Monsters

Inspired by “Disney's Pixar's  Monster’s Inc.” our students created their own imaginary monsters, hiding behind closed doors. The doors are currently hanging in our classroom. I chose the topic of “Monsters” as our class theme, not only because children truly enjoy creating imaginary creatures they often connect with, but also because there are many life lessons we can learn from this symbolic concept.

• The unknown is often strange or frightening.

• It takes courage to open a closed door or take an unknown path.

• We are often given false data, which requires more investigation.

• Through inquiry and acquiring knowledge, the unknown becomes familiar and oftentimes becomes surprisingly pleasant.

• For the longest time, animals have been used in fables to portray the flaws of the human world.  Monsters are a new addition! Monsters as entities are currently free from social prejudices based on gender, race, religion, or social class. 

Ancient Mesopotamia

When and why were cities made? Students explore the secret of urban living and the discovery of farming. Once people were able to grow their food on farms, they were able to live in nearby towns and cities. Cities required a source of water. Mesopotamia “the land between two rivers” is known as the birthplace of civilization. Mesopotamians invented the pottery wheel, the first system of writing (Cuneiform), and the first written code of law (Hamurabi). They made huge step pyramids, known as ziggurats, which were used as a temple to worship and store grains and farm goods. 

Students learn about the color blue and its scarcity at the time. Blue was made from grinding a blue precious stone, known as Lapis Lazuli, (Afghanistan). Naturally, blue was a color associated with the high status within the empire. The Ishtar Gate of Babylon was made up of blue tiles, accented with three power animals, the lion, bull, and dragon. 

Royal Game of UR was the first board game created and played in Mesopotamia.

The Egyptian pharaohs wore many different crowns throughout their reign. Some crowns represented the king's authority, while others were used for religious ceremonies. Students had to choose a crown and create a self-portrait of themselves as the Egyptian Pharoah! 

Students created their names in the style of Egyptian writing, using symbols (Hieroglyphics) on a Cartouche. Students also learned how important cats were to Egyptians. 

Imagine your life as a bee! Students had to choose their bee type, worker, drones, or the queen, and life according to their role in the hive!