Lesson plan based on Model Boat

Create a virtual field trip down the Nile by writing and illustrating journal entries from the perspective of an ancient Egyptian sailor.

Skills and Focus: Creative Writing, Illustrating

Subject Area: English Language Arts

Thematic Connection: Transportation

Grade Level: Elementary School

Time Needed: 50 minutes

Objectives

• Visualize and thereby understand how the ancient Egyptians used the Nile River for transportation.

• Relate to role of a boat worker by writing a journal entry about one day on the river.

• Listen critically to presentations about different locales along the Nile and understand the cultural importance of these locales.

Instructional Materials Needed

Paper for writing journal entries

Crayons, markers, or colored pencils

Activity

Step 1: After watching the story with the students, assign each student in your class to a role on an Egyptian boat. The movie states that Egyptian boats were powered by fourteen rowers. (This number can vary according to class size.) Additionally, there would have been at least two captains, who kept watch and steered the boat. (This number can also vary.)

Step 2: Keeping in mind the information and images in the story, students should imagine that they are either a rower or a captain and write a journal entry about one day on the boat. In this entry, students should describe the work that must be done on the boat, the other rowers, the cargo that the boat is carrying, and what the Nile and its banks look like. If necessary, show the story again to refresh students' memories. Imagined details should be encouraged.

Step 3: Students should illustrate their journal entries by drawing one of the details they have described. It may be a drawing of the boat, an event that happened on the boat, or the surrounding scenery.

Step 4: When all students have completed their entries and illustrations, display them in the class. Ask students to share their entries with their classmates.

Goals

This activity meets Illlinois State Goal 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.

This activity meets Illlinois State Goal 4: Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations.

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