Classroom Connections

For each learning module, high school educators have created two lesson plans with guiding questions for student research and classroom discussion.

Writing and Literature

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Lesson Plans & Guiding Questions

LESSON 1
Create Your Own Hieroglyphic Language

Small groups of students will be charged with creating their own hieroglyphic language to communicate with their peers. They will, then, assess the strengths and limitations of hieroglyphics as a communication tool.

For Grade Level(s):  9

Time Needed:  One class period

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GUIDING QUESTIONS
1. What challenges did you face in creating a hieroglyphic language that allowed you to communicate effectively?

2. When reading the hieroglyphic communications of others, what hurdles did you face in understanding the meaning of their text?

3. Why do you think hieroglyphics are not commonly used today in communications?

LESSON 2
Logographic vs. Alphabetic Writing Systems: A Comparison

Students will compare/contrast the benefits of modern logographic and alphabetic writing systems.

For Grade Level(s):  9–10

Time Needed:  One class period

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GUIDING QUESTIONS
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using logographic writing systems?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using alphabetic writing systems?

3. What are the implications for Westerners in trying to learn modern logographic writing systems, such as Chinese or Japanese?

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