Discovering Ancient Mesopotamia *Junior Edition*

*Note: This is a shortened, more simplified version for younger students.  I also teach a more advanced class on Ancient Mesopotamia for older students, 9-14 years old.  

Does your child know about the civilization commonly accepted as the first in world history?  Many students have little prior knowledge of Ancient Mesopotamia.  This interactive overview is a perfect introduction to this civilization.  

In this class, Mrs. Rebecca will facilitate rich discussions with your child about a society they have never experienced.  We will explore geography, religion, society, and more!   Students will leave this lesson with a small taste of how differently their lives would have been, had they lived in this region 3,000 years ago. Throughout this Powerpoint lesson, students will be presented with information, along with some questions to help them develop personal connections about the civilization.  Students will be encouraged, but not required, to participate in discussion.  Students will be given the option to read short passages aloud if they would like; Mrs. Rebecca will offer assistance with reading.

Covered topics are as follows:
evaluating a map of the Fertile Crescent
overview of city-states
hardships of living in the ancient city-state, Sumer
feudal system
technology and learned skills
religion
cuneiform
Epic of Gilgamesh