Greek Grime (Smelly Old History)
#2 in Smelly Old History Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
The titles in this series bring history to your nostrils. Greek Grime explores the grisly details of everyday life in ancient Greece, from putrid plagues and oily athletics to sizzling sacrifices and meaty myths. It includes cartoons, poems, and puzzles. Those ancient Greeks tried hard to keep clean--after scraping off the grime, they spread on the grease! At the ancient Olympic games, athletes wore nothing but olive oil. And the ladies sloshed on perfumed oils galore. Explore the grisly details of everyday life, from putrid plagues to sizzling sacrifices, and discover if there was a whiff of truth in those meaty myths of gods and monsters.
Discussion points
What do you think it was like to live in ancient Greece based on the smells described in the book?
How do you think people in ancient Greece dealt with the different odors compared to how we manage smells today?
What scent described in the book would you find most interesting to experience, and why?
How do smells help us understand history better?
Can you imagine how daily life in ancient Greece was influenced by these scents?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the different scents described in the book. Use descriptive language to help them articulate their experiences. Connect the historical context provided in 'Greek Grime' to present-day hygiene and lifestyle, enhancing both their historical perspective and critical thinking. Share your personal responses to the book's themes to foster a deeper mutual exploration of history’s sensory aspects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Hygiene
Explanation: The book discusses historical hygiene practices, contrasting them with modern ones to engage and teach children about how hygiene standards have evolved.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of personal cleanliness and adopting daily hygiene habits like washing hands and brushing teeth.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through exploring historical contexts, 'Greek Grime' encourages understanding of different cultures and how they have influenced modern life.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate diverse cultures and histories, fostering a sense of respect and curiosity about people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: By examining the past and its oddities, this book promotes critical thinking, encouraging children to question why certain practices were deemed necessary and how they have changed.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing questioning and analytical skills, which they can use in academic subjects and everyday decision-making.