Dig Deep
Law in Ancient Civilizations, 6th Gr
General Books on Ancient World
The Kingfisher Atlas of the Ancient World
http://www.amazon.com/Kingfisher-Atlas-Ancient-World/dp/0753459140/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268144712&sr=1-2
A pictoral atlas with beautiful layout and lots of visual appeal for kids. Solid information on ancient civilizations from 10,000B.C.E. to 1000A.C.E.
World Atlas of the Past, John Haywood
http://tinyurl.com/y8mj22b
A beautiful world atlas for grades 5 and up. 13 four-page chapters are broken into 3 types of maps: world, regional and supplementary. There are 4 volumes in this set, one on the Ancient World. Strong reviews from Horn Book among others.
Usborne Book of the Ancient World, Jane Chisholm
http://tinyurl.com/ydsmsyx
An overview book with wonderful illustrations. It begins with Ancient Civilizations and continues with Egypt, Greece, Rome and China.
Mesopotamia
Ancient Mesopotamia (Cultural Atlas for Young People series), Erica Hunter
http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Mesopotamia-Cultural-Atlas-People/dp/0816068240/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264600222&sr=1-1
Part of a series, these have mixed reviews. This newer edition of Ancient Mesopotamia is noted for it's thoughtful insights, however the reviewers noted some books in this series had "dry text" and too much information for your average 6th grader. This may not be the best choice for you.
Mesopotamia (DK Eyewitness Book), Philip Steele
http://www.amazon.com/Mesopotamia-Eyewitness-Books-Philip-Steele/dp/0756629721/ref=pd_sim_b_27
The familiar and effective DK Eyewitness format on all things Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia, Jane Shuter
http://tinyurl.com/ybazj42
A basic overview book with the expected sub-topics of science, religion and culture. Horn Book reviewer notes that this book stands out because its "...thoughtful design successfully presents a bounty of information on science, religion, and culture without overwhelming..."
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Sumerian Slave!: A Life of Hard Labor You'd Rather Avoid, Jacqueline Morley
http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Sumerian-Slave/dp/053118921X/ref=pd_sim_b_16
This is such a fun series for teaching World History. Great illustrations provide a sometimes humorous, though informative, and unquestionably kid-friendly format. Highly recommened with sturdy reviews. Gr 4-6.
Ancient Egypt
Adventures in Ancient Egypt, Linda Bailey
http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Ancient-Egypt-Travel-Agency/dp/1550745484/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c
The Good Times Travel Agency takes readers on an exploration of ancient civilizations. Cartoons explain the story-line, however it is the information at the bottom of the page that explains the details of those civilizations, from rule of law to how people dressed. American Library reivew noted that "page layouts are effective, and the cartoon panels are handsomely painted, making this an inviting book to browse and a likely candidate for casual readers to consume willingly."
Ancient Egypt, George Hart
http://tinyurl.com/yfzb956
A DK Eyewitness book that is hard to beat. Everything Ancient Egypt from architecture to religion in two-page spreads.
Ancient Egypt, Andrew Langley
http://tinyurl.com/ykkn8wp
"They introduce not a history of art, but rather a history through art" is how School Library Journal Review explains this unique book. Well organized, primary source information will help your students become historians themselves as they delve into the art of the era. Gr 5-8.
History News: The Egyptian News, Scott Steedman
http://www.amazon.com/History-News-Egyptian-Scott-Steedman/dp/0763641987/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264773996&sr=8-5
A newspaper-style, chatty, condensed history are package in sub-topics such as "Girl Talk" and "eyewitness accounts". Funny ads (Scribes Needed!) and it's whimsical format invite browsing and a good model for making your own historical "newspaper."
If I Were a Kid in Ancient Egypt, Cobblestone Publishing
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0812679326/ref=rdr_ext_sb_ti_sims_2
If I were a kid, I'd pick up this book just based on the cover graphics. Inside, the graphics are not quite as eye-catching, but good information on ancient civilizations. There are others in this series for Ancient China and Greece.
Pharaoh's Boat, David Weitzman
http://tinyurl.com/yl3nqrs
Thanks goodness for a book that writes about Egypt without focusing on mummies and pyramids! This book wins high praise from reviewers who note "in precise yet at times almost poetic language, Weitzman explains the whys of building a vessel for the pharaoh.."(Horn Book) Not on your topic exactly, but an interesting book with great visual appeal.
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Pyramid Builder: A Hazardous Job You'd Rather Not Have, Jacqueline Morley
http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Pyramid-Builder/dp/0531163962/ref=pd_sim_b_11
This is such a fun series for teaching World History. Great illustrations provide a sometimes humorous, though informative, and unquestionably kid-friendly format. Highly recommened with sturdy reviews. Gr 4-6.
