Exploring the Concept of ‘Myth’ with a Group of 10/11 year old Children

Abstract

A description and appraisal of a course during which children and teachers were learning together. It was held at the Language Development Unit, Borough of Croydon, England, in April, 1982. Primary schools were asked to nominate children in the top junior year who were very able in the language arts. Twenty were then selected, an equal number of boys and girls — this number being viable for the small Centre.

Pupil's were encouraged to analyse the universal meaning of myths and to transpose various myths into their own culture and context. The aim was to develop collaborative talk and to provide an atmosphere in which pupils would write creatively and develop a deeper understanding of literature.