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history

Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

February 25, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a free Ancient China lapbook with some hands-on history ideas. Also, you’ll love my other Homeschool Lapbook Ideas on my page.

I’m sharing my complete lapbook Ancient China lapbook along with some hands-on history ideas.

I had a few minibooks already, so I incorporated them into this unit.

And learning about ancient civilizations makes for interesting segues into your history day.

Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

When you focus on an ancient civilization like Ancient China in depth it makes history much livelier.

Besides whom wants to just color maps.

When learning about the culture, flora and fauna and history of the people, children can connect with history.

Ancient China Books for Kids

Also, I used living books as much as possible so kids can learn about history in a story form.

In addition, we use reference books to help us locate geographical features and learn other things about an area.

12 Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read to About Ancient China

Add some of these books to your home library about Ancient China. Also, use them for a homeschool unit study.

Zheng He, The Great Chinese Explorer: A Bilingual Story of Adventure and Discovery

In the West, legendary explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary are a recognized part of our history. But in China, that legend belongs to the great explorer Zheng He (1371–1433), who lived during China's renowned Ming Dynasty. Zheng He, the Great Chinese Explorer is a bilingual (English and Chinese) tale of his adventures.

When he was a child, Zheng He dreamed of foreign lands, his imagination was inspired by the travels of his father and grandfather and the wonderful items they brought back from trading trips to the West. A simple but exotic porcelain vase in cobalt, a color not found in China at the time, drove Zheng He to discover the origins of this unique color—and become one of the most famous explorers in China's history.

Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's Journey

Eighty years before Columbus, China sent ships to explore the world.The Chinese discovered many marvelous things, but one discovery stood out above the others: the chee-lin.This chee-lin was just a giraffe, but to the Chinese it was an omen of good fortune so rare that it had appeared only once before—at the birth of Confucius.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

A Time Magazine 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time selection!​A Reader’s Digest Best Children’s Book of All Time​!This stunning fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore is a companion novel to Starry River of the Sky and the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award finalist When the Sea Turned to SilverIn the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young readers.

Science and Scientists (True Stories From Ancient China)

Ancient China has a long history of scientific excellence. Learn more about some of China’s greatest scientific wonders and the scientists who studied them. Features stories about astronomy, seismology, mathematics, calendar-making, and geography.

The Warlord's Beads (Warlord's Series)

Clever Chuan devises a simple way for his father to quickly and accurately count all the warlord's treasure.

The Five Chinese Brothers (Paperstar)

The classic picture book about five clever brothers, each with a different extraordinary ability, has been in print for almost 80 years."An original nonsense tale told with...spirit and gusto." -- The Horn Book

The Great Wall Of China (Aladdin Picture Books)

Angela FIsher's The Great Wall is an "awe-inspiring, impressive, black and gray illustrations set the tone for this history of the building of the Great Wall of China." (School Library Journal)

The Story about Ping

No one can deny the appeal of the book's hero, Ping, the spirited little duck who lives on a boat on the Yangtze River. Ping's misadventures one night while exploring the world around his home form the basis of this timeless classic, which is brought to life by Kurt Wiese's warm and poignant illustrations.

In the Forbidden City (We All Live in the Forbidden City)

Serving as the seat of imperial power for six centuries, the Forbidden City is one of China's most famous and enigmatic landmarks. Accompanied by a mischievous cat, readers will tour this colossal architectural structure, discovering the secrets hidden inside the palace walls. They will encounter the people who have walked through its halls and gardens, including emperors, empresses, and rebel leaders, and hear exciting tales about the power struggles and intrigues of everyday life.This large format book conveys the grandeur of the Forbidden City through highly detailed line drawings of its buildings, gardens, and courtyards with numerous fold-out spreads. Each page is populated by a large variety of characters and peppered with entertaining anecdotes. Every book includes a plastic magnifying glass for looking at the drawings more closely."Readers receive a lavish tour of the Forbidden City, once home to Chinese emperors and now a museum, courtesy of Chiu and the Design and Cultural Studies Workshop, which he founded. Delicate line drawings highlight the architectural intricacies of the nearly 178-acre complex (several foldout spreads emphasize its size) while Chiu examines the Ming and Qing dynasties in thorough detail, along with major events in the palace's history. (In one foldout scene, 24 emperors offer pithy, even brusque notes on their reigns — "I was entirely unaccomplished," says Emperor Longqing.) A magnifying glass is wisely included to help readers appreciate the wealth of visual detail." — Publishers Weekly

