Illustration of two glowing goddesses standing in the sunlight as a god lurks in the darkness
Abigail Dela Cruz
Play,

The Curse of Winter

Why do leaves fall and flowers die in the winter? Find the answer in the Greek myth of Persephone and Demeter.

By Spencer Kayden| Art by Abigail Dela Cruz
From the February 2022 Issue

Learning Objective: Students will learn about the genre of myths as they read a play adaptation of the Greek story of Demeter and Persephone.

Complexity Factors
  • Purpose & Levels of Meaning
    Based on the Greek myth of Persephone and Demeter, the play tells the story of a young woman taken to the Underworld and the ensuing demands of her mother—the goddess of the harvest—that she be returned. On another level, the myth helps explain why we have seasons, and the play explores the purpose of myths.
  • Structure
    The play is chronological, with six scenes plus a prologue and an epilogue.
  • Language
    The language is primarily conversational and straightforward. The play includes some terms related to mythology, e.g., Underworld, chariot.
  • Knowledge Demands
    Some familiarity with mythology may aid comprehension.
Guided Reading Level: R
DRA Level: 40
Featured Skill: Genre,
Other Key Skills: text features, vocabulary, character’s motivation, inference, plot, key detail, main idea, supporting an opinion, narrative writing
Standards
  • Common Core
    RL.1, RL.2, RL.3, RL.4, RL.5, RL.7, RF.4, W.3, SL.1, L.1
  • TEKS Grade 3
    1a, 1c, 3a, 3b, 4a, 6a, 6c, 6d, 6f, 6g, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7f, 7g, 8b, 8c, 8d, 9c, 10c, 12a
Content-Area Connections
  • Social Studies
    ancient Greece
  • Science
    seasons
  • Social and Emotional Learning
    responsible decision making (consequences of actions)

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  • Storyworks 4-6 Version
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Storyworks 4-6 Version

Meet the Greek Gods and Goddesses

You’re about to read a play based on a Greek myth. Most of the characters in the play are Greek gods and goddesses. These gods and goddesses have special magical powers. What do you know about them? Take the quiz to find out. (Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers. By the time you’re done, you’ll be an expert!)

You’re about to read a play based on a Greek myth. Most of the characters in the play are Greek gods and goddesses. These gods and goddesses have special magical powers. What do you know about them? Take the quiz to find out. (Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers. By the time you’re done, you’ll be an expert!)

1. Where do most of the Greek gods and goddesses live?

1. Where do most of the Greek gods and goddesses live?

The Greek gods and goddesses live in a cloud palace called Mount Olympus. But there is a real Mount Olympus in Greece. It’s the highest mountain in that country. 

The Greek gods and goddesses live in a cloud palace called Mount Olympus. But there is a real Mount Olympus in Greece. It’s the highest mountain in that country. 

2. Who is the king of the Greek gods and goddesses?

2. Who is the king of the Greek gods and goddesses?

Zeus rules over the other Greek gods and goddesses. He is the most powerful of the gods and goddesses. His throne is on Mount Olympus. 

Zeus rules over the other Greek gods and goddesses. He is the most powerful of the gods and goddesses. His throne is on Mount Olympus. 

3. The Greek gods and goddesses are each in charge of different things. Which god or goddess is in charge of the sun?

3. The Greek gods and goddesses are each in charge of different things. Which god or goddess is in charge of the sun?

Helios is the sun god. His job is to pull the sun across the sky every day.

Helios is the sun god. His job is to pull the sun across the sky every day.

4. Hades is the god of the dead. Unlike the other gods and goddesses, he does not live on Mount Olympus. Where does Hades live instead?

4. Hades is the god of the dead. Unlike the other gods and goddesses, he does not live on Mount Olympus. Where does Hades live instead?

Hades rules the Underworld. People in Ancient Greece believed that they would go there when they died. Hades has a three-headed dog named Cerberus that guards the gates of the Underworld.

Hades rules the Underworld. People in Ancient Greece believed that they would go there when they died. Hades has a three-headed dog named Cerberus that guards the gates of the Underworld.

5.  True or False: The Greek gods and goddesses don’t get involved with humans. 

5.  True or False: The Greek gods and goddesses don’t get involved with humans. 

False. Sometimes the gods and goddesses help people. Other times, they cause trouble!

False. Sometimes the gods and goddesses help people. Other times, they cause trouble!

