Ancient Message Scrolls
Discover how ancient civilizations communicated by designing and crafting your own message using symbols. This challenge will explore the fascinating world of pictograms and the art of creating lasting records without modern technology.
The lesson goal is learners will understand how ancient civilizations used pictograms to convey messages without modern technology. They will then apply this knowledge by designing and creating their own symbolic message. This process will encourage them to appreciate the ingenuity of ancient communication and reflect on its challenges.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Breakfast Message5 Min
- Point to a breakfast item and ask: How does this tell us what's inside?
- Ask: How could we send a message without modern tools?
- Move on when Children have shared ideas about how they communicate and started thinking about communication without modern tech.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels - 2
Explore Ancient Communication8 Min
- Ask: What kind of messages did ancient people send?
- Ask: How could they make those messages last and travel far?
- Have children propose drawing or acting out their ideas.
- Move on when Children have brainstormed ideas for messages, materials, and communication methods, and chosen an idea to develop.
Photo by https://kaboompics.com/ on Pexels - 3
Symbols Speak7 Min
- Ask: What do you think a 'pictogram' is?
- Explain what a pictogram is, using the provided definition and examples.
- Ask: Can you find pictograms in our daily lives?
- Move on when Student can explain what a pictogram is, identify examples, and suggest how it conveys meaning.
Photo by Alejandro Quintanar on Pexels - 4
Craft Your Ancient Message10 Min
- Gather all the chosen materials onto the table.
- Ask children to decide their message and the pictograms they will draw.
- Have them draw their pictogram message on the paper.
- Guide them to cut the paper if desired, then roll it tightly around a stick or pencil.
- Help secure the scroll with string or rubber bands if they wish.
- Move on when Children have created a message using pictograms and assembled it into a scroll.
Photo by Maor Attias on Pexels - 5
Share Your Wisdom5 Min
- Have each child present their scroll and share its message.
- Ask: What was tricky about communicating with pictures?
- Ask: How is this different from modern communication?
- Move on when Child shares their message, discusses the process, and offers a takeaway about ancient communication.
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