3 Best Ancient Israelites 6th Grade Teaching Tips
What do you call your Ancient Israel Unit?
Not too long ago, I asked my readers through email, this exact question. Most of the responses I received were…
- Ancient Hebrews
- Ancient Israel
- The Israelites
It’s amazing how different districts organize content.
Speaking of organizing content…
If you’ve read many of my other ancient history blog posts, you may have noticed that I believe organizing your content has a huge impact on your students’ success.
I love teaching ancient civilizations with structure. It makes concepts more concrete for students, and really gives them a focus for study.
But when it comes to the Ancient Israelites, my organization strategy is a little different.
Here are 3 quick tips for planning and teaching your Ancient Israel unit.
Start with Location and Maps
The Israelites have an interesting history, in that their civilization didn’t develop in the same way as most of the other civilizations we study.
Their foundation is based on religion, and actually began in ancient Mesopotamia.
They began as the ancient Hebrews, and moved to Canaan under the leadership of Abraham.
Chances are good that your ancient Israel unit will be taught after your unit on Mesopotamia. So students should already be familiar with that location.
But just like any other unit, you should still begin with maps and location. Personally, I love to give students blank maps, and then label it with them on the screen, while discussing what they already know and sharing significant landforms.
Connecting Mesopotamia and Canaan is an important part of the discussion when beginning the unit on the ancient Israelites.
Their foundation is based on religion, and actually began in ancient Mesopotamia.
They began as the ancient Hebrews, and moved to Canaan under the leadership of Abraham.
Chances are good that your ancient Israel unit will be taught after your unit on Mesopotamia. So students should already be familiar with that location.
But just like any other unit, you should still begin with maps and location. Personally, I love to give students blank maps, and then label it with them on the screen, while discussing what they already know and sharing significant landforms.
Connecting Mesopotamia and Canaan is an important part of the discussion when beginning the unit on the ancient Israelites.
Ancient Israel Map Test Set Available in my TpT Store
Deliver Content in 3 Chunks
One of the easiest ways to deliver content within your ancient Israel unit is through organizing your material into 3 chunks.
Remember, organizing information is the key to helping your students find success in understanding your content.
Some may say you are “dumbing down” curriculum, but I assure you that is NOT the case. You are simply organizing. And at the 6th grade level, this is a very appropriate approach to teaching.
With your ancient Israel unit, look at your content in 3 big pieces, after you’ve covered the location.
Start with the Early Israelites. This would be when Abraham founded Judaism, and led the Hebrews from Mesopotamia. It also includes the time of Moses who led the Israelites out of Egypt.
Your second chunk of content would be the Kingdom of Israel. This includes settling in Canaan, and the kings Saul, David, and Solomon. And then the break into Israel and Judah.
Finally, incorporate Judaism as your third chunk. It is the foundation of the Israelites, and the world’s first monotheistic religion.
Remember, organizing information is the key to helping your students find success in understanding your content.
Some may say you are “dumbing down” curriculum, but I assure you that is NOT the case. You are simply organizing. And at the 6th grade level, this is a very appropriate approach to teaching.
With your ancient Israel unit, look at your content in 3 big pieces, after you’ve covered the location.
Start with the Early Israelites. This would be when Abraham founded Judaism, and led the Hebrews from Mesopotamia. It also includes the time of Moses who led the Israelites out of Egypt.
Your second chunk of content would be the Kingdom of Israel. This includes settling in Canaan, and the kings Saul, David, and Solomon. And then the break into Israel and Judah.
Finally, incorporate Judaism as your third chunk. It is the foundation of the Israelites, and the world’s first monotheistic religion.
Part of the Ancient Israel Lesson Sets Available in my TpT Store
Include Timelines and Activities
Just like with every other ancient civilization, you will want to include timeline practice and engaging activities for your students.
Maps, timelines, and core content are always the first priority with planning out any ancient history unit for 6th graders.
Then, depending on how much time is available, fit in some activities and projects.
One of my favorite cumulative projects for ancient Israel is the lab-book project. It is full of structure to support students, and comprehensive at the same time.
Maps, timelines, and core content are always the first priority with planning out any ancient history unit for 6th graders.
Then, depending on how much time is available, fit in some activities and projects.
One of my favorite cumulative projects for ancient Israel is the lab-book project. It is full of structure to support students, and comprehensive at the same time.
Ancient Israel Lap-book Project Available in my TpT Store
You May be Wondering...
You may be wondering if I use the 7 part structure with ancient Israel. And the answer is Yes! But it approached in a similar way that I teach ancient Mesopotamia.
Throughout the lessons, work with students to identify the different parts within your materials. An easy way to do this is to have a graphic organizer of the 7 parts that students fill in throughout the unit.
And there you have it! Tips for teaching ancient Israel. Click here if you are interested in some ancient Israel done-for-you resources.
Throughout the lessons, work with students to identify the different parts within your materials. An easy way to do this is to have a graphic organizer of the 7 parts that students fill in throughout the unit.
And there you have it! Tips for teaching ancient Israel. Click here if you are interested in some ancient Israel done-for-you resources.
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Welcome! I'm Hillary Midgley, a veteran 6th grade teacher.
I create educational materials and develop curriculum for other teachers. I specialize in teaching students how to learn through my Study Skills Curriculum. I have established fundamental classroom systems and structures for teachers to help them streamline their classroom. And my passion is teaching ancient history through engaging activities with foundations in academic skills. Here you will find resources on all of these topics and more. Learn more about me here.
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