CREATING LEGENDS

Curriculum: Language : all areas with links to social studies and art. Levels 2-4

What is a Legend?

Discuss. What is meant by a legend? Is it a true story? Define.

Share.

What legends have we read or know? Share these with the class.

Research & Act.

Using library, school journals and personal resources, have each group select a legend to:

  1. read cooperatively in a group.
  2. List the events and main characters of the legend.
  3. act out to the class. This could be a mime with a narrator or a semi scripted drama.

Involving Parents and Older Friends.

Have pupils ask parents and older friends about any legends they know from another country or about the Local district. Does a taniwha feature in a local legend? Have pupils record these to play back to the class or invite them to the classroom to tell the legend.

The Terrible Beast

Many legends have a 'terrible beast' as the main character. Have pupils research, share and list mythical beasts that are the stuff of legends. Why do they think that terrible beasts so often feature in legends?
  1. Write. As a group or as individuals, have pupils come up with an horrific description of a terrible mythical beast.
  2. Record this on tape (with sound effects) to play to a junior class.
  3. Groups construct a terrible beast or all contribute to a painted group mural. Display in foyer.
  4. Write. Finish this story line. The terrible bird swooped down upon me uttering a hideous screeching cry.

Creating a Legend

Develop the idea that many cities and towns around the world promote legends as part of their tourism programme, e.g. the Loch Ness Monster at Inverness, Ghosts of convicts in Tasmania and Norfolk Island. Help pupils to see the link between legends and economic activity, e.g. souvenirs, trips.

A Scenario. All groups are part of their local district promotional council. They have been charged with creating a legend that will bring tourists (and tourist dollars) to their district. How will they promote it?

  1. Have pupils brainstorm and create such a legend. Write as a cooperative story and share with the class.
  2. Using suitable props and costumes, groups can now enact their local legends for other classes.
  3. Design and create. Tourists like to buy souvenirs to remind them of their trips. What memorabilia would the pupils design to remind them of your local legend.

Sharing with other Schools

Now that the legends are too good to miss, have pupils write them down in story form along with illustrations and send to another school to enjoy.

• Ask the other school to create and share their legend about their district as a tourist attraction.



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