You Wouldn't Want to Be an Egyptian Mummy!, David Stewart
http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Egyptian-Mummy/dp/0531162060/ref=pd_sim_b_8
This is such a fun series for teaching World History. Great illustrations provide a sometimes humorous, though informative, and unquestionably kid-friendly format. Highly recommened with sturdy reviews. Gr 4-6.
Your Travel Guide to Ancient Egypt, Nancy Day
http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Guide-Ancient-Passport-History/dp/0822530759/ref=pd_sim_b_6
Borrowing the format of a travel guide, the author takes kids on a "tour" of ancient cities. Readers delve into the world in a sort of 'chose your own adventure' while learning about the Ancient World. While not a book you would use for a full-scope, it does have lots of fun tidbits, maps, illustrations, boxed information and a whimsical style that is sure to appeal. Strong reviews.
Ancient Greece
Adventures in Ancient Greece, Linda Bailey
http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Ancient-Greece-Travel-Agency/dp/1550745360/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
The Good Times Travel Agency takes readers on an exploration of ancient civilizations. Cartoons explain the story-line, however it is the information at the bottom of the page that explains the details of those civilizations, from rule of law to how people dressed. American Library reivew noted that "page layouts are effective, and the cartoon panels are handsomely painted, making this an inviting book to browse and a likely candidate for casual readers to consume willingly."
Ancient Greece, Anne Pearson
http://tinyurl.com/ye6xb6r
These DK books are hard to beat. They have beautiful illustrations, lots of information without being too "word-heavy" for students. Covers lots of ground without sacrificing students' attention. Grades 4-8.
Ancient Greece, Andrew Langley
http://tinyurl.com/yb5syor
"They introduce not a history of art, but rather a history through art" is how School Library Journal Review explains this unique book. Well organized, primary source information will help your students become historians themselves as they delve into the art of the era. Gr 5-8.
Ancient Greece, Sandra Newman
http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Greece-Books-Sandra-Newman/dp/0531241076/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268022252&sr=1-1
From the True Book series, these books are simple, clear and cover the basics of each ancient culture in small portions kids can digest.
If I Were a Kid in Ancient Greece, Cobblestone Publishing
http://www.amazon.com/If-Were-Kid-Ancient-Greece/dp/0812679296/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268145330&sr=1-5
If I were a kid, I'd pick up this book just based on the cover graphics. Inside, the graphics are not quite as eye-catching, but good information on ancient civilizations. There are others in this series for Ancient China and Egypt.
History News: The Greek News, Anton Powell
http://www.amazon.com/History-News-Greek-Anton-Powell/dp/0763641979/ref=pd_sim_b_31
A newspaper-style, chatty, condensed history are package in sub-topics such as "Girl Talk" and "eyewitness accounts". Funny ads (Scribes Needed!) and it's whimsical format invite browsing and a good model for making your own historical "newspaper."
You Are In Ancient Greece, Ivan Minnis
http://tinyurl.com/yca79fb
Social history written in a second-person, present-tense voice brings Ancient Greece to life. Learn about the busy streets, how people dressed, what they ate and what life was like for children. There is a whole series of these books that fit your topic (one on Egypt and Rome) and could be really great for getting kids excited and connected to this period of history, especially lower-end readers as this is written for grades 3-6.
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Slave in Ancient Greece!, Fiona MacDonald
http://www.amazon.com/Wouldnt-Want-Slave-Ancient-Greece/dp/0531162036/ref=pd_sim_b_6
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Greek Athlete: Races You'd Rather Not Run, Michael Ford
http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Greek-Athlete/dp/0531163946/ref=pd_sim_b_5
Your Travel Guide to Ancient Greece, Nancy Day
http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Ancient-Greece-Passport-History/dp/0822530767/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265137399&sr=1-5
Borrowing the format of a travel guide, the author takes kids on a "tour" of ancient cities. Readers delve into the world in a sort of 'chose your own adventure' while learning about the Ancient World. While not a book you would use for a full-scope, it does have lots of fun tidbits, maps, illustrations, boxed information and a whimsical style that is sure to appeal. Strong reviews.
Ancient Rome
The Ancient Romans, Allison Lassieur
http://tinyurl.com/ykrhjjq
High praise for this series from School Library Journal Review who state that "even libraries that have plenty of material on the topic may want to consider this volume..." Lots of solid and interesting information that goes beyond the standard, looking into topics such as laws that prevented women from owning land and wealth. For grades 6-8.
Eyewitness Ancient Rome, Simon James
http://tinyurl.com/yg2hgmn
The Eyewitness book have lots of illustrations and pictures that can provide some of the primary source artifacts you requested.
