"Myths And Their Transformations,"
	Differentiating the Curriculum Using Heracles - Margaret Abend, Heninger Elementary
	The purpose of this unit was threefold. The first objective was to create an area of high interest to enhance the students' creative writing skills. Students are more apt to write well, if they write about something they enjoy. These exciting stories about Heracles' life will be used as a spring- board for creative writing. Second, this unit will provide an avenue to differentiate the curriculum for the gifted student using depth and complexity. This unit will challenge students to use their critical thinking skills to delve into Heracles' life. This unit will create an environment in which advanced and accelerated gifted and talented students will be challenged. Third, this unit will serve as a means to introduce Greek mythology and ancient civilization to young students. We will study map skills as we follow Heracles on his journey to complete his twelve labors. While studying about Heracles' life, the students will become more observant and appreciative of the world around them. They will begin to see the influence of mythology in the world today. After they have studied about the life of Heracles, the students will be encouraged to continue reading mythology. This unit was written for gifted and bright students from the third to fifth grades.