How to Organize your Ancient Mesopotamia Unit for your 6th Grade Social Studies Class
Looking to plan out your ancient Mesopotamia unit?
If you’re anything like me, then you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
If you know my story, then you know I had zero experience in 6th grade when I got my first job. I also had very little resources available to me. And I definitely was not a history-buff.
But the experience did more for me than I ever dreamed it would. I learned a lot those first few years of teaching. And I also discovered a secret mission that I had no idea I was capable of possessing.
If you’re anything like me, then you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
If you know my story, then you know I had zero experience in 6th grade when I got my first job. I also had very little resources available to me. And I definitely was not a history-buff.
But the experience did more for me than I ever dreamed it would. I learned a lot those first few years of teaching. And I also discovered a secret mission that I had no idea I was capable of possessing.
You see, that experience became the foundation for the materials I create and the foundation for my Teacher-Author business.
Because unfortunately, 20+ years after the start of my own teaching career, there are other teachers - like you - who find themselves in a very similar situation as I did.
A degree in Elementary Education.
Limited knowledge about ancient history.
Either zero or outdated curriculum available.
If that’s you, then you’ve come to the right place. This blog post explains how to organize your Mesopotamia unit for your 6th graders.
Ancient Mesopotamia - Location
Every civilization of study should start with its location. Complete with continent, present-day countries, and geographical features.
6th graders are notorious for confusing the names of continents and countries. The more you can incorporate this into your daily questioning and review - the better their chance of keeping things straight!
Location plays an important role in the development of a society in terms of defense, travel, available resources, and perhaps the most important - the ability to grow a stable food supply.
It’s also important to help students understand what the name Mesopotamia means. It is not a civilization. Mesopotamia means “the land between two rivers” and refers to the name of an area.
6th graders are notorious for confusing the names of continents and countries. The more you can incorporate this into your daily questioning and review - the better their chance of keeping things straight!
Location plays an important role in the development of a society in terms of defense, travel, available resources, and perhaps the most important - the ability to grow a stable food supply.
It’s also important to help students understand what the name Mesopotamia means. It is not a civilization. Mesopotamia means “the land between two rivers” and refers to the name of an area.
Ancient Mesopotamia Location Lesson Set available in my TpT store
Ancient Mesopotamia - Sumer
After covering location, we move on to the first civilization to develop in the Mesopotamia area, which is Sumer.
After a general overview of Sumer, we then circle back and identify the different parts of Sumer.
The government, social structure, written language, art, technology, religion and food supply. Read this blog post for more details on how to use this structure.
After a general overview of Sumer, we then circle back and identify the different parts of Sumer.
The government, social structure, written language, art, technology, religion and food supply. Read this blog post for more details on how to use this structure.
Ancient Sumer Lesson Set available in my TpT store
Ancient Mesopotamia - Akkad
The next focus for your unit is to talk about empires. Of course your first step is to cover what is an empire?
Which will lead you into the world’s first empire, the Akkadian Empire, established by the world’s first emperor, Sargon.
Much of what students learned about Sumer will apply to the Akkadian Empire. Except of course, for the government.
Which will lead you into the world’s first empire, the Akkadian Empire, established by the world’s first emperor, Sargon.
Much of what students learned about Sumer will apply to the Akkadian Empire. Except of course, for the government.
Ancient Akkad Lesson Set available in my TpT store
Ancient Mesopotamia - Babylon
Again, there will be several similarities between the Babylonian Empire and Sumer.
However, there will be major differences that you’ll want to focus on, such as their contributions in the areas of the arts and technology.
Plus, Babylon brings an additional element - they ruled the Mesopotamian area twice - two different time periods that made contributions.
Hammurabi’s code, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Ishtar Gate should all be included within your lessons.
When you are planning out projects for your students, a strong recommendation is to assign Babylon to your high level students.
However, there will be major differences that you’ll want to focus on, such as their contributions in the areas of the arts and technology.
Plus, Babylon brings an additional element - they ruled the Mesopotamian area twice - two different time periods that made contributions.
Hammurabi’s code, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Ishtar Gate should all be included within your lessons.
When you are planning out projects for your students, a strong recommendation is to assign Babylon to your high level students.
Ancient Babylon Lesson Set available in my TpT Store
Ancient Mesopotamia - Assyria
The Assyrian Empire brings more advancements in the areas of art and technology.
Iron weapons, chariots, and the Library of Ashurbanipal are just a few concepts you’ll want to be sure and cover in your lessons.
Iron weapons, chariots, and the Library of Ashurbanipal are just a few concepts you’ll want to be sure and cover in your lessons.
Ancient Assyria Lesson Set available in my TpT Store
Ancient Mesopotamia Overview
As you look at your Mesopotamia unit, think of it this way…
Your first lessons on location and Sumer will set the foundations. Establishing a stable food supply, polytheistic religion, cuneiform as the written language, and general social structure.
It will be essential to articulate the differences with names, in terms of location, civilizations, and empires.
Then you’ll focus more on the differences between the 4 civilizations in terms of government, art, and technology. Try not to get too caught up in nitty gritty details that will confuse students. Keep it simple - for example you can focus on one important ruler from each civilization. Like Sargon, Ashurbanipal, Hammurabi, and Nebuchadnezzar II.
Helping your students understand the foundational pieces of a civilization, the influence of empires and early achievements are the goal for your Mesopotamia unit.
Not sure how to make all that happen with the resources you currently have available?
Let me make it easier for you with my organized, practical Lesson Sets that let you cover these essential concepts. Each lesson set comes with 8 plug and play activities that allow for easy differentiation to meet your students’ needs.
Your first lessons on location and Sumer will set the foundations. Establishing a stable food supply, polytheistic religion, cuneiform as the written language, and general social structure.
It will be essential to articulate the differences with names, in terms of location, civilizations, and empires.
Then you’ll focus more on the differences between the 4 civilizations in terms of government, art, and technology. Try not to get too caught up in nitty gritty details that will confuse students. Keep it simple - for example you can focus on one important ruler from each civilization. Like Sargon, Ashurbanipal, Hammurabi, and Nebuchadnezzar II.
Helping your students understand the foundational pieces of a civilization, the influence of empires and early achievements are the goal for your Mesopotamia unit.
Not sure how to make all that happen with the resources you currently have available?
Let me make it easier for you with my organized, practical Lesson Sets that let you cover these essential concepts. Each lesson set comes with 8 plug and play activities that allow for easy differentiation to meet your students’ needs.
Save big when you buy the lesson sets as a bundle!
You May Also Like...
Let's Connect...
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.
|
|
|
|
