Heracles performed many different tasks in order to atone for the murder of his family. Identifying the Twelve Labors is important to know more about Heracles' accomplishments, but each Labor is an interesting story on its own. In this activity, students will create a newspaper front page describing one of the labors of Heracles. Students can also include some of their own inventions to fill in any gaps. They could include fictional quotes from various characters, such as townspeople that were saved, Eurystheus, proud Zeus, angry Hera, or Hercules himself! Students can also choose an unexpected point of view, like reporting for a newspaper for monsters, the gods, or the Amazons.
In addition, students can pull from other Greek myths they know or are learning about to complete a full newspaper page, such as the example above.
For additional templates to include in this assignment, check out our Newspaper Poster and Newspaper Worksheet templates!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create the front page of a newspaper that describes one or more of the Labors of Hercules.
Enhance realism by encouraging students to add imagined diary entries, letters, or official proclamations from key mythological figures. This gives their newspaper articles a more immersive, primary source feel and helps students better understand historical perspectives.
Have students investigate the time period and cultural significance of the myths to create richer newspaper articles. This step helps them connect the stories to real-world ancient Greek society and deepens their comprehension.
Teach students to craft attention-grabbing headlines using persuasive or dramatic wording. This technique draws readers in, mimics real journalism, and reinforces writing skills.
Organize a classroom exchange where students read and provide positive, specific feedback on each other's newspapers. This fosters collaboration, strengthens editing abilities, and helps everyone improve their work.
Showcase student work by creating a classroom or hallway display of completed newspapers. This public recognition builds confidence and motivates students to put forth their best effort.
The 12 Labors of Hercules newspaper activity is a creative assignment where students design a newspaper front page that reports on one or more of Heracles’ legendary tasks, using headlines, articles, and images to retell the myths in an engaging format.
Students can add fictional quotes, invent new details, report from unique perspectives (like monsters or gods), and draw on other Greek myths to make their Hercules newspaper project more engaging and original.
Start with a catchy headline, use vivid images or illustrations, include captions, write concise articles, and consider including interviews or quotes from characters to bring the Labors of Hercules to life for readers.
You can find helpful templates like the Newspaper Poster and Newspaper Worksheet to make your Hercules-themed newspaper assignment easier and more professional-looking.
Writing from different points of view helps students practice creative thinking, deepen their understanding of Greek myths, and makes the newspaper activity more fun and immersive.