Take the quiz again
Think and Read: How a Character Changes

Myths are stories told long ago. They often explain something about the natural world. Think about what this myth explains as you read.

Characters

Choose the character you will play.

*Indicates a larger speaking role

Characters

Choose the character you will play.

*Indicates a larger speaking role

*Narrators 1, 2, 3  (N1, N2, N3)

Greek Chorus, to be read by a group

Farmers 1 and 2

*Demeter (dih-MEE-ter), goddess of the harvest,

*Persephone (pur-SEF-uh-nee), Demeter’s daughter

Greek Chorus 1 and 2 (GC1, GC2)

All Chorus, to be read by a group

*Narrators 1, 2, and 3 (N1, N2, N3)

Farmers 1 and 2

*Demeter [deh-MEE-ter], goddess of the harvest

*Hades (HAY-deez),  god of the dead

Helios (HEE-lee-ohs), the sun god

Zeus (zoos), king of the gods

Hermes (HER-meez), the messenger of the gods

*Persephone [per-SEF-uh-nee], Demeter’s daughter

*Hades [HAY-deez], god of the dead

Helios [HEE-lee-ohs], the sun god

Zeus [ZOOS], king of the gods

Hermes [HER-meez], messenger of the gods

Prologue


Greek Chorus: This is a story from long ago. 

N1: In ancient Greece, gods and goddesses rule the world. 

N2: Zeus is king of heaven and the earth. 

N3: Hades rules the Underworld, the land of the dead.

N1: And Demeter is the goddess of the harvest. 

N2: She looks after the trees and fields. 

N3: She helps people grow food so they can eat all year.

N1: But most plants die in the winter.

N2: Why is that so? 

Greek Chorus: Listen, and we will tell you.

Prologue

GC1: In ancient Greece, gods and goddesses rule the world.

GC2: Zeus is the king of heaven and Earth.

GC1: Poseidon rules the seas and oceans.

GC2: And Hades is the lord of the dead.

GC1: But mankind depends on their sister Demeter.

All Chorus: The goddess of the harvest.

GC2: Demeter looks after the trees and fields, making sure everything grows and thrives.

GC1: Why, then, do trees go bare in winter?

GC2: Why do crops wither?

GC1: Why do people starve?

All Chorus: Listen, and we will tell you.

Scene 1


The Greek Countryside

Farmer 1: Look! It’s Demeter and Persephone coming down from the sky.

N3: Demeter descends from Mount Olympus in her golden robe.

N1: Her grown daughter, Persephone, follows.

Demeter: Farmers, you are taking good care of your corn.

N2: Demeter sprinkles magic seeds over the field. The corn grows even taller.

Farmer 2: Thank you, goddess!

N3: Persephone laughs and runs through the field of grass. Wherever she steps, flowers spring up.

Demeter: Persephone, stay close!

Scene 1

The Greek Countryside


N1: Farmers are working in their fields.

N2: They see two figures shimmering in the sky.

Farmer 1: Demeter and Persephone are coming down from Mount Olympus!

N3: Demeter descends in her golden robe. Her grown daughter, Persephone, follows.

N1: Demeter loves Persephone beyond measure. The two are never apart.

N2: The farmers kneel at their feet as Demeter inspects their stalks of corn.

Demeter: These crops are strong and healthy.

Farmer 2: We use the farming methods you taught us.

Persephone: It is clear you love the land as much as we do.

N3: Demeter takes out a handful of golden grains from her pocket and blows them gently.

N1: As they spread out over the field, the corn grows taller.

Farmers 1 and 2: Thank you!

N2: Demeter and Persephone stroll through a green field to the next farm.

N3: Persephone runs through the grass.

Persephone: Remember when I used to do this as a little girl?

N1: Wherever she steps, flowers spring up, creating an explosion of color.

N2: Persephone’s joyous laughter fills the air.

Demeter: Persephone, don’t stray too far!

Scene 2


A Nearby Field

N1: Hades has come to the earth from the Underworld.

N2: He hears Persephone’s laughter.

Hades: What is that sound? Is it . . . happiness?

N3: Hades sees Persephone dancing among the flowers.

Hades: That is what my kingdom needs— joy and laughter! I will bring her to the Underworld.

N1: Hades thinks. 

Hades: She would never come on her own. I must trick her. 

N2: Hades makes a beautiful purple flower appear in the field. 

