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How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

May 13, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Here is a how to draw a pharaoh step by step easy tutorial to use along with an ancient Egypt or more specific study on pharaohs. Also, look at Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities for more ideas.

Of course, I am also rounding up some other Pharaoh crafts and activities.

And then providing you with plenty of information to share on the subject with your learner.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

Pharaohs were the rulers of ancient Egypt.

People thought they were both kings and gods, they had lots of power and were very important to the Egyptian culture.

They wore fancy crowns, beautiful jewelry, and carried symbols of power, like the crook and flail. They meant the pharaoh was both a protector and a ruler.

ANCIENT EGYPT BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about ancient Egypt that I think you’ll love.

I use living books when I can find them.

17 Ancient Egypt Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these books to your home library and use them for a day of learning or for unit studies.

The Egypt Game

The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for the Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians, and they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?

Tales of Ancient Egypt (Puffin Classics)

These stories include the great myths - of Amen-Ra, who created all the creatures in the world; of Isis, seaching the waters for her dead husband Osiris; of the Bennu Bird and the Book of Thoth. But there are also tales told for pleasure about magic, treasure and adventure - even the first ever Cinderella story.

The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt (Landmark Books)

For more than 3,000 years, Egypt was a great civilization that thrived along the banks of the Nile River. But when its cities crumbled to dust, Egypt’s culture and the secrets of its hieroglyphic writings were also lost. The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt explains how archaeologists have pieced together their discoveries to slowly reveal the history of Egypt’s people, its pharaohs, and its golden days.

The Buildings of Ancient Egypt

Uses archeological evidence to describe the construction, decoration, and furnishings of ancient Egyptian tombs, pyramids, and homes

Science in Ancient Egypt (Science of the Past)

Discusses the achievements of the ancient Egyptians in science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, agriculture, and technology.

Great Ancient Egypt Projects: You Can Build Yourself

From reed boats, papyrus, and amulets, to pyramids, pharaohs, and mummies, Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself explores the fascinating lives of ancient Egyptians through more than25 hands-on building projects and activities. Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself gives readers today a chance to experience how the ancient Egyptians lived, cooked, worked, worshipped, entertained themselves, and interacted with their neighbors through building projects that use common household supplies.Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project are combined with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and trivia for the real-life models of each project. Together they give kids a first-hand look at daily life in ancient Egypt.

The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt (Dover Children's Classics)

Chebron, the young son of an Egyptian high priest, and Amuba, a young slave in the boy's household, are close friends; but their lives are greatly altered when Chebron accidentally kills a cat, an animal held sacred by the ancient Egyptians. Forced to flee for their safety, the boys and their companions begin a long and dangerous journey. A thrilling adventure story, this is also a tale packed with historical facts. Among other fascinating details, young readers learn about the Egyptian religion and geography, how the Nile was used for irrigation, and how the Egyptians made war and were prepared for burial. A captivating book that accurately describes life in a once magnificent civilization, this volume will especially appeal to youngsters fascinated by the life and customs of ancient Egypt.

A History of Ancient Egypt: From the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid (A History of Ancient Egypt, 1)

The ancient world comes to life in the first volume in a two book series on the history of Egypt, spanning the first farmers to the construction of the pyramids. Famed archaeologist John Romer draws on a lifetime of research to tell one history's greatest stories; how, over more than a thousand years, a society of farmers created a rich, vivid world where one of the most astounding of all human-made landmarks, the Great Pyramid, was built. Immersing the reader in the Egypt of the past, Romer examines and challenges the long-held theories about what archaeological finds mean and what stories they tell about how the Egyptians lived. More than just an account of one of the most fascinating periods of history, this engrossing book asks readers to take a step back and question what they've learned about Egypt in the past. Fans of Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra and history buffs will be captivated by this re-telling of Egyptian history, written by one of the top Egyptologists in the world.

Boy of the Pyramids

The pictured wall of an Egyptian tomb supplied the inspiration for this unusual story, which takes place during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu more than 4,000 years ago. Kaffe and Sari, an Egyptian noble's son and a slave girl from the nomadic Sand People of the Sinai region, help solve a troublesome mystery and trap its culprit. All told against a colorfully detailed backdrop of ancient Egypt.

The Golden Goblet

Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.

Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs

In 1802, Jean-Francois Champollion was eleven years old. That year, he vowed to be the first person to read Egypt’s ancient hieroglyphs. Champollion’s dream was to sail up the Nile in Egypt and uncover the secrets of the past, and he dedicated the next twenty years to the challenge.James Rumford introduces the remarkable man who deciphered the ancient Egyptian script and fulfilled a lifelong dream in the process. Stunning watercolors bring Champollion’s adventure to life in a story that challenges the mind and touches the heart.

