“It flows through old hushed Egypt and its sands like some grave, mighty thought threading a dream…”-Leigh Hunt, describing the Nile River, 1818
A dream. Sometimes that is how I picture the history of ancient times, like a dream or a movie that was created from one’s imagination. It’s difficult to understand just how amazing ancient humans lived in such structured civilizations that were created 3500-1500 B.C.. From the grand size of the Egyptian pyramids to the intricate detail in art, it has caught the attention of our 6th grade students. If you had the opportunity to walk through our 3rd floor this past week, you may have seen the beautiful hieroglyphics of birds, lions, snakes and symbols near the 6th grade classroom that were created by our students. For the past few weeks, Mrs. Coombe’s students have been immersed in learning and experiencing the Ancient Egyptian culture first hand. From writing their own hieroglyphics to re-enacting the mummification process at the Milwaukee County Museum, our students have had the opportunity to not only read from their social studies books about the ancient Egyptians, but they have been able to experience a piece of their ancient culture, religion, and civilization.
One of the things I enjoy most about Westlake is how the teachers can talk about theology and Biblical truth in every subject. Egypt is major setting throughout the Bible. From Genesis and Exodus to Jesus’ childhood, the Egyptian culture is found throughout the pages of the Bible. Understanding the Ancient Egyptian culture, geography, government, and religious beliefs helps us to comprehend the different way of life that we read in the Bible today. It amazes me to hear the students make connections between the social studies lessons they are learning and their increased understanding of the Biblical stories they have been reading and hearing about at church, home, and school. The students’ visit to the museum last week helped to bring these stories alive as they were able to discover and see first-hand the thousands of Egyptian artifacts including mummies, a replica of the Rosetta Stone, tomb artifacts, and much more. Seeing these artifacts in person allowed us to understand Ancient Egypt not as a dream or a movie, but as a way of life thousands of years ago.
Chelsea Schopper
Reading Intervention Specialist
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