N3: Persephone is drawn to its sweet scent. 

Persephone: What an unusual flower!

N1: As she bends down to smell it, the ground splits open.

Greek Chorus: Look out, Persephone! 

N2: Hades grabs Persephone and pulls her into his chariot. 

Hades: Come with me! You’ll love the Underworld.

N3: The ground closes over them.

Scene 2

A Nearby Field


N3: Hades has come to Earth from the Underworld, the land of the dead.

N1: As he lumbers through the countryside, he hears Persephone’s laughter.

Hades: What is that sound? Is it . . . happiness?

N2: Hades sees Persephone across the field. She is dancing, holding an armful of bright flowers.

Hades: This is what my kingdom is missing: color and warmth and laughter!

N3: Hades considers how to persuade Persephone to come to the drab Underworld. He frowns.

Hades: She will never come willingly. I must trick her.

N1: Hades creates an exotic fuchsia [FYOO-shuh] flower and plants it in the field.

N2: Its sweet scent draws Persephone to it.

Persephone: What an unusual flower!

N3: As she bends down to smell it, the ground suddenly splits open.

N1: Out charge four jet-black horses pulling Hades’ black chariot.

N2: Hades grabs Persephone.

Persephone: Put me down!

Hades: Don’t worry. You’ll love the Underworld.

N3: He puts her in the chariot and turns the horses around.

Persephone: You won’t get away with this! (yelling) Motherrrr!

N1: Demeter hears a strange noise in the distance.

Demeter: Persephone?

N2: The chariot plunges back down into the darkness. The ground closes behind them.

N3: Demeter frantically looks around.

Demeter: Persephone! Where are you?

Abigail Dela Cruz

Scene 3


The Underworld

N1: Hades’ palace is cold and dark.

N2: Hades offers Persephone black diamonds.

Persephone: I don’t want your jewels.

Hades: What then? You can have anything.

Persephone: I want sunshine and flowers. I want my mother. Take me back!

Hades: No! The Underworld needs your happiness.

Persephone: I will never be happy here!

Hades: So you’re not happy—but you must be hungry.

N3: He tears open a pomegranate.

Greek Chorus: It’s a trick!

N1: If Persephone eats anything from the Underworld, she must stay there forever.

Hades: Just a bite?

N2: She sees the sneaky look in his eyes. 

Persephone: No! I will never eat your food!

Scene 3

The Underworld


N1: Hades brings Persephone to his palace of gleaming black marble.

Hades: Welcome to your new kingdom!

Persephone: It’s so dark and dreary.

N2: He seats her on a black throne and gives her a gold crown with black diamonds.

Persephone: I don’t want your jewels.

Hades: What then? You can have anything.   

Persephone: I want sunshine! I want flowers! I want my mother!

Hades: Well, not anything.

Persephone: I demand you take me back.

Hades: The land of the dead needs your sweet laughter.

Persephone: You won’t hear me laugh again.

Hades: Why is that?

Persephone: Because I will never be happy again!

Hades: So you’re not happy—but you must be hungry.

N3: He takes her to his gloomy garden, where nothing grows except for one gnarled pomegranate tree.

N1: He plucks a ripe pomegranate and tears it open.

N2: Hades knows that if she eats anything from the Underworld, she will have to stay in the land of the dead forever.

N3: He holds the fruit out to her.

Hades: Here, have a bite.

N1: Persephone stares longingly at the blood-red, juicy seeds.

Persephone: I am a bit hungry.

N2: Then she looks into his devious eyes and changes her mind.

Persephone: No! I will never eat your food!

Scene 4


The Greek Countryside

N3: For months, Demeter searches for her daughter.

N1: In her sadness, she stops caring for nature.

N2: The earth turns brown. Plants die.

Farmer 1: Goddess, we have no food.

Demeter: Nothing will grow until Persephone returns!

Farmer 2: Maybe Helios can find her.

Greek Chorus: Helios sees all from the sky! 

Farmer 1: Oh Helios! 

Farmer 2: Persephone is missing.

Helios: Not my problem. 

Farmer 1: Nature is dying!

Helios: Hades will be angry if I tell you where she is. 

Demeter: Hades? Did he take her?

Helios: Uh . . . you didn’t hear that from me. 

Demeter: I will go to Zeus. Maybe he’ll help! 

N3: Demeter goes to Zeus and begs him to save her daughter from Hades.

