Greek Culture

It is said that Western civilization, and therefore European cultures, originate from Greek civilization. From this point of view, teaching Greek culture in an ESL class will help the students understand their own culture and other European cultures. To add to your activities here are some trivia, recipes and arts and crafts you can easily incorporate in your classroom!

1. Trivia

Did you know? As the Greeks did not have access to many rivers or indoor plumbing like we do, instead of washing themselves with water, they washed themselves with olive oil!!!

Did you know? Draconian, which means 'overly harsh' is derived from the name Draco, the famous Athenian statesman who wrote laws for the Athenians.

Did you know? The Greek did not know how to make sugar, so they always used honey instead!

Did you know? The Spartans used iron bars for their money.

Did you know? Spartan women bathed babies who were to be future soldiers in wine.


2. Recipe

If ever you have the opportunity to use a kitchen in your school with your students, it can be really fun to finish a chapter or to celebrate any event.

Greek shortbread

In Greece, the big midwinter feast isn't Christmas but New Year's Day, says Greek-born textile designer Danae Kouretas. "It's the feast day of St. Basil, the founder of the Greek church, and on that day everyone has a Vasilopitta--Basil's bread--a big sweet bread with a cross baked on top and a coin buried inside. You cut a slice for everyone, and the tradition is that whoever gets the gold will be lucky that year."

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
	1 cup blanched almonds
	1 lb. sweet butter
	3 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar
	2 egg yolks
	1/2 tsp. baking powder
	Pinch of salt
	2 to 2 1/2 cups flour

1. In a 350 degree oven, toast the almonds until they are creamy colored. Grind them in a nut mill or food processor and set aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter with 1/4 cup of the confectioners' sugar, the egg yolks, the baking powder and salt for 10 minutes. Add the ground almonds and beat for another 5 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the flour.
2. When the dough gets stiff, start to knead it by hand. Add the rest of the flour, 1/4 cup at a time, kneading well after each addition. Pull off pieces of dough the size of a walnut and shape them into ovals. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, until the cookies are pale gold; do not brown. Sift generously with confectioners' sugar. Makes 4 dozen cookies.

3. Arts and Crafts

Greek Masks

Actors in Greek theatre wore masks to depict different characters and emotions. Very few of these masks survive though many images can be found on pottery and sculptures.

To make your own Greek mask first draw and cut out a large dinner plate-sized circle from cardboard. Mark eyes and mouth on the cardboard, and carefully cut these out. Decorate as desired. We used strips of colored construction paper for hair and beard – cut thin strips, roll round pencil to give curly effect, and glue to mask. Finally either punch a hole on both sides of the mask and attach elastic so the mask can be worn, or tape a large popsicle stick or paint stirrer to the back of the mask and use as a handle to enable the mask to be held in front of your face.
4. Links for other great activities on Greek cultures

- Ancient Greece Arts and Crafts for kids
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/ancient_greece_crafts.htm

- Greek myths for kids
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/greek_myths_for_kids.htm

- Ancient Greece printables
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/ancient_greece_printables.htm

- BBC's resources for kids about Ancient Greece, a must!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ancientgreece/index.shtml

For any thing else you'd like me to discuss, leave me a comment, or if you have any point you would like to make, feel free!