Lesson Plan - The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordian
Learning Ally Bookshelf # HN409
Title
”The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
Theme
Introduction to Greek mythology, understanding universal Themes found in literature, analytical response to literature
Subject
Language Arts
Time
2 class periods
Grade Range
Grades 6-8
Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.9
Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in
terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.9
Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a
means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.5
Compare and contrast the structure of two or more texts and analyze how the differing structure of each text contributes to its
meaning and style.
Objectives
Students will:
• Read and discuss “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan literally and analytically.
• Gain a basic understanding of the 12 Olympians in Greek mythology.
• Discuss the universal theme of completing a quest found in both the novel and Greek mythology.
• Write an essay comparing and contrasting the quest of the main character of Percy Jackson to the quest in the legend of
Perseus in Greek mythology.
Materials and
Preparation
Introduction/hook
LearningAlly.org
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“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan (Learning Ally audiobook)
Accounts of the legend of Perseus - texts, books, Internet.
A Venn diagram (on the Learning Ally website).
Publishing materials for writing assignment.
“Adventures of the Greek Heroes” by McLean
Mollie (Learning Ally bookshelf# BV053).
Optional
• It is recommended that the students have prior
knowledge of at least the 12 Olympian gods in
Greek mythology prior to beginning the book.
• If appropriate, provide the students with a basic knowledge of the 13 Olympian gods in Greek mythology. This will give
them ample prior knowledge to make predictions and comprehend the novel on various levels.
• Read and discuss the novel with the students, stopping to check for understanding when appropriate.
Lesson Plan - The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordian
page 2
Learning Ally Bookshelf # HN409
Instructional
Activities
Find the following passage in chapter 3 of the print copy of “Night” by Elie Wiesel (Note: because “Night” was translated from
the author’s first language, and recently updated, the prose may be different in the version you use, although the themes will
be the same.) You may cue the Learning Ally audiobook, bookshelf #KM754, and have the class listen/ follow along with the
text on an overhead projector.
Instructional
Activities (cont.)
• Write the word quest on the board. Define the word quest with the students. As a class, generate examples of quests from
real life, literature and movies.
• Write the names Percy Jackson and Perseus on the board. Have students complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the 2 characters.
Differentiated Instruction
1.
Venn diagram using drawings, magazine cutouts and pictures for children with writing challenges
2.
Multicultural historical fiction titles:
- “Esperanza Rising” by Pam Munoz Ryan
- “Hiroshima: A Novella” by Laurence Yep
- “The Dreamer” by Pam Munoz Ryan
Assessment
Formal:
• Formal: (Tests, quizzes, assignments)
• Test or quizzes on characters from book and/or 13 Greek gods
LearningAlly.org
Informal:
• Socratic seminar, character debates, class discussions comparing Greek gods to characters from
book