The Egyptian Cinderella

This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo.

Poor Rhodopis! She has nothing—no mother or father, and no friends. She is a slave, from the far-off country of Greece. Only the beautiful rose-red slippers her master gives her can make Rhodopis smile.

So when a falcon swoops down and snatches one of the slippers away, Rhodopis is heartbroken. For how is she to know that the slipper will land in the lap of the great Pharaoh himself? And who would ever guess that the Pharaoh has promised to find the slipper’s owner and make her queen of all Egypt?

Augustus Caesar's World

In her unique approach, Foster weaves a story of the world around her central character; rather than focusing exclusively on geo-political events, as most textbooks do, she includes stories of scientific discovery and invention, music, literature, art, and religion. Her keen intuition for stories will especially delight and amuse youthful readers. In Augustus Caesar's World, Foster traces the seven major civilizations of Rome, Greece, Israel, Egypt, China, India, and Persia from 4500 B.C. to the time of Augustus Caesar in 44 B.C. and culminating in 14 A.D. Within this timeframe readers will learn not only the stories of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Marc Antony, but also the historian Livy and how Virgil came to write the Aeneid. Foster will then take her readers all over the world to learn what was happening at this same time in China, Persia, India and so on. Foster's detailed pen and ink drawings are fresh and appealing, and her illustrated timelines give a clear sense of chronology, enriching the engaging text.

The Lost Queen of Egypt: The Tomb of Nefertiti

For professor of Egyptology Henry Markham, this would be the crowning glory of his career: an intact tomb of Nefertiti, the great royal wife of Akhenaten and the heretic pharaoh of eighteenth dynasty Egypt, whose bust of exquisite beauty resides in the Berlin Museum, which he had searched for the last ten years. He had an unspoken passion for her only excelled by his young assistant, Steven Sinclair, whose visions and dreams of her haunted him, much to the annoyance of Helen Carter, the freelance journalist on-site who, with her business partner Mike Mitcham, the digs photographer, saw Nefertiti as a rival for his affections. Thanks to a gambling debt, Mike finds himself the proud owner of a large luxury mobile home that four Mossad agents are interested in, along with Emil Brogini, who did a drug deal with two Mossad rogue agents since deceased. The arrival of Henry's estranged sister, Millicent, with her friend Jane Evesham, a gifted clairvoyant, does nothing to improve his temper, especially when Jane tells him they are in great danger. Can the danger come from four renegade Mossad agents or Emil Bratislav Brogini, Mr. Big in Cairo, into every racket going? Jane discovers that Helen has a latent gift of clairvoyance which, with their combined powers in a séance, sends them back to the eighteenth dynasty with Nefertiti, Akhenaten, and danger around every corner as they try to discover who is trying to kill them all using a large band of Libyan bandits. They survive ambushes, assassin's knives, and chariot chases, finally getting back to their own time with Nefertiti.

Pyramid

Pyramid is a strong resource for readers looking to expand their knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilization, history, and architecture.

Award-winning author-illustrator David Macaulay explores the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt through richly detailed black-and-white illustrations and clear, concise text.

Though created with middle grade readers in mind, all with interest in the topic will enjoy this impressive look at what many consider to be one of the most awesome of humankind's creations.

Pharaoh's Boat

With poetic language and striking illustrations, Weitzman tells the story of how one of the greatest boats of ancient Egypt came to be built and built again.In the shadow of the Great Pyramid at Giza, the most skilled shipwrights in all of Egypt are building an enormous vessel that will transport Cheops, the mighty pharaoh, across the winding waterway and into a new world. Pharaoh's boat will be a wonder to behold, and well prepared for the voyage ahead. But no one, not even the Egyptian king himself, could have imagined just where the journey of Pharaoh's boat would ultimately lead.

The Winged Cat

Merit is a servant girl in the temple of cat goddesses. In a rage, Waha, the High Priest, kills a sacred car, and Merit sees him do it.But when Merit reports the evil deed to Pharaoh, Waha denies that he is guilty.

Next, look at some facts about pharaoh.

WHO WERE PHARAOHS

  • They were like kings or queens.
  • Egyptians believed they were chosen by the gods.
  • Pharaohs made laws and led the country.
  • They owned all the land.

Some of the more famous pharaohs are…

King Tut

  • His full name was Tutankhamun.
  • He became pharaoh when he was just a boy.
  • His tomb was discovered with many treasures.

Cleopatra

  • She was the last pharaoh of Egypt.
  • She was very smart and powerful.
  • She knew several languages.

Ramses the Great

  • He was a great warrior.
  • He ruled for a very long time.
  • He built many temples and statues.

