Objective
By the end of this lesson, RR will understand the significance of ancient civilizations, including their cultures, inventions, and how they have influenced our world today. RR will also develop a sense of curiosity about history and its stories.
Materials and Prep
- Paper and colored pencils or markers
- Access to a comfortable space for reading and drawing
- Basic knowledge of three ancient civilizations: Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans
Activities
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Time Traveler Journal:
RR will create a journal entry as if they were a time traveler visiting an ancient civilization. They can choose to write about what they see, smell, and hear in either ancient Egypt, Greece, or Rome.
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Inventor's Workshop:
RR will design an invention that could have been useful in one of the ancient civilizations. They will draw their invention and explain how it works and why it would be helpful.
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Culture Collage:
RR will create a collage representing the culture of one ancient civilization. They can include drawings of clothing, food, and important buildings, using their imagination and creativity.
Talking Points
- "Did you know that the Egyptians built huge pyramids as tombs for their pharaohs? What do you think it was like to work on such a big project?"
- "The Greeks loved stories and myths! They told tales about gods and heroes. Can you think of a story you love that reminds you of those?"
- "The Romans were great builders! They created roads and aqueducts to help move water. What kind of things do you think they used to build those?"
- "Ancient civilizations had different ways of writing. The Egyptians used hieroglyphs. What would you draw to tell a story?"
- "Art was very important in ancient cultures. They made beautiful paintings and sculptures. What would you like to create if you lived in ancient times?"
- "Every civilization had its own rules and leaders. What kind of leader do you think is the best?"
- "Food was important in ancient times! The Romans had feasts with lots of different dishes. What’s your favorite food you would want at a feast?"
- "Learning about the past helps us understand our present. What is something from history that you think still matters today?"