SAVY Saturday, Week 1, Beyond the Pyramids (K)
Welcome to the first day of our exciting journey into Ancient Egypt!
Our class kicked off with a fantastic start as we took some time to get to know our new friends and dive into the wonders of Ancient Egypt. We began by sharing what we already knew about this fascinating civilization and brainstormed a list of questions we want answered over the next three weeks. The kids were full of curiosity and enthusiasm!
- Be sure to ask your child why the Ancient Egyptians built pyramids – they might surprise you with their answers!
We also introduced the concept of archaeology and discussed how our learning this spring will connect to the work of archaeologists. The importance of the Nile River to Ancient Egyptian civilization was a major topic of discussion.
- Ask your child to tell you three ways the Nile impacted this civilization. They might mention how it flooded each year, providing rich soil for crops, how it served as a vital water source, or how it enabled travel and trade.
Our young explorers created maps of Egypt, highlighting the Nile River. We also compared the clothing, food, and homes of Ancient Egyptians to our modern lives. Next, we read “The Egyptian Cinderella” and used a Venn Diagram to compare it with the traditional Cinderella story. This activity helped us understand the cultural differences and similarities between ancient and modern times. We also delved into the fascinating world of hieroglyphics, discussing how Egyptians used these symbols to communicate and the important role of scribes in their society.
- The students had a blast creating their names using hieroglyphs – ask your child what their favorite hieroglyph is!
To wrap up our day, students participated in a STEM activity where they worked in groups to build Egyptian communities along the Nile using Legos. This hands-on project allowed them to apply what they learned about the features of an Egyptian community, such as square houses with flat roofs, people cooking on their roofs, and the bustling trade along the Nile.
- Ask your child what they think are some important features of an Egyptian community.
As a reminder, students get very hungry and thirsty at SAVY! Please send your child with a filled water bottle and a healthy snack to enjoy during our afternoon break. Also, don’t forget to pack a jacket in case we go outside for an activity or break. I’m looking forward to another day of adventure and learning next Saturday!
Kate Slick