How to Teach the Location of Ancient Civilizations to Sixth Graders
Not sure where to start when teaching ancient civilizations? This post is for you!
Many teachers often ask (especially in online groups) for exciting activities to introduce new units to their students. While sometimes this is very effective, my experience has shown me that this is often unnecessary – for two reasons.
Many teachers often ask (especially in online groups) for exciting activities to introduce new units to their students. While sometimes this is very effective, my experience has shown me that this is often unnecessary – for two reasons.
First, when we are often pressed for time to cover all of our content, we must make sure we are making to most of each lesson and don't have time for lots of fun lessons. And second, I firmly believe students are going to be excited about starting any new unit, if their teacher is excited to teach it.
The first step to teaching any ancient civilization, is to cover the location and geography of the region.
In this post, you’ll learn the exact steps I take to teaching ancient civilization locations to my sixth graders.
Start With A World Map
The first step to teaching location is always beginning with a world map. We first discuss where previously studied societies are located – and use color coding techniques to help reinforce this knowledge.
Students each get their own half-sheet of paper that contains a map and civilization names – but only the ones we’ve studied so far plus the new one we are about to start. Students glue them into their notebooks.
Students each get their own half-sheet of paper that contains a map and civilization names – but only the ones we’ve studied so far plus the new one we are about to start. Students glue them into their notebooks.
Continent Locations Activity available in my TpT store.
|
Identifying the continent is extremely important – you may be surprised to realize this, but many sixth graders still struggle to remember the difference between continent and country.
This is another good reason to start the first of the year with a World Map Test that covers the 7 continents and major oceans. This is a great addition to your Prehistory Unit. |
Starting every unit with the same consistent activity and color coding will go a long ways to reinforce the continent names and location for your students.
Geography of the Region
The next step is identify the geography of the location. This starts with another blank map of the region that students glue into their notebook.
Using my document camera, I work with students to label important geographic features of the map and use colored pencils – we trace rivers in blue and mark deserts with yellow, etc. While we work I share small facts about the landforms with students to help them make connections about what life was like for people in that area.
In addition to the map work in our notebooks, students receive a map of the region labeled with geographic features, bodies of water, and present-day countries. They also receive a blank map for practicing – for in 2 weeks they will take a Map Test.
This Map Test typically falls in the middle of our 4½ week unit. You can learn more here about Teaching Location with Maps.
Over the next several days especially, we revisit the features of the map as we learn about the stable food supply and daily life of the people of the civilization.
Another bonus, the maps provide an excellent time filler if needed – got an extra 10 minutes of class? Pull out your maps and study with your neighbor!
Using my document camera, I work with students to label important geographic features of the map and use colored pencils – we trace rivers in blue and mark deserts with yellow, etc. While we work I share small facts about the landforms with students to help them make connections about what life was like for people in that area.
In addition to the map work in our notebooks, students receive a map of the region labeled with geographic features, bodies of water, and present-day countries. They also receive a blank map for practicing – for in 2 weeks they will take a Map Test.
This Map Test typically falls in the middle of our 4½ week unit. You can learn more here about Teaching Location with Maps.
Over the next several days especially, we revisit the features of the map as we learn about the stable food supply and daily life of the people of the civilization.
Another bonus, the maps provide an excellent time filler if needed – got an extra 10 minutes of class? Pull out your maps and study with your neighbor!
Core Content
Up next is providing students with core content about the location of the ancient civilization you are about to study. This could come in many different forms: textbook, supplemental readings, learning magazines, online resource, etc.
Part of the Location of Ancient China Lesson Set available in my TpT store
|
If you’ve been around here for a while, then you know that when I started teaching sixth grade, I had little to no resources available to me. This experience has been my motivation and driving force behind writing this blog and creating ready-to-roll resources for teachers like you. Each of my Ancient Civilization Lesson Sets comes with a reading passage and a PowerPoint presentation to help you provide core content to your students. |
You will also want to make sure you identify key vocabulary terms that students should know to help them further their understanding.