WHAT DID PHARAOHS DO

  • They made sure Egypt was safe.
  • They collected taxes.
  • They led the army.
  • They built big monuments, like pyramids.
How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

HOW DID PHARAOHS DRESS

  • They carried special staffs and scepters.
  • They wore special clothes.
  • They had crowns and headdresses.
  • They had jewelry made of gold and gems.

Additionally, look at these other activities about Egypt and Pharaohs.

PHARAOH CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

  • Take a look at this Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities post.
  • Find out Was King Tut Murdered?  CSI Investigation Activity For Kids, what a fun and unique idea for studying history.
  • Get the younger ones involved by making Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy using their whole body.
  • Ancient Egypt: The Pharaoh Civilization
  • Learn about burial customs through Fun and Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Craft: Create Canopic Jars.
  • Make a Pharoah Headdress Printable Craft and find out what it’s like to be Egyptian royalty.
  • A beautiful full color book like A Child’s Introduction to Egyptology: The Mummies, Pyramids, Pharaohs, Gods, and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt  is always a great way to grab a childs attention and keep them interested in a topic.

Finally, look at how to draw a pharaoh step by step easy tutorial.

HOW TO DRAW A PHARAOH STEP BY STEP EASY TUTORIAL

You will need:

  • Mixed media paper
  • Pencils
  • Art eraser
  • Artist markers
  • ruler

First, determine the center of your page and draw a line right down the center using a ruler.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

Encourage your child to draw a round face shape with a band at the top, striving for symmetry on either side of the line.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

Next draw the outline of a pharaoh’s headpiece around the face.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

Draw lines all the way around it to give it some detail.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

If you like, add a decorative piece to the center like a simple snake.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

Draw eyes with a bit of the thicker upturned eyeliner look that defines the Egyptians, a nose, and a mouth. Keep it simple.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

Erase your lines all over the drawing until you just faintly see them. Use a small brush to whisk away all the eraser rubbings left behind.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

Outline all the pencil lines with a thin black marker.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

Allow to dry for a few minutes so that your hands do not smear it.

How To Draw A Pharaoh Step By Step Easy Tutorial

Fill in each section to make your pharaoh stand out.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool

Free Simple List Of Ancient Civilizations | Their Inventions And Discoveries

April 27, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m sharing a list of ancient civilizations and their inventions and discoveries. Also, look at my page Ancient Civilizations for more ideas, free lapbooks and hands-on activities.

Studying ancient history is not about just studying dates which can be boring.

When we study how ancient people lived, what they invented and how we still use some of them today that makes history important.

Free Simple List Of Ancient Civilizations | Their Inventions And Discoveries

For example, we learn that pyramids, statutes, and paintings were made without modern tools.

In addition, when we read and learn about the ancient inventions and discoveries, then our imagination is stirred to try new ideas.

And understanding different cultures helps us to appreciate other people and their country.

BOOKS TO PAIR WITH A LIST OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

Next, we prefer living books about ancient history when we can find them.

13 ANCIENT HISTORY LIVING BOOKS FOR MULTIPLE AGES

Add one or two of these books to your day for a unit study or add them to your home library for books to keep.

The Children's Homer

It recounts the perilous adventures of Odysseus on his journey back from the war in Troy, including his encounter with the horrible Cyclops, the duplicitous Sirens, and the evil Circe. One of Colum’s many successful children’s novels, these stories will be enjoyed as much today as they were when they first appeared. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and is wonderfully illustrated by Willy Pogany.

The Arabian Nights

Full of mischief, valor, ribaldry, and romance, The Arabian Nights has enthralled readers for centuries. These are the tales that saved the life of Scheherazade, whose husband, the king, executed each of his wives after a single night of marriage. Beginning an enchanting story each evening, Scheherazade always withheld the ending: A thousand and one nights later, her life was spared forever.

The Golden Goblet

Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.

City of the Golden House

A slave and a cripple, A saint and a Roman officer, An Emperor and a conspirator . . . A city on fire! The events surrounding the burning of Rome and the subsequent Christian persecution provide the backdrop for this story of faith and friendship. A young slave from Britain finds himself in Rome at a tumultuous time. Through his acquaintance with Christians he comes to understand and love the new religion. Out of his zeal for the love of the Christ, he performs a great spiritual work of mercy that sadly goes awry. In the end, God's providence and mercy shine through.

Boy of the Pyramids

The pictured wall of an Egyptian tomb supplied the inspiration for this unusual story, which takes place during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu more than 4,000 years ago. Kaffe and Sari, an Egyptian noble's son and a slave irl from the nomadic Sand People of the Sinai region, help solve a troublesome mystery and trap its culprit. All told against a colorfully detailed backdrop of ancient Egypt.