The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall

DID YOU KNOW that China was named after its first emperor – the brilliant, all-powerful emperor who built The Great Wall? In this book, discover why he started building the Wall, how he made China the biggest country on earth, and what treasures he hid in his secret tomb. Find out how he became one of the most important people in the history of China. Read all about the first emperor’s fascinating life in The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall.The simple language and beautiful illustrations make this book a wonderful reader or bedtime story. It is suitable for all ages, but children aged six to twelve years will especially enjoy reading this book.~ About the ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA… Series ~China has a long history, but its many stories are often too complex for children. In this series, Jillian Lin retells China’s best historical tales so they are easy and fun to read. Children will embark on a journey through time where they will get a glimpse inside the colorful lives of famous Chinese figures. Beautiful illustrations, gripping stories, and fascinating facts make these books wonderful readers or bedtime stories for ages six and above. Other titles in this series include:The King Without A Throne (Confucius)The Mountain Man Of Music (Zhu Zaiyu)The Miracle Doctor (Hua Tuo)The Girl Who Became Emperor (Wu Zetian)The Dreamer Of Stars (Zhang Heng)The Greatest Explorer In The World (Zheng He)The Pirate King (Koxinga/Zheng Chenggong)

Where Is the Great Wall?

More than two thousand years ago, with his land under constant attack from nomads, the First Emperor of China came up with a simple solution: build a wall to keep out enemies. It was a wall that kept growing and growing. But its construction came at a huge cost: it is believed that more than a million Chinese died building it, earning the wall its nickname--the longest cemetery on earth. Through the story of the wall, Patricia Brennan Demuth is able to tell the story of China itself, the rise and fall of dynasties, the greatness of its culture, and its present-day status as a Communist world power.

DK Eyewitness Books: Ancient China: Discover the History of Imperial China―from the Great Wall to the Days of the La

A spectacular and informative guide to the history of the great Chinese empire and the customs and traditions of its people.  Stunning real-life photographs and lifelike models offer a unique "eyewitness" view of life in imperial China, from its earliest beginnings in the Bronze Age to its final years in the early 20th century. See the stunning bronze work of the ancient Chinese and the beautiful techniques used for Chinese calligraphy. Learn why the First Emperor created the Terracotta Army, what kinds of goods were carried along the Silk Route, who invented paper, and much, much more. 

Facts About Ancient China

  • Han Chinese were the original people of China.
  • The oldest religion in China is ancestor worship but there were other religions too like Confucianism based on the teachings of Confucius. Taoism is another religion.
  • Next the cultivation of silkworms to obtain silk for weaving.
  • At first silk was expensive and only the wealthiest wore it. But about 200 B.C. soldiers and other people were wearing silk. And then even poor people wore silk.
  • Then ancient Chinese wrote on bamboo and wood, then silk. Paper was invented in China about 105 A.D.
  • Education was important in Ancient China. Boys usually went to school at the age of seven. If their parents were rich, they hired a tutor. They learned to write 20 Chinese characters a day.
  • Girls were not usually sent to school. They learned to spin, weave, and embroider. They helped their mothers at home.

Children learn to write calligraphy. It was a great art because there were thousands of symbols each representing a different idea.

Chinese writing has hardly changed over 2,000 years.

More Homeschool Lapbook Ideas

  • Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Ancient Greece
  • 18 Colorful and Free Lapbooks for History Unit Studies
  • Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
  • Ancient Civilization Lapbook
  • French Revolution 1789 – 1799 Lapbook
  • American Revolution Lapbook 1775 – 1783
  • Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook
Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

In addition, look at this Ancient Chinese inventions on hub page to see what they invented.

Moreover, look at these other ideas for hands-on history.

Hands-on History for Kids Learning About Ancient China

  • How To Make The Great Wall Of China Out Of Paper
  • 8 Ancient China Activities For Kids | How To Make An Abacus
  • Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft
  • Quick and Easy Ancient Chinese Paper making for Kids
    Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

    Topics in Free Ancient China Lapbook

    Look at these minibooks which are included in the free download.

    Use them all or mix/match with other activities your child wants to include in the lapbook.

    • Early Chinese Dynasties
    • History of Silk
    • Where the Ancient Chinese
    • Did You Know . .
    • Growing Up in Ancient China
    • Shang Warrios
    • Shang Script
    • Food of Ancient China
    • Confucius

    How to Get the Free Ancient China Lapbook

    Now, how to grab the free lapbook. 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 to get my emails in your inbox AND this freebie.

    2) Grab the freebie.

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

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: ancient, Ancient China, ancient civilizations, Ancient HIstory, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources

    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    February 13, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    To create Medieval manuscripts, scribes had to learn first how to make a quill pen and that is what we are doing today. Also, you may like my posts 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas and Medieval History for Homeschool.

    Before printing machines were invented every copy of a book had to be written by hand.

    Scribes would copy and meticulously write every word using ink and a quill pen.

    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    Fortunately, many medieval-era documents, including manuscripts, have survived the many centuries since the Middle Ages.

    These important artifacts give scholars and historians information about life, laws, culture, and society of the Middle Ages,

    Not only that but they also provide us with evidence of how they created many different colors of ink by using natural materials.

    We are going to recreate the earlier used black carbon ink using a little bit more modern method that will give us roughly the same effect.

