Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Book

Activities to do with The Lightning Thief Book

The Lightning Thief book tells the story of twelve-year-old Percy Jackson. On the first day of summer, Percy learns that he is half-human, half-god. He is taken to Camp Half-Blood in New York. At camp, Percy learns that his father is Poseidon, the god of the Sea.

When Zeus’s master bolt is stolen, Poseidon is blamed. Zeus tells Poseidon that he will declare war if the bolt is not returned to Mount Olympus by the summer solstice.

Percy sets out to retrieve the bolt from Hades. The reader follows Percy on this quest which takes him across the United States and back again.

The Lightning Thief Book Activities

The Lightning Thief Book Unit Samples

The Lightning Thief Book Unit Samples

This sample contains…

  • Vocabulary Practice for Chapter 1
  • Comprehension Questions for Chapter 1 
  • Constructed Response Question for Point of View

Teaching Idea #1 ~ Character’s Actions Anchor Chart

Mapping Percy Jackson's Journey Activity

Have students map Percy’s travels across America as they read the story. The handout includes a map for students to number. A chart with matching numbers is also included. Students write a sentence telling about the move.

Example

#1 -Percy leaves Yancy Academy which is in Upstate New York on a Greyhound bus to head back home to New York City.

This pdf file not only contains this activity but the next two as well.

Teaching Idea #2 ~ Monsters

Monsters Percy Jackson Faces

These simple card fold organizers are easy to create. Six monsters from the story are included. Students describe the monster and/or summarize the story plot in which the monster appears. This is a great way to practice summarizing skills and proof from the text.

Here is an example answer.

Echidna and Chimera

Echidna is a half-woman-half-snake creature. The Chimera is a creature that is a mix of a fire-breathing lion, goat, and diamondback rattlesnake.

Percy, Annabeth, and Grover encounter Echidna at the top of the Gateway Arch. She is with Chimera that is disguised as a Chihuahua. Echidna isolates Percy from the others. She becomes upset when Percy mixes her up with an anteater.

Proof from Text

The snake lady made a hissing noise that might’ve been laughter. “Be honored, Percy Jackson. Lord Zeus rarely allows me to test a hero with one of my brood. For I am the Mother of Monsters, the terrible Echidna!”

I stared at her. All I could think to say was: “Isn’t that a kind of anteater?”

She howled, her reptilian face turning brown and green with rage. “I hate it when people say that! I hate Australia! Naming that ridiculous animal after me. For that, Percy Jackson, my son shall destroy you!“

The Chimera charged, its lion teeth gnashing. I managed to leap aside and dodge the bite.

After Percy fights the Chimera, Echidna taunts Percy into jumping from several stories up into the water. Percy does and is healed by the water.

Teaching Idea #3 ~ Symbolism

Symbolism in The Lightning Thief Book

ith this printable students describe each symbol and the symbol’s connection to the story. If students need lined paper, staple notebook paper inside the card.

Symbols include:

  • Zeus’s Master Bolt
  • Poseidon’s Trident
  • Hades’ Helm of Darkness
  • Percy’s Dreams
  • Riptide
  • Water

An answer key is included for teachers to help guide students in writing the correct answers.

If you missed the link above, here it is again.

Teaching Idea #4 ~ Greek God Video

Teaching Idea #5 ~ Book vs Movie

The Lightning Thief Book vs. Movie

The Riordan Wiki fansite has a comprehensive list comparing the book to the movie. 

Teaching Idea #6 ~ Camp Half-Blood Map

Camp Half Blood Map

As students read the chapters set in Camp Half-Blood, they can use the details from the chapters to draw maps of the camp. 

Teaching Idea #7 – On the Web

The Lightning Thief Book Activities

Reading is Fundamental – You’ll find leveled reading passages, crossword puzzles, word searches, and memory games in both easy and hard levels.

Storyboard That has an entire section devoted to The Lightning Thief. Pictured is the “Character Traits” map. You will also find:

  • Creating a Character Map
  • Plot Diagram
  • Traditional Mythology vs. The Lightning Thief
  • Foreshadowing
  • Hero’s Journey

Hello Kids – This website has several pictures from the story that you can either color online or print. These would make great report covers. 

Teaching Ideas for The Lightning Thief
Book Unit Samples

See the product that inspired this post.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Novel Study

The Lightning Thief Novel Study includes vocabulary practice, comprehension questions, constructed response writing, and skill practice.  

Gay Miller

Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=2825

2 comments

    • Emily Kirkham on January 4, 2017 at 11:48 am

    Ms. Miller,
    Hello! Trying to change things up for my 7th grade co-taught class and our Greek Mythology and Percy Jackson Unit. Thank you for your brilliant ideas and creativity.
    Emily Kirkham

    1. You’re welcome.

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