Gilgamesh the Hero

This is one of the oldest stories in the world, and it's about things that still matter to us today: friendship, fame, courage, happiness.Gilgamesh and Enkidu are friends -- best friends. Together they can work wonders, fight monsters, brave earthquakes, travel the world! But waiting in the dark is the one enemy they can never overcome.Retold by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean, and illustrated with great power by David Parkins, Gilgamesh the Hero is a story that will linger in the imagination long after the book has been put down.

The Arkadians

Lucian is on the run from a pair of murderous soothsayers. Joy-in-the-Dance knows magic and marvels, and is on a quest. Fronto is a poet-turned-donkey who wants to break the spell that turned him into an animal. The three of them join forces and set out through Arkadia—on an amazing trip that will change their lives. “Master storyteller Alexander keeps the action brisk, packs the text with a riveting collection of weird characters, fantastic settings, plot twists, derring-do, heroes, villains, magic, prophecy, humor, shipwrecks, fires—what more could readers ask for?”—Kirkus Reviews

Archimedes and the Door of Science

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.Greece, 200 B.C.

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

A brother and sister's search for a new life and new home . . .5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur. Marjorie Cowley vividly imagines the intrigues, and harsh struggle for survival in ancient Mesopotamia.

God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah

A never-before published tale by the author of the best-selling Hittite Warrior carries the reader back to Ancient Egypt and biblical Jerusalem. It is 701 B.C—rule of the Kushite dynasty in ancient Egypt. Young Prince Taharka, a very minor royal son, succeeds unexpectedly to the throne of Kush and Egypt—a "divine" rulership. It's not long, however, before a treacherous plot pushes him into sudden exile and into the hands of Amos, an emissary of King Hezekiah seeking help against the Assyrians. Posing as a medical assistant, Taharka journeys with Amos to Judea where he encounters two kings in conflict. His true identity suddenly uncovered, he must choose with whom he will fight—the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance, or Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. A novel inspired by research on the historical King Taharka and his period. Includes an introduction, with home-education suggestions, by Daria Sockey.Egypt and Judea, 700 B.C.

Mara, Daughter of the Nile

Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt, under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the language of Babylonian. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies—each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt.   Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.

The Boy of the Painted Cave

Tao is an outcast. Unlike the great hunters of his clan, Tao does not want to kill the wild bears or woolly mammoths of the hunt. Instead he wants only to paint them. But only Chosen Ones can be cave painters. What's more, Volt, the clan leader, violently despises Tao. And when the other clan members discover Tao's secret talent, they cast him out into the wilderness alone. There, he befriends a wild wolf dog named Ram, and the mysterious Graybeard, who teaches him the true secret of the hunt.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come.  “For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation.”—The Horn Book

Also, look at a list of ancient civilizations that will get you started.

Too, where possible, I listed some of their inventions.

LIST OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS & THEIR INVENTIONS

Mesopotamia

  • The Wheel
  • Cuneiform Writing:

Egypt (Ancient)

  • Papyrus
  • Hieroglyphics

China (Ancient)

  • Papermaking
  • Silk Production

Greece (Ancient)

  • Geometry & Astronomy
  • Democracy

Rome (Ancient)

  • Aqueducts
  • Legal Systems:
Free Simple List Of Ancient Civilizations | Their Inventions And Discoveries

Of course, this is not all of the ancient civilizations and inventions. There are more.

Grab the printable below and look at more ancient civilizations and invention.

HOW TO GET THE FREE LIST OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS AND THEIR INVENTIONS & DISCOVERIES

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

April 6, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Make a penner to hold medieval writing utensils with me. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. And look at my 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

The penner activity is fun. It can get your child interested in medieval writing or writing in general.

You can absolutely sew your penner together and use real leather to make it more realistic if you prefer.

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

I opted for an easier and less expensive glued version.

And I think it still came out really cool and nice enough to be an accessory for a medieval costume.

Leather penners were used to hold medieval scribes writing tools such as quill pens, penknives, bone folders.

Too, they were often strung together with an ink well.

The term penner can refer to both the leather tool holder as well as the scribe that did the work themself.

A medieval penner’s work was highly valued.

MEDIEVAL WORK BY PENNERS

They were most often used to illustrate religious texts and to add beauty to secular works.

 Some of the works they would write were:

  • Religious texts- such as bibles, prayer books, and missals.
  • Secular texts-chronicles, histories, and legal documents.
  • Literary texts- poems, plays, and romances.
  • Scientific texts- medical treatises and alchemical texts.
  • Philosophical texts-commentaries on Aristotle and Plato.
  • Musical texts- manuscripts of music.
Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

Many penner’s were scholars and intellectuals who played an important role in the preservation and dissemination of knowledge during the Middle Ages.

