Why do so many stories from around the world follow a similar pattern? From Harry Potter to Moana, Percy Jackson to Luke Skywalker, heroes often go on adventures, face challenges, and return changed. This storytelling pattern is called the Hero’s Journey. Discover why this ancient story structure continues to appear in books, movies, myths, and legends in this Language Arts Mini Spark.
Spark Your Thinking!
1. Set up your Language Arts mini spark recording page: #90: The Hero’s Journey
2. Before you begin, think about a favorite book, movie, or video game character.What makes someone a hero? List at least 5 qualities you think heroes should have and explain why each quality is important.
3. Watch the TED-Ed video: What Makes a Hero?
Choose 1 of these questions to answer
- Explain in your own words what the “Call to Adventure” is and give one example from the transcript (or a story you know).
- Describe two events from the Hero’s Journey cycle that happen after the hero crosses the threshold into the special world. Use details from the video.
- The video says the hero may face “death and possibly even dies, only to be reborn.” What does this mean symbolically for a real person? Give one real-life example the video mentions or implies.
4. Study this hero’s journey graphic for kids to use when determining the parts of the hero’s journey. What do you like about it? What suggestions do you have to improve it?
5. Read the article: The Hero’s Journey. What strategies does the writer have for you? Record them on your recording page.
6. Share your Language Arts mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.