Zeus: Very well. I’ll help.

Scene 4

The Greek Countryside


N3: Weeks pass, then months. In her sorrow, Demeter neglects nature.

N1: The earth turns brown. Crops die.

N2: Demeter does nothing but roam the countryside, desperately searching for her daughter.

Farmer 1: Goddess, can you help us?

Farmer 2: We are running out of food.

Demeter (in despair): Nothing will grow until Persephone is found.

N3: Demeter shuffles off.

Farmer 1: We can’t survive much longer. We must help find her.

Farmer 2: Let us ask Helios, the sun god. He sees everything as he journeys across the sky.

N1: The farmers call out to him.

Farmer 1: Oh, Helios! We need you!

N2: The sun flashes an angry glare.

Helios: I’m busy.

Farmer 2: Persephone is missing.

Helios: Not my problem.

Farmer 1: It is everyone’s problem. Everything in nature is dying!

Farmer 2: Do you know where she is?

N3: Helios hides behind a cloud.

Farmer 1: We know you’re still there!

N1: Helios peeks out.

Helios: I can’t tell you. Hades has such a temper.

Farmer 2: Hades? Did he take her?

Helios: You didn’t hear that from me.

N2: The farmers run to find Demeter.

Scene 5


The Underworld

N1: Persephone’s skin is pale. The joy has gone out of her eyes.

N2: Hermes arrives. 

Hermes: Zeus has sent me to bring Persephone back. 

Persephone ( joyfully): I can leave?

Hades (sweetly): Here, take this food for your journey.

N3: In her happiness, Persephone eats three pomegranate seeds. 

Hades: Until we meet again. 

Persephone: We will never meet again! 

Hades: Don’t be so sure . . .

Scene 5

Mount Olympus


N3: Demeter storms up to Zeus’ throne.

Demeter: Hades took my daughter!

Zeus: The Underworld deserves a bit of happiness, don’t you think?

Demeter: If she is not returned to me, nothing will ever grow again.

N1: She gives him a steely look.

Demeter: I’m serious. The world will starve.

Zeus (sighs): All right. I’ll send Hermes to bring her back. But there is a rule I cannot change: She can return from the land of the dead only if no food or drink has passed her lips.

Abigail Dela Cruz

Scene 6


IVAYLO IVANOV/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES (POMEGRANATE); BURAZIN/GETTY IMAGES (SEEDS)

The Greek Countryside

N1: Persephone runs to her mother.

Demeter: I thought I’d never see you again!

N2: As they hug, the trees grow leaves.

N3: Flowers bloom, and the grass turns green.

Demeter: You must be hungry.

Persephone: No, the pomegranate seeds were enough. 

Zeus: Persephone ate the food of the dead! She must return to the Underworld.

Persephone: No! 

Demeter (angrily): Zeus, if she leaves, the earth will suffer again! 

Zeus: Then Persephone shall spend part of each year in the land of the dead. One month for every seed she swallowed.

Persephone: Three whole months? 

Zeus: I have spoken.

Scene 6

The Underworld


N2: Hades sits on his throne, tossing pomegranate seeds into his mouth.

N3: Persephone sits beside him. Her skin has turned pale. The light has gone out of her eyes.

N1: Hermes arrives.

Hades: Welcome, Hermes! Persephone and I were just laughing about old times!

N2: Hermes looks at Persephone’s glum face.

Hermes: Riiiiight. Zeus sent me to bring her back.

Hades (through gritted teeth): All right.

N3: Persephone lifts her head.

Persephone: I can leave?

N1: Hades smiles a little too sweetly.

Hades: Yes.

N2: Persephone feels joy for the first time in ages.

Persephone: I’m going home!

Hades: Here. Take some seeds before you go.

N3: In her happiness, Persephone takes three pomegranate seeds and eats them.

Hades: Have a safe journey. Until we meet again.

Persephone: Oh, we will not meet again.   

Hades: Don’t be so sure.

Epilogue


N1: Every year, Persephone must leave her mother and return to the Underworld.

N2: During that time, Demeter’s sad heart turns cold.

N3: The ground freezes, and nothing grows.

Greek Chorus: This is winter.

N1: When Persephone returns to her mother, the ice melts and flowers bloom.

Greek Chorus: Spring has come at last!

Scene 7

Mount Olympus


N1: Persephone rushes into her mother’s arms.

