Steve Manning Storytelling

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Greeks

'A Hoplite's History'
starring
Lysandros the Hoplite






Content

The two great warring city states of Ancient Greece were Athens and Sparta. This storytelling session and workshop look at the the differences between the two cities and the way of life of a Greek Hoplite.
Children will meet Lysandros, a hoplite living in Athens. But he is not all he seems and as Sparta and Athens prepare for war Lysandros must make some tough moral decisions.



Format

  • Character-led storytelling session with Lysandros; this will include an introduction to the period and Lysandros' costume.
  • Workshop: Lysandros has a dilemma to resolve. Although living in Athens he is a Spartan. Athens must go to war with Sparta - who will Lysandros choose to fight for?
  • Children use Lysandros' stories and written testimonies from Lysandros' friends and family to attempt to resolve the issue.


Extension

'A Hoplite's History' can be extended with:
  • Greek myth storytelling session to include stories such as Demeter and Persephone, Theseus and the Minotaur and Pandora's Box.
  • Storytelling session plus short drama workshop using stories as inspiration.


Feedback

'I really enjoyed it when you dressed up as an Athenian hoplite
because it was really convincing.'
(Chloe, Yr 5 pupil)

'I particularly enjoyed the part when you told us a story whilst you were in role as as this gave me a better idea of what it was like to live as a Spartan or an Athenian.'
(Charlie, pupil Shute Primary)

'The children did some recount writing of your visit and they clearly remembered lots and got a huge amount from the day.'
(Yr 6, West Pennard Primary, Somerset)