    These amazing writers and artists paved the way for the books that you and I enjoy today and made it much easier for us to develop amazing technologies.

    Books About the Middle Ages for Kids

    9 Medieval History Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

    Add a few of these books to your Middle Ages or Medieval unit study.

    King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

    King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life. One of the greatest legends of all time, with an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of Clay, Skellig, Kit's Wilderness and The Fire-Eaters.

    A Castle with Many Rooms: The Story of the Middle Ages

    This covers people and events and covers a larger period of time.

    Days of Knights and Damsels: An Activity Guide

    Kids can re-create a long-ago world of kings, castles, jousts, jesters, damsels, magic fairies, and Robin Hood—all they need are their imaginations, materials they can find at home, and the activities in this book. Dressing up in a coat of armor made from plastic milk jugs, whipping up a batch of curds and whey, writing secret messages in invisible ink, and telling time with a sand glass made from soda bottles are just some of the fun projects. Every activity is illustrated, and sidebars highlight colorful facts about life hundreds of years ago.

    The Usborne Encyclopedia of World History

    This newly updated book will introduce you to world history, from prehistoric times to the start of the 21st century. Find out about dinosaurs, the first humans, Ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire, Medieval Europe, the First World War and many more fascinating subjects.

    The Door in the Wall

    Set in the fourteenth century, the classic story of one boy's personal heroism when he loses the use of his legs.

    The Kitchen Knight: A Tale of King Arthur

    The Knights of the Round Table were in their glory. When an unknown stranger visits the castle and asks Kin Arthur's favor, he is allowed to serve in the kitchen for his meat and bread. Little does anyone suspect that he is of noble blood and will soon be knighted by the famous Sir Lancelot. Lush illustrations bring the reader into the book, as Sir Gareth meets adventures and battles to free a princess from the fearsome Red Knight of the Plain.

    Castle: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner

    In this 1978 Caldecott Honor Book, award-winning author and illustrator David Macaulay explores the history and construction of castles in a richly illustrated resource for curious young readers. The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both castle and town.

    The Middle Ages: An Interactive History Adventure

    I like to incorporate a wonderful and informational book to support our topic while making it fun and engaging. The Middle Ages, choose your own adventure style book is fantastic for middle elementary.

    The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (First Edition): Illustrated Classics

    The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood was written and illustrated by Howard Pyle and published in 1883. It is the best known version of the story of Robin Hood which had been popular throughout the previous century. Pyle popularized Robin Hood, his adventures, and his band of merry men in a way that influenced most later depictions in writing, drawing, and film. The book consists of a series of episodes pitting the outlaw Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck and the rest of his band against corrupt authorities epitomized by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

    Medieval Manuscripts 101

    The word “manuscript” is derived from the Latin words manus (hand).

    And from scriptus (writing) literally means “written by hand.”

    Manuscripts were decorated with small painted scenes.

    They were called miniatures.

    And ornately decorated letters began a chapter. They had very intricate borders, and sometimes full-page painted illustrations.

    These photos meant that the many people during medieval times that could not read scrolls still own and enjoy the manuscripts.

    Making and using quills was central to a scribes profession.

    During this time period they were generally taken from geese and swans.

    Quills were used to write the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence.

    Besides the important quill they would of course also need ink.

    During the medieval period there were two kinds of ink.

    From around 2500 BCE black carbon ink was used. It was a mixture of carbon, water, and gum.

    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    Later in the period, between the 5th and 19th centuries they used brown iron-gall ink.

    It was made using iron salts and tannic acids from vegetable sources.

    Other Medieval Projects to Try With How to Make a Quill Pen

    • Learn How to Make a Knight Templar Helmet for Fun Medieval Times Crafts from cardboard for a DIY that is fun for dramatic play or medieval presentations that need a little more pizazz.
    • For younger learners this Art History – Medieval Art lesson is a great way to practice identifying and making letters while learning about this old art form.
    • Jump into Hands-On History: Make a Coat of Arms Activity (Middle Ages History).
    •  Medieval Coronets are the perfect topper for Marquesses and Marchionesses, Earls and Countesses, Barons and Baroness.
    • This Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft is a fun way to create some middle ages decor.
    • Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity.

    Finally, look how to make a quill pen fun activity.

    How To Make A Quill Pen

    While you can crush your own charcoal from charcoal briquettes for the grill, purchasing ready to use powder is a much easier and less messy way to go.

    You will need:

    • Good sized feather
    • Sharp knife
    • Charcoal
    • Honey
    • Small jar
    • Scissors
    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    First, wipe your feather tip down with alcohol to clean and sanitize it.

    You can cut off the bottom ½” to 1” of feathers from the shaft to make a larger gripping surface if you want.

    Then use the side of the edge of the knife to scrape the membrane off the shaft, it will come off as waxy scraps.

    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    Use scissors to cut a quill point for the barrel, you want your quill to curve downward, with the cut side being underneath.