MEDIEVAL WRITING UTENSILS AND THEIR USES

Medieval traveling scribes used a variety of tools to create their beautiful works. The first was a leather penner to hold the tools, which of course we will be replicating today.

Look at the tools found inside of the penner:

  • Quills: Quills were the most common writing implement used by medieval penner’s. They were made from the hollow shafts of feathers. Typically made from geese or swans. Quills were sharpened to a point. Then dipped in ink to write.
  • Ink: Medieval inks were made from a variety of materials, including soot, berries, and plant extracts. Inks were often colored to create different effects, such as red for headings and initials.
  • Parchment: Parchment was the most common writing surface used by medieval penner’s. It was made from the skin of animals, such as sheep, goats, and calves. Parchment was expensive, but it was also durable and long-lasting.
  • Bone Folders: Bone folders were made from the bones of cows or deer or even elk. They were used to create sharp creases in fold pages.

Scribes often wrote in a Scriptoria, which were workshops where penner’s worked, typically located in monasteries and cathedrals.

The workshops were equipped with desks, chairs, and tools.

Then, look at more activities.

MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 1
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 2
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 3
  • Cursive Matters; Handwriting Style Doesn’t + Free Resources
  • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids
  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • Faith-Neutral Homeschool Grammar and Writing Program
  • 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)
  • Why It Is Hard to Teach Homeschooled Kids Writing But Not Impossible
  • Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students

  • The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency
  • Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids
  • Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)
  • 8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love
  • Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch
  • Discover the Best High School Writing Courses & Recommendations
  • How to Use Handwriting Without Tears Homeschool Multisensory Program
  • How To Choose Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers & Recommendations
  • Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School
  • Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner
  • Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities
  • Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station
  • Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics
  • Best Strategies To Improve Handwriting And Overcome Challenges
Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

Finally, look at how to make a penner.

HOW TO MAKE A PENNER FOR MEDIEVAL WRITING UTENSILS

You will need:

  • 2 8 x 12 faux leather sheets
  • Scissors
  • Permanent marker
  • 3 empty paper towel or toilet paper tubes
  • Pens with nibs or feather quills
  • Leather string or cording
  • Jumbo craft stick
Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

First, I used a couple of taped empty toilet paper tubes to give our holder a little more structure.

You want to make sure that you make the overall length of your tubes, including the lid a little longer than your supplies, for me 2 rolls was perfect.

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

Cut another tube about 3” tall to create the lid.

I happened to end up with one roll that was slightly larger than the others, making it the perfect size to slide over the holder.

If yours are all the same you can cut the lid one from one end to the other and tape it together just slightly larger than it was.

Cut two circles from your faux leather a bit larger than the circumference of your rolls.

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

Use hot glue to secure one end of the holder and place the other on one end of the lid. Trim off excess so that it is the exact same size as the roll.

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

Wrap the leather around the holder about 3” down on one end and secure in place with hot glue.

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

Roll the leather around your lid and again trim it to the exact length.

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

Your lid should now slide right over the holder perfectly.

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

Now cut 4 small rectangles, about ¾ of an inch long, these hold the cording in place.Add hot glue to either end, bend them a bit and place on either side of the lid and holder, lined up.

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

Slide a 20”-24” piece of leather cording through each side, through the channels you made and tie a knot in each end, secure with hot glue inside the small leather looped pieces.

Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

The lid will now be able to slide up and down the length of the cord to open it without it being lost.

Just like scribes would have done back then.

Slide your tools inside, I used a jumbo craft stick as a bone folder and some of the dip pens from a calligraphy set.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hand writing, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, handwriting, history, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, medieval Europe, medieval homeschool history, teachingwriting, writing

Free History Worksheets on Women Who Changed the World

March 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some free history worksheets on women who changed the world.

Through the years, influential women have changed the world in profound ways.

And I’m highlighting some of their legacies to inspire future scientists, artists and professional women in other fields.

Free History Worksheets on Women Who Changed the World

And these women didn’t let anything stop them, and their stories are filled with courage, creativity, and determination.

Although there are more, we’re focusing on five today.

The famous women in history we’re learning about today are Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo and Ada Lovelace.

BOOKS ABOUT FAMOUS WOMEN IN HISTORY

First, add some of these books to your reading list.

5 Women in History

Add some of these book about women in history who broke barriers and were trailblazers.

Marie Curie

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.

Rosa

An inspiring account of an event that shaped American history. She had not sought this moment but she was ready for it. When the policeman bent down to ask "Auntie, are you going to move?" all the strength of all the people through all those many years joined in her. She said, "No."Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This picture- book tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed.Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni's evocative text combines with Bryan Collier's striking cut-paper images to retell the story of this historic event from a wholly unique and original perspective.

