The One-Eyed Giant (Tales from the Odyssey, 1)
#1 of 2 in The Odyssey Series
What’s inside...
Retells a part of the Odyssey in which King Odysseus fights the cyclops.
Discussion points
Why do you think Odysseus and his men ventured into the cave of the Cyclops? What would you have done in their situation?
How did Odysseus' cleverness help him and his crew escape the Cyclops? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem by thinking creatively?
What do you think are the important lessons that Odysseus learned from his encounter with the Cyclops?
How do the themes of bravery and teamwork show up in the story? Why are these qualities important?
If you could give Odysseus some advice at the beginning of this tale, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and how the characters might react.
Encourage your child to relate the adventures of Odysseus to their own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child how they would act in similar situations, promoting ethical thinking.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw a scene from the story or write a short letter to Odysseus, allowing them to express their understanding creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Odysseus, demonstrates courage as he navigates challenges posed by the Cyclops and other obstacles throughout his journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges boldly, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject in school.
Example Lesson: The importance of clever thinking
Explanation: Odysseus uses his wit to outsmart the Cyclops and escape danger, showcasing the power of intelligence and cunning.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when solving problems, be it in academic challenges or in resolving everyday conflicts.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Although Odysseus is a strong leader, he relies on his crew and values their input to overcome various challenges, highlighting the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate effectively with others, recognizing that collective efforts often lead to greater success than going it alone.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Odysseus faces many setbacks but his determination and perseverance lead him through.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence and resilience in overcoming obstacles and reaching their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: The story also touches on the negative outcomes that can arise from deceit, both for the deceiver and those deceived.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of honesty and the potential repercussions of dishonest behavior in their personal and academic lives.