal, which represents wisdom?
A) Owl
B) Lion
C) Snake
Question 3: Which city in Greece is named after Athena?
A) Sparta
B) Athens
C) Crete
Question 4: What weapon does Athena usually carry in battles?
A) Bow and Arrow
B) Sword
C) Spear
Question 5: Athena was born fully grown from the head of which god?
A) Zeus
B) Hades
C) Poseidon
Question 6: What is Athena’s special tree, often associated with peace?
A) Apple Tree
B) Oak Tree
C) Olive Tree
Question 7: Which hero did Athena help in his journey to slay Medusa?
A) Perseus
B) Hercules
C) Theseus
Question 8: Athena is known for her wisdom. What does she often wear on her head as a symbol of this?
A) A crown
B) A helmet
C) A laurel wreath
Question 9: Athena never married and stayed focused on her duties. What is she often called because of this?
A) The Brave Warrior
B) The Wise Queen
C) The Virgin Goddess
Question 10: In one myth, Athena competed with Poseidon to become the patron of Athens. What gift did she give to win?
A) A magical horse
B) An olive tree
C) A golden shield
Bonus Activity:
After the quiz, encourage kids to draw their version of Athena or make up a new adventure where Athena helps a hero. This keeps them creatively engaged!
This game is simple, fun, and educational, perfect for children learning about Greek mythology!
Answers
Athena
Answer: B) Wisdom and War
Answer: A) Owl
Answer: B) Athens
Answer: C) Spear
Answer: A) Zeus
Answer: C) Olive Tree
Answer: A) Perseus
Answer: B) A helmet
Answer: C) The Virgin Goddess
Answer: B) An olive tree
Sources
Here’s a list of sources where you can learn about Athena for free, perfect for children or general mythology enthusiasts:
These sources offer a mix of simplified content for children and in-depth articles for older students or adults who want to explore Athena’s mythology further.
Ideas to include the natural world as inspiraion or setting for learning. These are ideas for me, rather than things I already do.
1.Nature Journals
Activity: Encourage kids to observe their surroundings and document plants, animals, weather patterns, or seasonal changes in a nature journal.
Inspiration: Create sketches of plants, press flowers or leaves, and write descriptive passages or poetry based on what they observe.
2.Outdoor Reading Sessions
Activity: Set up a cozy outdoor reading nook where your kids can read books, poetry, or historical texts while surrounded by nature.
Inspiration: Choose nature-themed books, like Walden by Thoreau or poetry by Robert Frost, to enhance the connection between the environment and the lesson.
3. Eco-Art Projects
Activity: Collect natural materials (leaves, stones, twigs) to create art projects such as collages, sculptures, or land art.
Inspiration: Teach about land artists like Andy Goldsworthy, and let kids create their own nature-based installations.
4.Botanical Studies and Garden Projects
Activity: Study local plants or grow a homeschool garden, teaching kids about botany, plant life cycles, and sustainable gardening practices.
Inspiration: Let them grow herbs, fruits, or vegetables and document their growth. Connect lessons to ancient herbal practices or mythology related to plants (like Demeter’s story).
5. Nature-Inspired Poetry and Writing
Activity: Use the natural world to inspire creative writing or poetry. Have children write poems or short stories based on their outdoor experiences.
Inspiration: Use prompts such as “Describe the feeling of the wind,” “Write a poem from the perspective of a tree,” or “Tell a story about a day in the life of a bird.”
6. Science Experiments in Nature
Activity: Conduct outdoor science experiments, such as studying the water cycle with evaporation bowls, or testing soil pH levels in different parts of the yard.
Inspiration: Discuss the role of the elements in ancient philosophy or how natural processes were understood by early civilizations.
7. Forest School or Nature Walks
Activity: Take learning outside by exploring local forests, parks, or beaches. Use these environments to study ecosystems, geology, and wildlife.
Inspiration: Teach map reading, track animal footprints, or explore ancient pathways and relate them to historical events if possible.
8. Stargazing and Astronomy
Activity: Set up a stargazing night where children can learn about constellations, planets, and the movement of celestial bodies. I use a star tracker app and follow astronomical news to stay informed.
Inspiration: Connect the stars to mythology, teaching about ancient star-gazers and their interpretations of the cosmos (e.g., Greek myths behind constellations).
9.Outdoor Problem-Solving Challenges
Activity: Use nature to create puzzles or challenges. Build a simple outdoor shelter, use the sun to tell time, or create a natural scavenger hunt with clues that teach about local plants and animals.
Inspiration: Encourage teamwork by incorporating lessons from early survival techniques used by indigenous peoples or explorers.
10. Barefoot Earthing and Sensory Exploration
Activity: Have your children explore nature barefoot to connect with the earth through sensory experiences. Encourage them to describe the different textures and sensations of the ground, plants, and water.
Inspiration: Discuss the benefits of grounding and mindfulness practices. Pair it with a nature meditation session or reflective writing about how the earth feels beneath them.
11. Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation
Activity: Set up a birdwatching station or take field trips to observe animals in their natural habitats. Teach about local wildlife, animal behavior, and ecosystems. Set up a hummingbird feeding station. We feed the birds in our yard.
Inspiration: Encourage drawing or note-taking on bird species, and perhaps connect to the ancient Greek fascination with augury (bird-watching for omens).
12.Weather and Climate Studies
Activity: Teach about weather patterns and climate by observing cloud formations, measuring rainfall, or tracking temperature changes. Make it fun by having the kids draw the different weather patterns. We love to draw the sun.
Inspiration: Build a simple weather station, then discuss the importance of weather in historical events or mythology (like Zeus’s control over thunder and storms).
Nature offers endless opportunities for rich, multi-disciplinary learning! You can combine these lessons with mythology, literature, or philosophy for a holistic approach to your homeschool experience.
Other ideas:
Make a fairy garden
Start a rock collection
Volunteer at a farm
Decorate your yard
Paint rocks for the garden or a path
Start composting
Create a rock garden
Decorate for Halloween
Go camping
Make a vegetable soup ehile teaching the children about vegetables
I was putting my then baby, the now 4 year old Alex to sleep. He was maybe 3 months old and wasn’t going to sleep.
I started singing and I was looking out the window, so I started singing about the moon and everything I could come up wiht.
After singing for the longest time ever, this is the only part of that original song that sounded good and I remembered afterwards.
Fast forward to today, and I miraculously found this image.
As soon as I found this image, I knew I had to make the song longer and I knew it was meant to be sung. By the way, I just remembered I wrote another song many years ago: “Bring me my guitar”….
Angel Baby Lullaby Lyrics
AI music for this song (If you do not like AI, that is ok with us, please read our poetry instead)
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