Amelia Earhart

When she was eight years old, Amelia Earhart built a roller coaster and "flew" through the air.  She loved to watch daredevil pilots fly loops in the sky.  Amelia decided to pilot a plane herself, and became one of the first women to learn to fly.  She broke flight records and in 1932 was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean alone.  The whole world admired her courage and daring.  Amelia Earhart disappeared while trying to set a new record flying all the way around the world at the equator, but her pioneer spirit inspired many others to follow in her path.

Viva Frida: (Caldecott Honor Book)

Frida Kahlo, one of the world's most famous and unusual artists is revered around the world. Her life was filled with laughter, love, and tragedy, all of which influenced what she painted on her canvases.

Ada Byron Lovelace & the Thinking Machine

Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the famous romantic poet, Lord Byron, develops her creativity through science and math. When she meets Charles Babbage, the inventor of the first mechanical computer, Ada understands the machine better than anyone else and writes the world's first computer program in order to demonstrate its capabilities.

Also, look at some of these other activities to use with the free history worksheets.

ACTIVITIES ABOUT WOMEN TO PAIR WITH THE FREE HISTORY WORKSHEETS

  • Frida Kahlo Art Made Simple: Free Easy Art Printable
  • Marie Curie Unit Study
  • How to Make a Fun Bottle Buddy of the Trailblazing Pilot Amelia Earhart Craft
  • Rosa Parks Free Lapbook
  • Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft.
  • Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day

Next, look at these 5 famous women in history and a few facts about each history maker.

WOMEN IN HISTORY FACTS

In the free printable there are 5 women as I mentioned with 1 page per history maker.

The first women is Marie Curie.

  • Curie discovered the elements polonium and radium.
  • The first woman to win a Nobel Prize in 1903.

Next is Rosa Parks.

  • Rosa Parks is known for her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama.
  • Parks was arrested, but her act of civil disobedience led to a Supreme Court ruling that declared bus segregation unconstitutional.

Then there is Amelia Earhart.

  • In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Earhart was a pioneering figure for women in aviation.

Also, Frida Kahlo is next.

  • Frida Kahlo is best known for her self-portraits that explored themes of pain and personal struggle.
  • She was a popular Mexican artist.

Finally, here a few facts about Ada Lovelace.

  • Ada Lovelace is often credited as the first computer programmer.
  • Lovelace recognized that computers could do more than just arithmetic.
Free History Worksheets on Women Who Changed the World

Finally, grab the printable pack.

HOW TO GET THE FREE WOMEN IN HISTORY PRINTABLE PACK

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: History Resources Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history

Fun Facts About Marco Polo | The Fascinating World of the Mongols

March 4, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are learning some fun facts about Marco Polo, the Mongols, and investigate the contents of the Mongols Middle Ages History Unboxed. Also, look at my page free Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook 1254 to 1324.

The Mongols were a nomadic people who lived in the vast steppes of Central Asia.

They were skilled horsemen and archers, and they were known for their fierce fighting ability.

Fun Facts About Marco Polo | The Fascinating World of the Mongols

In the 12th century, a young Mongol named Temujin united the Mongol tribes and became Genghis Khan, or “Universal Ruler.”

Genghis Khan was a brilliant military strategist. He led the Mongols on a campaign of conquest that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the borders of Europe.

The Mongols were some of the most successful conquerors in history.

They defeated powerful empires, such as the Jin Dynasty of China and the Abbasid Caliphate of Baghdad.

The Mongols also established one of the largest empires in history, which stretched from Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia.

BOOKS ABOUT MARCO POLO FOR KIDS

Marco Polo, explorer, served Emperor Kublai Khan in China.

Then he returned to Venice to write his account of the experiences he had there.

And that gave Europeans some of their earliest information about China.

First, look at some of these books about Marco Polo and his adventures.

10 Marco Polo Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these fun books about Marco Polo to your home library or use them in your unit studies.

Marco Polo

The amazing story of a Venetian trader who becomes an aide to the great Kublai Khan comes to life in this retelling for students by Manuel Komroff. Follow along as Marco Polo travels through deserts littered with bones, encounters animals previously unknown to Europeans, and comes to serve in the court of one of the greatest kingdoms ever known.Included is a gorgeous new map tracing his journey, and 29 full page illustrations from an early edition written for adults.The text in this edition is a reprint of the original Messner Biography, a series that was created for students. "Well told and with engaging narratives, they unknowingly flow nicely from story to fact. You will find a plethora of information packed between these pages, not only about the title’s subject, but the subject's time and the world they lived in."

