Tag: crafts and activities

Pyramid Construction: Lessons in Motion

Tracy1 Comment on Pyramid Construction: Lessons in Motion

As if Tapestry of Grace didn’t have enough hands-on activities planned into the curriculum, I picked up this book of activities from our local library.

hands-on activities
Pyramids! 50 hands-on activities to experience ancient Egypt

Among the many great ideas was an activity that illustrated how Egyptians moved blocks that weighed as much as a mini van to the tops of pyramids.

First, Oldest had to try moving a large, heavy book across the floor with his nose. Not easy!

building pyramids

Next, we placed a number of pencils underneath the book to simulate the logs the Egyptians would have placed underneath the large blocks they were moving. The Egyptians also added mud to the logs to lessen the friction and to slide the block along even easier. But even with just the pencils, pushing our large book was much easier.

hands-on activities

Not only was it a great illustration, but it was a very memorable and fun way to study Egypt and add in a little science for a bonus.

In Moses’ Day…

Tracy

We’re studying ancient Egypt right now: mummies, pyramids, the Nile River, the 10 plagues, the Exodus. One of the things I’m loving about Tapestry of Grace  is how Bible and history are woven together so tightly.

The kids have been learning about life in ancient Egypt and Moses. What would he have eaten? What toys would he have played with? Why was the Nile important? Why would Moses have been afraid to go before Pharaoh? Why would Pharaoh have not believed in God? What was the purpose of the 10 plagues?

Another highlight are the hands-on activities—the crafts that really bring this curriculum to life. For our Egypt crafts, we made toys that children in Moses’ day would have played with. Oldest made a throwing stick that little boys would have used for target practice.

Tapestry of Grace

Tapestry of Grace activities

 

Middlest chose to make a paddle doll.

Tapestry of Grace activities

 

ancient Egypt

 

Tapestry of Grace

These crafts and other hands-on activities that we have done, along with the enjoyable read-alouds, have really served to anchor the information for my kids. The facts are not random lists of names and terms but are connected with pictures they’ve seen in stories or crafts they can hold in their hand. The result has been an astounding amount of information they’ve been able to retain, particularly Oldest. (I’ve allowed Middlest to play close by while I read and simply absorb what’s going on.)

I’m learning a ton, too! And I feel blessed to have found a curriculum that so beautifully reinforces our vision for our children’s education with such a practical daily plan.