Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom

Program Plan:

This month, we’ll discuss the book while snacking on chips (get it, chips?) and apples.  Then we’ll have the boys complete the trident challenge to get across the room to the trident.  We’ll also make necklaces from stone beads and leather.

What Happened:

There were four families. We had a good discussion, and everyone liked the book. The trident challenge was fun; there were enough things on there that they could do to feel successful, and enough they couldn’t do to make it a true challenge. The burping of the alphabet was the clear winner. The stone bead necklaces were also a hit. Fun times all around!

 

Possible questions for discussion:

1. Zeus didn’t believe that he could be the leader.  Have you ever had to lead a group?  How did you feel when you found out?  How did it work out?
2. Even though Zeus helped rescued them, Hera and Poseidon didn’t trust him right away.  Do you think they should have trusted him from the beginning?  Why or why not?
3. Did you like the character of Pythia the Oracle?  Why or why not?  Why do you think the author chose to have her speak the way she does?
4. Zeus doesn’t like the magic thunderbolt following him.  Would you like having it?  If you could choose a magic power, what would it be?
5. Most of the Olympians grew to age 10 in Cronus’s belly.  Zeus was raised alone on an island by a bee, a goat, and a nymph.  What would you prefer – to be alone in a nice place, or with friends in a terrible place?