    You can use the knife but I find it is a little bit too difficult to cut with a knife on the curved shaft.

    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    To create your ink mix the charcoal powder with a little water until it is a watery paste. Add a few drops of honey to act as a binder.

    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    When ready to write, dip the quill into the ink pot (in my case a 4 oz mason jar with lid).

    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    Practice writing on your paper by making circles, straight lines, and then letters. You will need to re-dip the quill frequently.

    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    Once you are more comfortable with the quill and ink you can try more complicated words and fancier letters like in manuscripts.

    Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschoolhistory, medieval homeschool history, pen, quill

    Amazing Hands-on History Activities for 14 Ancient Empires (free notebook cover too)

    February 10, 2024 | 3 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    You’ll love these hands-on history activities for ancient empires. Also, there are more Ancient Civilization hands-on ideas on my page.

    Over the years I have shared my passion for hands-on history activities.

    They breathe life into lifeless events of the past.

    Amazing Hands-on History Activities for 14 Ancient Empires (free notebook cover too)

    So when planning our year end history co-op, I decided to use the Great Empires Activity Study.

    It is an activity study by Home School in the Woods.

    Why? Because of the scope of empires that the Great Empires Activity Study covers.

    Your kids will love these hands-on history activities for 14 Ancient Empires.Great Empires Activity Study by Home School in the Woods covers fourteen empires:

    I was given this product for free. ALL opinions are my own and I will always tell you what is on my mind. When I do accept a product it’s because I’m giddy to tell you about it. Read my full disclosure here. Now on to the fun stuff!

    Hands-on History Activities Ancient Empires

    • Ancient China
    • Ancient Egypt
    • Ancient Greece
    • Ancient Rome
    • Arab-Muslims,
    • English Empire
    • French Empire
    • German Empire
    • Japanese Empire
    • Mongols
    • Russian Empire
    • Spanish Empire
    • United States and
    • Viking.

    I decided to cover a little about each of these empires through hands-on projects.

    Organizing and assigning hands-on projects for our Great Empires co-op was easy.

    The information is laid out simply. After reviewing the download, you’ll see the files organized by master, texts and projects.

    Amazing Hands-on History Activities for 14 Ancient Empires (free notebook cover too)

    The projects page for each empire, I found extremely useful in wading through all of the excellent material.

    The project page is like your weekly lesson plan at a glance page.

    And the master is your lesson plan for the day. The master pages include a helpful teacher’s key reference. It is a map marked with key areas, boundaries and other helpful features for each region covered by that empire.

    Ancient Empires Study for Kids

    Glancing at the project page, we could select all the hands-on activities that we wanted to do.

    Then find them among the 107 master pages.

    Too, background information on each empire is vital in covering the topics like we did because we wanted to savor a morsel of each empire. The text pages for each empire are 2-3 pages. However, one gem about the text pages is that they cover the empire at its height.

    Non-history loving folks are turned off by many details. A quagmire of details drains the life out of learning history.

    Unsure of which invention, event or key point to highlight, a budding history buff may come away more confused.

    Amazing Hands-on History Activities for 14 Ancient Empires (free notebook cover too)

    However, the text pages by Home School in the Woods shaves off non-essential details for the elementary age child but builds appreciation by covering key events that are significant for each civilization.

    If you are a give-me-the-facts-only type of person, you will enjoy reading about each empire in the condensed text because you won’t come away feeling overwhelmed.

    Ancient Empires Study for Kids

    Beyond covering key events for each empire or covering significant inventions, the text unifies the past to the present.

    Your child comes away with a better understanding of the impact previous civilizations made in today’s world. Keeping it simple without being boring makes the text a nifty feature.

    However, if you already have a basic framework of history knowledge and want to explore beyond that foundation, you will enjoy the additional reading suggestions in each projects page and the extensive links found in the text which directs you to a website page at Home School in the Woods.

    Easily, you could spend a week on each empire.

    Amazing Hands-on History Activities for 14 Ancient Empires (free notebook cover too)

    Because the Great Empires Activity Study is about exploring, discovering and hands-on learning, you will find plenty of activities for each empire from making scones when learning about the English empire to making an Egyptian cartouche.

    Activities vary with each empire from learning about history through cooking, painting pottery like the Greeks and printing minibooks about famous people to Japanese kiragami.

    Amazing Hands-on History Activities for 14 Ancient Empires (free notebook cover too)

    You will not find cheesy analogies of history clip art in this product.

    All of the clip art, projects and pictures have amazing detail. If you are a non-artsy person you will enjoy assembling the easy to do projects because a lot of them are printable.