Demeter: I thought I’d never see you again!

Persephone: I missed you so much!

N2: As they embrace, rays of golden light sprinkle down onto Earth.

N3: Trees begin to grow leaves, flowers bloom, grass turns green.

N1: Demeter looks at her daughter.

Demeter: Tell me, did you eat anything while you were down there?

Persephone: Um . . . just a few pomegranate seeds.

Demeter: No! That means you are still bound to the Underworld.

N2: Hades appears.

Persephone: You tricked me!

Hades: I only fed you.

N3: Demeter turns to Zeus.

Demeter: You must settle this.

N1: Zeus strokes his long white beard.

Zeus: Since Persephone ate the food of the dead, the Underworld has a claim on her.

Persephone: Don’t make me go back!

Zeus: But while she was gone, the earth suffered greatly.

Demeter (angrily): And will suffer again if she returns to the Underworld.

Zeus: Therefore, Persephone shall spend part of each year in the land of the dead. One month for every seed she swallowed.

Persephone: Three months! That’s an eternity!

Hades: Three months! That’s too short!

Zeus: That is my final answer.


Epilogue


GC2: So every year, Persephone must leave her mother’s side and return to the Underworld.

GC1: That’s when the earth turns cold, like Demeter’s sad heart.

GC2: The ground freezes, the trees go bare, nothing grows.

All Chorus: This is winter.

GC1: Once three months have passed, when Persephone comes home, all of nature rejoices. The world turns green again. The ice melts. Flowers bloom.

GC2: Mother and daughter are together once more.

All Chorus: Spring has come at last.

Think and Write

Imagine you live in ancient Greece. Your brother wants to know why we have seasons. Write an explanation based on this myth.

Think and Write

Imagine you live in ancient Greece. Your brother wants to know why we have seasons. Write an explanation based on this myth.

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Can't Miss Teaching Extras
From the Storyworks 3 Archives

Explore our other plays based on Greek myths: The Legend of King Midas (December 2016/January 2017 issue), Pandora’s Box (September 2018 issue), and The Monster in the Cave (February 2020 issue).

Learn More About Greek Mythology

The “Ancient Greek Gods for Kids” section of Mr. Donn’s Site for Kids & Teachers is a treasure trove of information and stories about the Greek gods and goddesses.

Read Another Myth About the Seasons

Students can read (and listen to) another myth, “The Long Winter Story,” about how winter turns to spring at Stories to Grow By.

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

Table of Contents

1. Preparing to Read

2. Close Reading

3. SEL Focus

4. Skill Building and Writing

5. Differentiate and Customize

Striving Readers, Multilingual Learners, Advanced Readers, STEAM Connection

1. Preparing to Read

Preview Text Features  (10 minutes)  

  • Look at pages 20-21 with the class. Tell students that this play is based on a Greek myth. A myth is a story from long ago that explains something about the natural world. This myth helps explain why we have seasons.

  • To acquaint students with Greek mythology and the characters of the play, invite them to take the online quiz “Prereading Quiz: Meet the Greek Gods and Goddesses.” Emphasize that this quiz is just for fun.

  • Call on a volunteer to read aloud the Think and Read box on page 20 and the Think and Write box on page 24. Ask students to keep these prompts in mind as they read the play.

  • Have a volunteer read aloud the title and subtitle on pages 20-21. Ask students to describe the illustration on each page and compare the two. Then ask students to predict what the play will be about. 

  • Point out the pictures of the pomegranate on page 24. Explain that a pomegranate is a fruit with a tough outer part. To enjoy it, you break it open and eat the red seeds inside.

  • Read aloud the Characters box on page 20 to familiarize your students with how the names are pronounced.

  • Point out the Greek Chorus parts. Explain that in ancient Greek plays, a chorus would explain and comment on the story as it went along. 

Introduce Vocabulary (15 minutes)

  • While the play does not include definitions of vocabulary words with the text, a Vocabulary Skill Builder (available in your Resources tab) online previews five challenging words. You may also play our Vocabulary Slideshow, in which audio and images help students with pronunciation and comprehension.

  • Vocabulary words: harvest, descends, drawn, chariot, and sneaky

  • Preview these terms by projecting or distributing our Vocabulary Skill Builder and completing it as a class. You may also play our Vocabulary Slideshow, in which audio and images help students with pronunciation and comprehension.

