This afternoon, DCD fifth graders dramatically retold The Odyssey, the epic story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who travels for ten years while trying to get home after the Trojan War.
Adorned with wreaths and tunics, grade five students took turns performing Odysseus’ legendary encounters with Poseidon, the Cyclops Polyphemus, Circe, Eurycleia, Nausicaa, Zeus and various other Greek gods. Their narrated performance, known as The Odyssey Storytelling Project, is a highlight of the fifth grade, and is a culmination of Grade 5 students’ studies on ancient Greece.
Over the course of a week, students listened to Odds Bodkin’s narration of the Odyssey, taking notes and creating drawings of the incredible stories. Students then chose parts, and working independently, read and developed impressive knowledge as they prepared to deliver dramatic monologues—memorizing, reciting and acting out long sections of Homer’s epic poem. Grade five students also worked together as a class to critique and offer recommendations to help strengthen each others presentations. The final result of their hard work was a tremendous collection of dramatic and remarkable performances!
To celebrate their fabulous performances, students, faculty and parents enjoyed a wonderful spread of Greek food. Congratulations to our fifth graders!