The Adventures of Marco Polo

Was Marco Polo the world's greatest explorer -- or the world's greatest liar? Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman turns his eagle eye on the enigmatic Marco Polo in his most exciting biography yet.

He claimed to have seen rocks burn, bandits command sandstorms, lions tamed with a look, and sorcerers charm sharks while divers gathered pearls on the ocean floor. Marco Polo shook Europe with descriptions of the world he'd seen on his epic journey to the court of Kublai Khan.

But was Marco Polo the world's most accomplished explorer? Had he really seen the "Roof of the World" in Central Asia, and the "City of Heaven" in far-off China? Or was he a charlatan who saw nothing more than the conjurings of his inventive mind? Join Russell Freedman as he tackles a centuries-old mystery.

The Story of Marco Polo

This is volume number 22 in the Signature Books series for young readers. This series, under the general editorship of Enid Lamonte Meadowcroft, provides easy to read, exciting stories based upon the lives of historical figures. A vivid story of the life and adventures of perhaps the most romantic traveler of all time, a man who returned from the East with tales so fantastic that no one believed him until he was vindicated by later travelers.

Animals Marco Polo Saw (Explorer Series)

A continuation of the Explorers series by award-winning author Sandra Markle, Animals Marco Polo Saw brings to life the amazing, exotic animals Marco Polo encountered during his explorations in Asia, how the animals sometimes affected the outcome of the journey, and even helped the explorer survive!

Marco Polo (Junior World Explorers)

Examines the political forces and personal ambition that drove Marco Polo in his explorations.

The Travels of Marco Polo

Marco Polo was the most famous traveller of his time. His voyages began in 1271 with a visit to China, after which he served the Kubilai Khan on numerous diplomatic missions. On his return to the West, he was made a prisoner of war and met Rustichello of Pisa, with whom he collaborated on this book. The accounts of his travels provide a fascinating glimpse of the different societies he encountered: their religions, customs, ceremonies and way of life; on the spices and silks of the East; on precious gems, exotic vegetation and wild beasts. He tells the story of the holy shoemaker, the wicked caliph and the three kings, among a great many others, evoking a remote and long-vanished world with colour and immediacy. He found himself traversing the most exotic lands-from the dazzling Mongol empire to Tibet and Burma. This fascinating chronicle still serves as the most vivid depiction of the mysterious East in the Middle Ages.

He Went With Marco Polo

Cathay is a long way from his home in Venice, but when 14-year-old gondolier, Tonio Tumba receives the chance of a lifetime, he doesn’t say no. Leaving behind his only possession, a shabby green gondola, Tonio eagerly joins Marco Polo on his adventure.

As Tonio and the Polo family travel the dangerous silk road to modern-day China, they encounter many fascinating people and dangerous perils. When Tonio rides into Cathay on one of the Khan’s elephants, he says to his friend, Pietro: “Elephants are grand… but give me a horse any time – unless I could have a gondola. When we get back to Venice, I’ll take you out in mine.”

There are many wonderful sights, amazing inventions and great riches to discover, though Tonio looks forward to getting back home - but many years will pass before his chance to see the canals of Venice again. When so much has changed, will Tonio find anything worth returning for?

Louise Andrews Kent is a master storyteller, weaving historical accuracy and immersive adventure into one epic voyage of discovery.

This new edition features all the original illustrations and clean, readable text. It is a fantastic living book teaching about history and geography, recommended for ages 10 and up.

Genghis Khan and the Mongol Horde (World Landmark Books)

Excellent, historic story well told by Harold Lamb and beautifully illustrated by Elton Fax. Originally published in 1954, this paperback edition was released in 1982.

Marco Polo: Overland to China (In the Footsteps of Explorers)

Relive Italian voyager Marco Polo's adventures in China in1275, including his legendary meeting with Kublai Khan, emperor of the powerful Mongol Empire. This exciting new book separates fact from myth using excerpts from Polo's actual journals and vivid illustrations and photographs to portray Polo himself and his impressions of the unique traditions and customs of the Mongols. A recipe from the period is also included. Topics include - what the Medieval period meant to Europe and exploration - the Silk Road - Marco Polo's service in Kublai Khan's court - life at sea and in the Mongol Empire - Marco Polo's influence on later explorers Teacher's guide available.

Marco Polo: his travels and adventures.

This edition is presented complete and unabridged, with larger text for easier reading by younger readers, and all the original illustrations and decorations.“I have attempted to transform the somewhat dry and monotonous translation of this narrative into an entertaining story, that may engage the attention and the interest of my young readers; for which it certainly presents ample opportunities. If the task is properly done, no one can fail to follow Marco Polo from his Venetian home, across the entire continent of Asia to the court of Kublai Khan, and in his various adventures and journeys while in the far-off Orient, without eager curiosity and ever-deepening interest. The central figure of the story is heroic, for Marco Polo was in all things manly, brave, persevering, intelligent, and chivalrous; and the scenes and incidents in which he was the leading actor were in the highest degree thrilling and dramatic.”-From the Preface by the Author.

