Lesson plan based on Amenemhet
Describe everyday life in ancient Egypt by writing an entry in the journal of an ancient Egyptian man or woman.
Skills and Focus: Writing, Research, Online Research
Subject Area: English Language Arts
Thematic Connection: Connecting Past and Present
Grade Level: Secondary School
Time Needed: Two hours
Objectives
• Use the information presented in the movie What Does This Show? to write a journal entry describing a day in the life of Amenemhet or Hemet.
• Convey a clear sense of life in ancient Egypt by using appropriate action verbs and sensory details as well as historically accurate details about life in ancient Egypt.
• Demonstrate understanding of "voice" by writing a journal entry that suggests authorship by an ancient Egyptian.
Instructional Materials Needed
Story: What Does This Show?
Print Resources:
• , Anita. Focus on Ancient Egyptians. New York: Gloucester Press, 1993. Pp.18-23.
• Grant, Neil. Spotlights: The Egyptians. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996. Pp.24-25, 32-35.
• Harris, Geraldine. Cultural Atlas for Young People: Ancient Egypt. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1990. Pp. 26-27.
Online Resources:
• The University of Memphis Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology: http://www.memphis.edu/egypt/main.html
• The Ancient Egypt Site: http://www.geocities.com/~amenhotep
Activity
Step 1: Students should watch the story What Does This Show?, paying close attention to the details of Amenemhet’s and Hemet's lives. Encourage students to take notes on the visual appearance of clothing, food, and people.
Step 2: Distribute the transcript and review the descriptions that were included about the Egyptian couple's professions, clothing, diet, and life together. Encourage the students to use the print and online resources to supplement the information conveyed in the story.
Step 3: Have students write journal entries describing a day in the life of Amenemhet or Hemet. Encourage students to pattern their entries after the way they write in their own journals. Entries should include vivid action verbs and sensory details and should suggest what life was like in ancient Egypt, from rising in the morning to retiring at night.
Step 4: As students write, challenge them to find the "voice" of Amenemhet and Hemet. Be available in the classroom as they work, encouraging them to avoid modern expressions. Students should work to place themselves in the "shoes" of the character, developing a personality, feelings, and attitude that expresses the individual.
Goals
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 1: Read for understanding and fluency.
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.
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