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This week we’re using our knowledge of archaeology to dig into early civilizations! Join us to learn about prehistoric people, nomadic tribes, and the first farmers in our ancient history.
Early Civilizations Unit Study
We began our ancient history adventures with an introduction to archaeology and what we can learn about the past through science. I can see the excitement in my son’s eyes as he learns about the world’s history and ancient people of the past.
Our ancient history spines are Story of the World Volume 1 and the Usborne World History Encyclopedia. These provide a good background for history, but are limited in what they share.
To dig a little deeper, I’ve put together some current resources to learn about the early civilizations!
Early Civilizations Activities
Make a “Cave Painting”
Take a look at some ancient cave art and talk about the materials that cave people may have used to make their paintings. Cave people loved to trace their hands and draw animals they saw in daily life.
- Use a roll of butcher paper to cover a large portion of your wall
- Use chalk to draw and crushed chalk to “paint” larger areas
- Trace your hands; draw animals and your family!
Gather Your Own Food
Visit a farm or local u-pick to pick your own fruit or vegetables. Discuss the similarities and differences between a small, modern farm and the first farms in ancient times.
Create Prehistoric Stone Art
Create your own stone carvings using plaster of paris. Find directions for this activity on Pink Stripey Socks.
Early Civilizations Books & Articles
These titles and media resources can be used alongside any unit study of the earliest civilizations and are appropriate for the elementary grades. Some material may be too mature or too young for your child. As always, use your best discretion.
Prehistoric People & Ancient Nomads
DK Eyewitness Books: Early Humans byÂ
DK takes us through the evolution of our early ancestors to the earliest civilizations around the world. Look closely at artifacts, early tools, art, and architecture of our ancient relatives.
Explore Articles Online
Nomads on Wikipedia
NY Times Article: Artifacts Show Sophistication of Ancient Nomads
Read about the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongol Tribes of today on Ancient Origins
See the oldest cave paintings found on Smithsonian Mag
Find Cave Painting on Wikipedia
See ten cave paintings from different regions with maps on Touropia
The Fertile Crescent
& Ancient Mesopotamia
Cultural Beginnings and the Rise of Civilization: Life in the Fertile Crescent by Baby Professor
Picture book written for the lower elementary level as an introduction to civilization. Look inside the book on Amazon.
Explore Articles Online
Fertile Crescent from Ancient History Encyclopedia Online
Fertile Crescent on Wikipedia
Fertile Crescent on Britannica
Find the Fertile Crescent on a Map
Highlighted on Google Maps
Free printable maps from d-maps.com
DK Eyewitness Books: Mesopotamia
 byÂ
Look into the daily lives, beliefs, and history of Mesopotamia from ancient times through the present. Photographs show the art, writing, and artifacts from the first civilizations.
Read about Life in Mesopotamia on Ancient Mesopotamia from the University of Chicago.
Early Civilizations Online
Dawn of Civilization Playlist – AllHistories On YouTube
The Agricultural Revolution: Crash Course World History #1 – CrashCourse On YouTube
Indus Valley Civilization: Crash Course World History #2Â On YouTube
Mesopotamia: Crash Course World History #3Â On YouTube
Movies About Early Civilizations
Great Human Odyssey – PBS Nova
Rent it on Amazon, Stream on Netflix
From Amazon, “Numbering no more than a few thousand, tiny groups of intrepid humans began to move out of Africa-eventually dominating the planet. How did these early humans acquire the skills, technology, and talent to thrive in every environment on earth?”
The Croods
Stream it on Prime
A humorous and enjoyable movie depicting the life of a fictional ancient cavemen family. This one is just for fun. Use it as a hook to spark interest in ancient times or for a somewhat educational movie night.
If you like The Croods, also check out Dawn of the Croods a Netflix Original Series.
Online Resources to Explore
Ancient Civilizations for Kids
https://sites.google.com/site/1ancientcivilizationsforkids/home
This site takes through ancient history from our pre-historic ancestors to different regions: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. Each section features maps, artifacts, architecture, and a video about the region.
Ancient Mesopotamia: Lesson Plans
http://mesopotamia.lib.uchicago.edu/teacherresources/article.php?m=Lesson%20Plans
Investigate a variety of lessons and activities about Ancient Mesopotamia from the University of Chicago. Free printable PDFs with lessons about daily life, recipes, math, science, government, art, and more.
We will be continuing with Ancient World studies throughout the year. Bookmark this page to keep up with all the latest posts.
More history from the Resource Room:
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Massive Guide to Homeschooling History
Ashley helps parents who want to homeschool find the resources they need to successfully teach their children. Ashley is a former teacher, current homeschooler, published author, and designer behind Circle Time with Miss Fox printables as well as the creator of this website, The Homeschool Resource Room.
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