    You decide if you want to color or not.Here is what I find most appealing about this product:

    Hands-on History Projects

    • The scope of empires covered. If you have been lagging behind in covering history topics or are trying to follow the 4 year cycle used by a lot of homeschoolers and it is going slower than you would like to, using Great Empires Activity Study would be a useful tool if you want a bird’s-eye view.
    • It can be a stand-alone history curriculum. You have the option with additional reading material listed in the projects pages and links provided by Home School in the Woods to extend each empire. With the abundance of reading recommendations and because we love history, I personally would take two weeks to cover each empire if I were using this as a stand-alone curriculum. Doing one hands-on activity per week would not be overly time consuming and you could easily end up with a year’s worth of history.  What a bargain for the price and you are using it for all of your children.
    • Adding in an activity to enrich your reading. Then Great Empires Activity Study would be a nice fit.
    • Great Empires Activity Study allowed a lot of room for flexibility in our co-op setting because it allowed each family to focus on the topic that interested them.
    • History clip art matters to me because pictures are important in history. The fine detail and high quality pictures can be used for a timeline, history notebook or to add to a lapbook.
    • Many of the creative activities can be printed. They do not involve a lot of teacher supervision or tons of crafty artsy items on hand to do them.
    • The constant in all the empires is the beautiful teacher’s key map. Providing a key map for each empire is like having a mini geography curriculum as a bonus.
    If you’re wanting to breathe life into homeschool history, your kids will love these hands-on learning history activities for studying 14 Great Empires! CLICK HERE to look at these fun and engaging hands-on ideas!

    I feel that persons can vary tremendously on what each one thinks is a disadvantage in a product. I prefer using the word considerations because it gives you pause for thought to see if your circumstances fit that product.

    Ancient Empire History Projects

    Considerations for this product would be:

    Amazing Hands-on History Activities for 14 Ancient Empires (free notebook cover too)
    • There is not a lesson planning guide or checklist for each day’s activities. For some homeschoolers that may feel like freedom to explore and breathe but for others having a to-do checklist each day may feel a bit more secure.
    • Some of these activities are ones that history lovers may have already done. However, the product is aimed at elementary age..

    How to Get the Free History Notebook cover

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

    When you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.

    1) Sign up on my email list.
    2) Grab the printable.
    3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox as a follower. Glad to have you.

    You know I have to organize most products I get and this one was no different. I have created a printable for you to use as cover page for your binder when covering these empires.Home School in the Woods is an excellent example of showing how history does not have to involve a textbook or always acquiring random uninteresting facts.

    With background information on each past civilization and several creative activities you won’t be disappointed with Great Empires Activity Study.

    Whether you are studying about the legends of Crete or are exploring the adventures of Captain John Smith, adding in hands-on history along with a huge dose of field trips and a history co-op or two is a sure way to making learning about the past meaningful.

    If you’re wanting to breathe life into homeschool history, your kids will love these hands-on learning history activities for studying 14 Great Empires! CLICK HERE to look at these fun and engaging hands-on ideas!

    You’ll also love these other helpful posts with activities:

    • Hands-on History Activities for Learning about Ancient Civilizations
    • 20 Ancient Civilization History Coloring Pages
    • 100 Easy & Fun Ancient Civilization Hands-on Projects

    3 CommentsFiled Under: Ancient Civilizations, Hands-On Activities, History Resources, Homeschool Curriculum Review, Product Review, Teach Homeschool History Tagged With: ancient civilizations, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, historyspine, homeschoolhistory

    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    February 4, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I can’t wait to show you how to make a roman costume with kids for just about $3.00 and in about 5 minutes. Also, you love my ideas here at Ancient Rome Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas.

    If you need a quick and cheap costume for a presentation at home or co-op, maybe even just for fun this is the easiest and inexpensive tutorial for you to try.

    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    I took a quick trip to Dollar Tree and gathered up just 3 items, wanting to keep this as simple and low cost as possible.

    Roman garb was simple, made of mostly draped fabrics.

    It had very little embellishment beyond the jewelry of wealthier women that included earrings, necklaces, tiaras, and bracelets.

    Creating a Roman costume is a fun way to add a hands-on element to your Roman unit study.

    There is much to learn about the fashion of the times. For example, this costume can be used as a living history lesson.

    Also, use it as you peek back into days of gladiators, military conquests, and classical architecture.

    While this DIY might not hold up to continuous wear, unless you use a sheet along with the instructions, it is the perfect easy craft to demonstrate fashions of the day.

    What did a Roman Wear on an Average Day

    Tunica- Is the most basic roman garment, the tunica was just a single rectangle of woven fabric that was later made of linen.

    They consisted of a short-sleeved or sleeveless, knee-length tunics for males, and a longer, sometimes sleeved tunica for females.

    It was a simple draped fabric worn with a belt for definition. Upper classes wore white, while lower classes wore natural or brown colored.

    Toga– Was a piece of draped cloth in a semi-circle shape with no fastener and the bulk of the fabric was held draped over the arm.

    Foreigners, slaves, and exiled Romans were forbidden from wearing them.

