Incorporating Greek mythology into a K-12 curriculum can be a delightful way to engage students and expand their understanding of ancient cultures. One captivating figure to explore is Eros, the son of Aphrodite, known for wielding an arrow with the power to make anyone fall in love.
Begin by setting the stage with a storytelling session that introduces Eros’ story. Describe his parentage as the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and Ares, the god of war. Relate notable tales from Greek mythology, such as Eros and Psyche’s heartwarming love story or his involvement in the myth of Narcissus. Make these stories interactive by incorporating storytelling techniques like voice modulation, character impersonation, or inviting students to create illustrations.
Once students are familiar with Eros’ backstory, introduce them to some lesser-known aspects. Dive into his representation in artistic form (paintings, sculptures) and discuss how these depictions have evolved over time. For older students, touch upon various interpretations of Eros in literature, from ancient works such as Plato’s Symposium to modern reinterpretations like C.S. Lewis’ The Four Loves.
Engage students in hands-on activities for deeper understanding. Encourage them to make their own arrows out of safe materials like foam or cardboard and decorate them inspired by Eros’ attributes. Have younger students match characters involved in various love stories orchestrated by Eros and discover patterns or similarities among them. For high school students, consider initiating a discussion on how myths around Eros may have influenced society’s perceptions about love and relationships through history.
To solidify learning concepts and encourage teamwork, create group projects that revolve around a creative retelling of one encounter with Eros. Students could create costumes or props inspired by their favorite myths featuring Eros and act out their own rendition of the story. Alternatively, they could collaborate on a comic book or digital presentation to showcase the adventures of this mischievous deity.
Finally, bring it all together with a lesson on how Eros has influenced our language and culture today. Explore commonly used phrases or words derived from Eros, such as “Cupid” or “Cupidity,” and discuss the modern-day use of the term “eros” in scientific contexts, like biology and psychology.
Teaching about Eros, the son of Aphrodite, is an exciting way to immerse students in Greek mythology and create inclusive learning opportunities. By incorporating interactive stories, examining artistic representations, engaging in hands-on activities, and connecting Eros to contemporary culture, K-12 teachers can make this subject a memorable, enriching experience for all students.
