Maps & Stories Summary 3/4/13

Political Map of Africa

This week we wrapped up our study of Africa by learning about the geography and stories of Ancient Egypt. Reading the Egyptian myths we learned of the power of names: 

“For the Ancient Egyptians a thing that had no name could not exist.” 

Ra, the all-powerful one, created himself by speaking his own name. His daughter, Isis, was eventually able to steal his throne by the force of the knowledge of Ra’s secret name.

The emphasis on the importance of names was a perfect context for working on our own writing. In class, the students used a writing web to create their own secret names. Using hieroglyphics, they cut and pasted to write out this secret name. If you are lucky, perhaps they will share with you these carefully guarded secrets. You can use the secret name to compel them… to help you around the house.

The students did a very good job on the paragraph writing assignment. We reviewed them aloud together, and used the hamburger image to think about a paragraph. The bun on the top and bottom is the sturdy thesis sentence and conclusion that hold the burger and toppings together.

This week for homework, they have a political map of Africa to complete. They also have a writing worksheet, answering the Five W’s about one of the stories we read in class. Students who would like to write their own folktales for their final presentation can also use this to start planning their story.

Next week, it is on to Ancient Greece. I can’t wait! This website from the British Museum is a favorite at my house, an excellent resource.

See you next week!

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