2. Close Reading

Focus on Fluency

  • Storyworks 3 plays provide a perfect opportunity for students to build fluency.

  • Remind students that the stage directions tell a reader or actor how to say a line or perform an action in the play. Direct students to page 24. Point to the word joyfully in column 1. Read the dialogue aloud with appropriate expressions or actions. Ask students to repeat after you.

  • Project, distribute, or assign the Close-Reading and Critical-Thinking Questions to the class. Preview them together. Ask students to read the play again and answer the questions as a class or in pairs. (Alternatively, assign all or part of the Learning Journey Slide Deck, which contains the questions as well as other activities from this lesson plan and a link to the stories.) 

  • Follow up with the SEL Focus activity.

Close-Reading Questions (30 minutes)

  • Read the Prologue. What does the Greek Chorus say they will explain? (genre) The Greek chorus says they will explain why most plants die in the winter, even though Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, looks after the earth.
  • Why does Hades take Persephone to the Underworld? (character’s motivation) Hades is interested in Persephone’s laughter and joy. He takes her to the Underworld because he believes that his kingdom needs her joy. 
  • In Scene 3, why does Persephone refuse to eat the pomegranate that Hades offers her? (inference) Persephone decides not to eat the pomegranate in Scene 3 when she sees a sneaky look in Hades’ eyes. She probably thinks that Hades should not be trusted. She is afraid he is trying to trick her.
  • In Scene 4, what does Demeter do after her daughter disappears? What happens to the earth while Persephone is gone? (plot) Demeter searches for her daughter after Persephone disappears. She refuses to look after the earth until her daughter returns. Without Demeter’s care, nothing grows. The farmers have no food.
  • Read Scene 5. Why does Persephone eat Hades’ food this time? (plot, key detail) Persephone is so happy that she gets to leave the Underworld that she forgets Hades might be trying to trick her.
  • In Scene 6, what happens to the earth when Persephone returns? (main idea) As soon as Persephone returns to the earth, the trees grow leaves, flowers bloom, and the grass turns green.
  • What does Zeus decide that Persephone must do? Why? (plot) Since Persephone ate the food of the dead, Zeus decides that she must spend three months in the Underworld every year. She has to stay there one month for every seed that she ate.
  • What is explained in the Epilogue? (genre) In the Epilogue, the narrators and the Greek chorus explain that we have winter for three months while Persephone is in the Underworld. During that time, Demeter refuses to make anything grow. When Persephone returns, Demeter is once again happy, and spring finally comes.

Critical-Thinking Question (10 minutes)

  • Do you think Zeus came up with a fair solution to the problem of Demeter and Hades both wanting Persephone to always be with them? Explain your answer. (supporting an opinion) Answers will vary.

3. SEL Focus

Finding Joy  

Many people find winter to be a challenging time of the year. In many places, the days are shorter and colder during winter. That often means more time inside. But winter can be a lot of fun too! It has its special pleasures: snow, icicles, hot chocolate, snuggling under a blanket while reading a book. Talk about the things that bring you joy in winter and invite your students to do the same. Have a discussion about how looking for and creating small pleasures can make a challenging time less so. 

4. Skill Building and Writing

Featured Skill: Genre

  • Distribute our Genre Skill Builder focusing on myths and have students complete it in class or for homework.  

  • Discuss the writing assignment in the Think and Write box on page 24. Remind students to include details from the play in their explanations.

Differentiate and Customize
For Striving Readers

Build fluency and boost confidence with unison reading. Choose a scene, preview challenging words, and then assign students two or three of the characters to read together aloud while you take on the other roles.

For Multilingual Learners

In addition to the vocabulary terms, other words may be challenging for multilingual learners. While they read, have students circle unfamiliar words. Afterward, discuss the words’ meanings and guide students to find related pictures they can use to create their own vocabulary cards.

For Advanced Readers

Invite students to work in groups to write a scene to fit between Scenes 4 and 5, in which nothing grows for the farmers. What are they thinking about this sudden change in the earth? What ideas do they have to fix it? Then select groups to present their scenes to the class.

For STEAM Connection

Connect this play with your science curriculum! Now that your students are familiar with the ancient Greeks’ story for why the earth has seasons, have them research the primary scientific explanation. NASA’s Space Place. National Geographic has information as well, including a lesson plan. Ask students to write a short paragraph explaining the scientific reason and then present what they learned to the class.

Text-to-Speech