Activity Overview
Parodies, satires, and modern day adaptation are rich with literary elements. They are valuable assets for teaching students about literature. Through creative writing, students learn to use literary elements in context, committing them to memory.
During a unit on Egypt or Egyptian mythology, you can have students create their own Egyptian god or goddess. They can turn themselves, someone they know, or even a celebrity into a god or goddess. Students will create storyboards depicting their new god or goddess. Some things that must be included are the domain, power, symbol, and weakness.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create your own Egyptian god or goddess, including a story about them.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”
- Choose a character to represent your new god/goddess.
- Depict the character with attributes. Include a name, domain, symbols, powers, and weaknesses.
- Create a story that relates to your character in some way. It could be a backstory, birth/origin story, or a tale about their adventures or quests.
- Click “Save and Exit” to hand in your assignment.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Advanced | Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elements of a Greek God | Student included an appropriate domain, power, symbol, and weakness (or negative trait) for the new god. | Student included three of the following: an appropriate domain, power, symbol, and weakness (or negative trait) for the new god. | Student included two of the following: an appropriate domain, power, symbol, and weakness (or negative trait) for the new god. | Student included only one appropriate domain, power, symbol, or weakness (or negative trait) for the new god. |
| Creativity | The student demonstrated high levels of creativity. The student clearly made references back to the text using humor, wit, or other artistic means. | The student used some creativity throughout their storyboard. The student included subtle originality that showed understanding of Greek mythology. | The student did not use creativity and mainly took traits and events from other Greek gods. | The student used little to no creativity. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
Activity Overview
Parodies, satires, and modern day adaptation are rich with literary elements. They are valuable assets for teaching students about literature. Through creative writing, students learn to use literary elements in context, committing them to memory.
During a unit on Egypt or Egyptian mythology, you can have students create their own Egyptian god or goddess. They can turn themselves, someone they know, or even a celebrity into a god or goddess. Students will create storyboards depicting their new god or goddess. Some things that must be included are the domain, power, symbol, and weakness.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create your own Egyptian god or goddess, including a story about them.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”
- Choose a character to represent your new god/goddess.
- Depict the character with attributes. Include a name, domain, symbols, powers, and weaknesses.
- Create a story that relates to your character in some way. It could be a backstory, birth/origin story, or a tale about their adventures or quests.
- Click “Save and Exit” to hand in your assignment.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Advanced | Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elements of a Greek God | Student included an appropriate domain, power, symbol, and weakness (or negative trait) for the new god. | Student included three of the following: an appropriate domain, power, symbol, and weakness (or negative trait) for the new god. | Student included two of the following: an appropriate domain, power, symbol, and weakness (or negative trait) for the new god. | Student included only one appropriate domain, power, symbol, or weakness (or negative trait) for the new god. |
| Creativity | The student demonstrated high levels of creativity. The student clearly made references back to the text using humor, wit, or other artistic means. | The student used some creativity throughout their storyboard. The student included subtle originality that showed understanding of Greek mythology. | The student did not use creativity and mainly took traits and events from other Greek gods. | The student used little to no creativity. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How Tos about Make a Modern Egyptian God
Plan an Engaging Group Brainstorm for New God Ideas
Gather students in small groups and encourage creative thinking by having them brainstorm unique god or goddess concepts together. Collaborative discussion helps students spark new ideas and supports those who may feel stuck.
Guide Students to Research Real Egyptian Deities
Have students explore actual Egyptian gods and goddesses to inspire their creations. Comparing domains, symbols, and myths gives students a solid foundation and deepens their understanding of mythology.
Model How to Choose a Domain and Power
Demonstrate selecting a domain (like sun, wisdom, or music) and a related power for a sample god. Think aloud about how the domain connects to strengths or magical abilities to make this step concrete for students.
Provide Visual Examples of Symbols and Weaknesses
Show images of traditional and modern symbols, and discuss common weaknesses from myths. This helps students add depth and originality to their gods or goddesses.
Support Students in Writing a Creative Origin Story
Offer story starters or graphic organizers to help students outline their god’s backstory. Encourage imaginative details to make each origin story unique and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Make a Modern Egyptian God
How can students create their own modern Egyptian god or goddess for a classroom lesson?
Students can create a modern Egyptian god or goddess by choosing a character (themselves, someone they know, or a celebrity), assigning a domain, powers, symbols, and weaknesses, and developing a story about their character's origin or adventures. Using storyboards helps them visually represent their ideas and apply literary elements.
What are the essential elements to include when designing a new Egyptian deity for a project?
Key elements include the deity's name, domain (area of influence), powers, symbols, and weaknesses. A creative story—such as an origin tale or adventure—should also be included to bring the character to life and demonstrate understanding of mythology.
Why is creating a modern adaptation of Egyptian mythology valuable for students?
Modern adaptations help students engage with classic literature, understand literary elements, and foster creativity. By reimagining ancient myths in a contemporary context, students develop critical thinking and make meaningful connections to the curriculum.
What is the best way to use storyboards in an Egyptian god creative writing assignment?
Storyboards allow students to visualize their character's traits, powers, and story. Using images and brief text, students can outline key events and characteristics, making the creative process more engaging and helping them organize their ideas clearly.
How does this activity teach literary elements through creative writing?
By inventing a new Egyptian god or goddess and crafting a story, students apply literary elements like characterization, symbolism, plot, and conflict in context, which reinforces understanding and retention through hands-on practice.
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