    Stola- The stola was a long, pleated, sleeveless robe made of linen wool and silk for wealthy women.

    It was worn by Roman wives as a symbol of their woman’s marital status.

    Undergarments-Underneath these draped garments both sexes wore a form of underwear that consisted of a loincloth, like briefs.

    Women would also wear a breast band beneath. Between undergarments and the rougher outer draped garment, they would wear soft tunics.

    Shoes- Most commonly on their feet they wore sandals.

    A light shoe of leather or woven papyrus leaves held on by a simple strap across the top.

    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    Laurel Wreath- These were worn around the head as a sign of victory in pursuits of sports, music, and poetry.

    Also, they signified victory in battle but were not worn typically in the day to day.

    Books About Ancient Rome for Kids

    Next, look at some of these books about Ancient Rome to add to your library.

    I lean toward living books when I can find them. Then, I add in reference books for more information to the topic.

    20 Ancient Rome Resources. Books, Pop Up, Coloring & Hands-on Figurines

    Whether you're doing a unit study or want to dig deeper about Ancient Rome, you'll love adding a resource or two.

    Famous Men of Rome

    The Romans were history's great men of action, making the study of Rome ideal for beginners of all ages, but especially for younger students, who are fascinated by the abundant action and drama of Roman history. In addition, an understanding of modern political history is impossible without a thorough understanding of Rome. There are thirty stories covering the history of Rome from its founding under Romulus to the last emperor in the West. Your children will see the rise and fall of a great civilization through the lives of Horatius, Camillus, Caesar, Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and many other larger-than-life figures. Rome is the model civilization, the mastery of which provides a foundation for all other history study.

    Ancient Rome for Kids through the Lives of its Heroes, Emperors, and Philosophers (History for Kids - Story Format)

    When I first discovered that my 8-year-old kid believed that the adventures of Odysseus were the actual history of ancient Greece, I panicked and bought him a stack of children's history books. I sat by his side as he started reading about the class structure of Athens and the economic underpinnings of the Greek polis. He yawned. He asked for candy... and then for the Disney Channel...Kids like stories. And when it comes to history, they learn from stories, not from dense paragraphs about the phases of the Bronze age, the location of trade routes, or the injustices of the social order here and there.This book follows the old-fashioned, story-based, traditional route of teaching history - through tales of heroes and kings, with no tribute paid to modern economic and social perspectives. Culture is memes. And that means historical figures, and anecdotes about them. To write this book, I went back to Tacitus, Livy, Suetonius, Cassius Dio, Valerius Maximus, Josephus, Eusebius, Theodoret, and other ancient sources of biographical anecdotes, and extracted from them the stories that will be most memorable to a modern kid

    Theras and His Town

    Young Theras, born an Athenian, is taken to Sparta by a relative when his father is lost at war. He is forced to live like a Spartan, a brutal life with no pity for those who are not physically perfect and totally obedient to Spartan control. After enduring rigorous training and repeated cruel incidents, he escapes with a Perioikoi boy and heads for his beloved Athens. Here is the story of a hard and dangerous journey with Snedeker's amazing historical accuracy. 

    Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome (Build It Yourself)

    Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid’s Guide to the History and Science of Life in Ancient Greece explores the scientific discoveries, athletic innovations, engineering marvels, and innovative ideas created more than two thousand years ago. Through biographical sidebars, interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and fifteen hands-on activities, readers will learn how Greek innovations and ideas have shaped world history and our own world view.

    Detectives in Togas

    In these two delightful history-mysteries, seven boys in Ancient Rome solve strange crimes . . . thanks to some help from their cranky teacher, a little bit of logic, and a lot of amusing misadventure.

    The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers (The Thrifty Guides)

    The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome contains information vital to the sensible time traveler:   • Where can I find a decent hotel room in ancient Rome for under five sesterces a day? Is horse parking included?   • What do I do if I’m attacked by barbarians?   • What are my legal options if I’m fed to the lions at the Colosseum? All this is answered and more. There is handy advice on finding the best picnicking spots to watch Julius Caesar’s assassination at the Roman Forum in 44 BC, as well as helpful real estate tips to profit from the great Roman fire of AD 64. There are even useful recommendations on which famous historical figures to meet for lunch, and a few nifty pointers on how to avoid being poisoned, beheaded, or torn apart by an angry mob.

    Time Traveler

    Takes readers back in time to illustrate the exciting happenings of daily life

    The Bronze Bow: A Newbery Award Winner

    Daniel bar Jamin will stop at nothing to seek revenge for his father's death at the hands of the Roman Empire.After Daniel bar Jamin's father is crucified by the Roman Empire, Daniel wants nothing more than to rid his land of Israel of Roman control once and for all. Yet when David meets Jesus of Nazareth, a traveling carpenter with a gentle message of love and forgiveness, David starts to realize that the hate festering in his heart might be his true enemy after all.