For our study on the Mongols and Marco Polo I purchased the Young Adult package for the Mongols which is intended for ages 16 and up.

But, before we get into what comes in the box let’s take a look at some fun facts about Marco Polo.

And of course I have some great hands-on activities and resources to accompany your study too.

FUN FACTS ABOUT MARCO POLO AND MONGOLS

  1. During his time in China, Polo served as a trusted official in Khan’s court. It was a position that gave him access to the inner workings of the Mongol Empire and Chinese society. His observations and detailed descriptions of the people, customs, and innovations he encountered were meticulously recorded in his book, “The Travels of Marco Polo”.
  2. He journeyed to the Far East during the reign of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China. His career as a diplomat and emissary for Kublai Khan spanned 17 years.
  3. Polo’s travels introduced Europeans to many Chinese inventions that would have a major impact on the Western world. They were inventions like paper money, gunpowder, and the compass.
  4. His travels helped to forge new trade routes between Europe and Asia, increasing the flow of goods, ideas, and knowledge. The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting East and West, experienced a resurgence in activity because of Polo’s accounts.
  5. One of the Asian tribes the Tartars unified Asia into a new Kingdom, the Mongols.
  6. Temuchin is Genghis Khan (a word from the Tarter language meaning lord or prince).
  7. Genghis and his Mongol army are called “The Golden Horde”.
  8. The Golden Horde broke through the Great Wall of China in 1214.
  9. Genghis Khan first created national parks, the postal system, international law and the borders of modern nations. His Empire was the safest and most tolerant of lands.
Fun Facts About Marco Polo | The Fascinating World of the Mongols

Also, look at some hands-on activities.

MARCO POLO AND THE MONGOLS HANDS ON ACTIVITIES

Investigate the importance of wool and learn wool felting, taste a popular Mongol drink, and play games with a Mongolian Shagai bone with this box from History Unboxed.

Here is a Marco Polo Unit Study – Terracotta Warriors and Free Resources full of more fantastic ideas.

Make Homemade Mongolian Cookies and incorporate home economics and life skills into your curriculum.

For a deeper look at Marco Polo and the Mongols read both Who Was Marco Polo or Genghis Khan for read aloud or independent reading time.

Follow his travels with the Marco Polo Unit Study – Salt Dough Map + Free Printable Map Flags and create a relief map that showcases his path.

Listen to the podcast The Adventures of Marco Polo – Family Time History Podcast – Episode 1 together as a family while you are on the road or sitting around the table.

Finally, look at some hands-on activities.

History Unboxed carries boxes of wonderful activities and sometimes edible treats spanning Ancient History, Us History, and the Middle Ages.

You can purchase History Unboxed one box at a time or as a bundle of 12 and choose youth for elementary or young adult for middle and high school.

MONGOLS UNBOXED (MIDDLE AGES)

Inside our Mongols box was a book full of information and illustrations, a reading list, as well as instructions for enrichment activities like recipes, wool felting, and silk spinning.

It also included the items needed for these activities individually packaged making it easy to assign and keep track of supplies.

Here is what is inside…

Shagai Games: Decorate and play traditional games with Mongolian Shagai bones, learning about the recreational activities that have been part of Mongolian culture for centuries.

Fun Facts About Marco Polo | The Fascinating World of the Mongols

Felting and Wool: Learn about the importance of wool in Mongolian life.

We tried our hand at wool felting.

We did it without a needle as it was originally done with hot water and soap. Felting was essential to the nomadic lifestyle of the mongols.

Fun Facts About Marco Polo | The Fascinating World of the Mongols

Traditional Drinks: Taste a drink inspired by a traditional Mongolian recipe, offering a flavorful glimpse into the Mongolian culinary heritage. Our box included a Wild Orange tea to try.

Silk Spinning: Spin silk from a silkworm cocoon and uncover how silk played a key role in Genghis Khan’s army, protecting soldiers and enhancing trade routes.

Fun Facts About Marco Polo | The Fascinating World of the Mongols

The Life of Genghis Khan: Dive into the fascinating story of Genghis Khan, a figure revered by some and reviled by others, whose leadership and legacy still shape perceptions of the Mongols today.

Lessons are laid out for you in the book.

Fun Facts About Marco Polo | The Fascinating World of the Mongols

This method of learning is a lot more fun than reading out of a textbook for most learning types and who doesn’t love to get a box of surprises in the mail?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, Marco Polo

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