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Writing and Literature

Before Islam

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Classroom Connections

Lesson Plans & Guiding Questions

LESSON 1
Create Your Own Hieroglyphic Language

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

Created By:  Lisa Perez, Department of Libraries, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL

Subject Area(s):  Social Studies

For Grade Level(s):  9

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GUIDING QUESTIONS
1. What challenges did you face in creating a hieroglyphic script 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 hieroglyphs 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.

Created By:  Lisa Perez, Department of Libraries, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL

Subject Area(s):  Social Studies

For Grade Level(s):  9–10

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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?

Writing and Literature » Before Islam » Classroom Connections

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