    Eyewitness Ancient Rome: Discover One of History's Greatest Civilizations

    From Roman emperors and gods and goddesses to soldiers and gladiators, step into the exciting world of ancient Rome.Who were Rome's most famous emperors? What was everyday life like for a soldier in the Roman army? How did the citizens of ancient Rome live? Did gladiators really fight to the death in the mighty Colosseum? Find out the answers to all these questions, and many more, in Eyewitness: Ancient Rome.

    SuperToob: Ancient Rome

    Use these fun figurines for art study, for a sensory bin for younger kids or for art inspiration.

    Life in Ancient Rome Coloring Book (Dover Ancient History Coloring Books)

    At the peak of its power, the Roman Empire stretched thousands of miles in all directions: north to what today is England, westward to Spain, to Armenia in the east, and Egypt in the south. The growth, development, and cultural achievements of that magnificent civilization are brought to life by the artist John Green in this exciting and fact-filled coloring book.

    The Romans Pop-Up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself

    There are 6 scenes to make in this book - combining the pleasure of seeing them pop up with interesting information and ideas. There are a number of mini popups as well. Close the book and they fold away. Open it and they popup again. These vivid, colorful three-dimensional scenes help to bring Ancient Civilisations to life in a way which no other kind of book can. Scenes: The City of Rome, The Forum, The Roman House, The Army of Rome, Entertainment, Ostia - the Port of Rome.

    Attack at the Arena

    Patrick and Beth learn that Mr. Whittaker’s fancy ring can be seen inside the Imagination Station but not outside of the machine. A mysterious letter leads the cousins to fifth-century Rome in search of a special cup that belongs to a monk. If found, the cup could keep the mysterious Albert out of prison.At the Roman Colosseum, Emperor Honorius is hosting a gladiator battle in celebration of a war victory. Beth attends the event as the emperor’s slave; Patrick attends as a monk’s apprentice but is taken prisoner and sent to fight in the arena. During their adventure, the cousins meet Telemachus (a true historical figure), a monk who believes that fighting is wrong. Telemachus is willing to risk everything―even his life―to stop the killing. When the cousins return with the cup, they find that a third letter has been sent with more information about Albert’s fate.

    Growing Up In Ancient Rome

    Describes daily life in ancient Rome, discussing family life, entertainment, schools, religion, and other aspects.

    The Story of the Romans: A History of Ancient Rome for Young Readers - its Legends, Military and Culture as a Republic and Empire

    Who Were the Romans? (Starting Point History)

    This series consists of simple illustrated guides to answer children's questions about history and invite comparisons with life today. This particular title deals with the Romans.

    In the Daily Life of the Ancient Romans (Gods & Goddesses Of...)

    This exciting new series explores ancient life by examining the traditions and religious beliefs of each culture. Through photographs, illustrations, and cut-away, detailed diagrams, each book considers the way religious beliefs affected everything from food, drink, and entertainment to rituals surrounding birth and death

    Science in Ancient Rome (Science of the Past)

    Describes how the Romans put to use and expanded the scientific achievements of earlier civilizations.

    Roman Empire: Rise & The Fall. Explore The History, Mythology, Legends, Epic Battles & Lives Of The Emperors, Legions, Heroes, Gladiators & More

    The Roman Empire may have fallen thousands of years ago, but the lessons and the legacy left behind lives on to this day

    From a tiny settlement on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome grew into a colossal, unstoppable force. At its peak, The Empire dominated the world from Europe, West Asia, North Africa, and many more territories.

    Never again would the world see such an influential power.

    In this epic narrative, History Brought Alive presents an intriguing dive into Roman History, Legends, Facts, Myths and much more. Covering thousands of years the study of Roman history is vast and complex. Much like the Ancient Romans themselves, in order to study them, we need to follow structure and have an open mind.

    See Inside Ancient Rome

    Visit the world of ancient Rome, from bustling streets and the busy port to steaming baths and gruesome games. This book reveals how the Romans really lived.

    7 Ancient Roman Fashion and Architecture Ideas

    1.  This fun idea from The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic is a wonderful way to depict the profile of a Roman Soldier.
    2. Learn about Making Mortar And Concrete And The Roman Arch and create a piece of historical architecture.
    3. Try your hand at learning How to Make an Easy Roman Helmet & Shield & A Set of Printable Wings to go along with your unit.
    4. Make the Geronimo Stilton Adventures The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Colosseum Craft) to depict a scaled down version of the large amphitheater. It was used for chariot races and gladiator combat.
    5. Turn a basic pair of flip flops  into these Easy DIY Gladiator Sandals with this YouTube tutorial.
    6. How to Make an Ancient Rome-Inspired DIY Clown Collar No Sew.
    7. Ancient Rome (Hands-on History): Paint a Jester
    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    Finally, how to make a Roman costume with kids.

    How to Make a Roman Costume

    To make something more durable you can spend about $10 and use these same instructions with a white sheet and colored fabric for the belt and headpiece.

    You will need:

    • White plastic tablecloth
    • Gold tablecloth
    • Wide plastic headband
    • Scissors
    • Craft glue
    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    First, cut a 4’-5’ length of the gold tablecloth that is 6” wide and fold it in half.

    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    Next cut a bunch of simple leaf shapes out of the gold tablecloth.

    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    Use glue to attach them all the way around, making them a little haphazard. Overlap the ends a bit and cover it well.

    Allow to dry completely by hanging it over something so that the leaves don’t become creased up.

    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    Unfold the white tablecloth and fold the length in half. Cut 1 ½” to 2’ feet off one side depending on the size of your child’s shoulders.

    Cut a V shape down the center several inches down and across roughly 8” to make a neck hole.

    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    Drape over your child’s head and trim as needed across the bottom to get the length you want. Cinch the belt and let the ends hang down.

    Finish it off by placing the headband on the back of the head with the points toward the forehead to create the golden laurel crown.

    You can add a colored drape over the shoulder if you like to add some color like a regal red or purple.

    How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient Rome, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, historycostumes, homeschoolhistory, kids costumes, world history

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    January 25, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    The Great Sphinx of Giza is the oldest known sculpture in Egypt. Also, grab the Egypt – Famous Pharaohs and Queens Lapbook on my Ancient Civilizations page.

    It stands in front of the pyramids on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt.

    And it was created in a quarry to build the pyramids and other structures nearby.

    By now you probably know what a fantastic resource LEGO is in your homeschool.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    They can be used for math manipulatives to building iconic treasures like the Great Sphinx of Giza.

    We have amassed an astounding number of LEGOs over the years.

    Still, I have a tutorial to show you how to build a small replica of the sphinx using basic LEGO pieces that you might find in a basic box except for the face.

    But I am also giving you a simpler alternative for that as well.

    Ancient Egypt Books for Kids

    Next, add some of these books to your learning day.

    I lean toward living books to bring a topic to life like history.

    Then I add reference books.

    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.

    Also, look at some of these fun facts about the Great Sphinx of Giza.

    Uncovering the Mysteries of The Great Sphinx of Giza

    • Who made it? The mythological statue has the head of a human and the body of a lion. It was built by ancient Egyptians of the Old Kingdom.
    • What is it made from? It is made with a single piece of bedrock. Repairs have been made over time using limestone. This is a single carved piece, not smaller blocks.
    • Where is it located?  Giza, Egypt
    • When was it carved? It was carved in 2500 BC.
    • How big is it? 240 feet long and 66 feet high, it is an impressive sight!
    • Why was it built? It was made for the pharaoh Khafre, the builder of the Second Pyramid at Giza.
    • What happened to his nose? While there are several theories as to what happened to the nose (and it has never been found) close inspection suggests that it was a deliberate act using rods or chisels.
    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    Next, look at some more hands-on activities to learn about Ancient Egypt.

    Hands-on Activities for Ancient Egypt

    • 7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids
    • Ancient Egypt DIY Simple and Fun Mummification Process Game
    • Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy
    • Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
    • The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game
    • Fun and Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Craft: Create Canopic Jars
    • 11 Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Projects for Middle School
    • Ancient Egyptian Mathematics: Build a LEGO Math Calculator
    • Fun Hands-On History: Ancient Egyptian Collar Craft

    Finally, how to make this fun Lego Great Spinx of Giza.

    Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    You can find every piece to create your own Sphinx of Giza in this LEGO Classic Creative Box.

    You can make your sphinx with any color of bricks.

    I chose a light tan to give it the sand look.

    You can also use any mix of brick sizes and make the model as large or as small as you wish.

    If you are new to building with LEGO, when i say 1×2, etc…

    Here is an example of what I mean.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    In addition, for language arts, history and geography you can assign Where Are The Great Pyramids to learn more about the Sphinx as well as the pyramids.

    Rather than a list, I am giving you a photo for reference that you can print and have your child gather the pieces or pieces that are as close as possible.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    Lay down your base. This is one of the few pieces that does not come in the basic box except in green, so use that if you like.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    Place 1×6 pieces on either side, one stud in and one stud away from the edge to create arms.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    Fill in a 4×8 area between the “arms” of the monument.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    Place another layer of bricks starting on the second stud from the back in a 4×4 grouping.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    For the back half of the lion’s body put pieces together like in this photo

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    Use these special rounded pieces to give the straight edges some curve. If you don’t have them you can just finish it off with a straight-edged brick.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    To create the head and headpiece (Nemes) of the pharaoh put these pieces together like this.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    Then place them all together.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    Put directly in front of the second layer of the body.

    If you have the bricks with forward-facing studs this will help create a general face shape.

     If not just use a tall 1×2 brick in its place like this.

    Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: ancient, ancient civilizations, ancient egypt, egypt, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, historyspine, homeschoolhistory, world history

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