History News: The Roman News, Andrew Langley
http://www.amazon.com/History-News-Roman-Andrew-Langley/dp/0763641995/ref=pd_sim_b_1
A newspaper-style, chatty, condensed history are package in sub-topics such as "Girl Talk" and "eyewitness accounts". Funny ads (Scribes Needed!) and it's whimsical format invite browsing and a good model for making your own hstorical "newspaper."
If I Were a Kid in Ancient Rome, Cobblestone Publishing
http://www.amazon.com/If-Were-Kid-Ancient-Rome/dp/081267930X/ref=pd_sim_b_7
If I were a kid, I'd pick up this book just based on the cover graphics. Inside, the graphics are not quite as eye-catching, but good information on ancient civilizations. There are others in this series for Ancient China, Greece, and Rome.
Staying Alive in Ancient Rome: Life in Ancient Rome, Brian Williams
http://www.amazon.com/Staying-Alive-Ancient-Rome-Raintree/dp/141092890X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264602765&sr=1-1
How can you pass up this title without looking further? Reviewers from Horn Book note that the book "tends to oversimplify the complexities of ancient life, the plentiful illustrations and graphics and the range of topics make these books useful." Grades 4-6.
The Romans: Life in Ancient Rome (Life in Ancient Civilizations), Liz Sonneborn
http://www.amazon.com/Romans-Life-Ancient-Rome-Civilizations/dp/0822586797/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264600799&sr=1-1#noop
Comic book style illustrations, artifact photos and "conversational" writing style make this book notable among the many on this topic. Covers topics such as ideas and inventions, which I think might mesh well with your study, as well as the basics around daily life and government. Check out others in this series as well. For grades 4-6.
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Roman Gladiator!, John Malam
http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Roman-Gladiator/dp/0531162044/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264483641&sr=1-3
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Roman Soldier!: Barbarians You'd Rather Not Meet, David Stewart
http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Roman-Soldier/dp/0531124487/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Your Travel Guide to Ancient Rome, Rita J. Markel
http://tinyurl.com/ygftc6z
See review above in Your Travel Guide to Ancient Egypt.
Ancient China
Adventures in Ancient China, Linda Bailey
http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Ancient-China-Travel-Agency/dp/1553374541/ref=pd_sim_b_1
The Good Times Travel Agency takes readers on an exploration of ancient civilizations. Cartoons explain the story-line, however it is the information at the bottom of the page that explains the details of those civilizations, from rule of law to how people dressed. American Library reivew noted that "page layouts are effective, and the cartoon panels are handsomely painted, making this an inviting book to browse and a likely candidate for casual readers to consume willingly."
Ancient China, Jane Shuter
http://tinyurl.com/yf635bo
From the "Time Travelers" series, find out "what to eat" and "where to stay" and "staying safe" in this adventure-packed study of Ancient China. These texts can tend to oversimplify the topic, according to SLJ reviewer, but are very engaging.
Ancient China, Mel Friedman
http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-China-True-Books-Friedman/dp/0531241068/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268022165&sr=1-2
From the True Book series, these books are simple, clear and cover the basics of each ancient culture in small portions kids can digest. However, they do not go too deep, and you will have to supplement to really hook kids
Ancient China, Arthur Cotterell
http://tinyurl.com/yhynd9y
Another DK Eyewitness book, always a popular book to browse with lots of pictures and informative text.
If I Were a Kid in Ancient China, Cobblestone Publishing
http://www.amazon.com/If-Were-Kid-Ancient-China/dp/0812679318/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268145963&sr=1-1
If I were a kid, I'd pick up this book just based on the cover graphics. Inside, the graphics are not quite as eye-catching, but good information on ancient civilizations. There are others in this series for Ancient China, Greece, and Rome.
National Geographic Investigates: Ancient China, Jacqueline Ball and Richard Levey
http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Investigates-Ancient-Archaeology/dp/079227783X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264602407&sr=1-1
Fantastic photographs accompany all the books in this series. Check out the others for Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. Focuses on archeology of the region and what finds have taught us about the society. Might not mesh exactly with your topic, but strong reviews make it worth a look.
Ancient India
India, Sunita Apte
http://www.amazon.com/India-True-Books-Sunita-Apte/dp/0531213579/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268021886&sr=8-2-spell
From the True Book series, these books are simple, clear and cover the basics of each ancient culture in small portions kids can digest. However, they do not go too deep, and you will have to supplement to really hook kids.
Ancient India, Daud Ali
http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-India-Passport-Past-Daud/dp/1435851692/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268022467&sr=1-1-spell
Lively spreads that immerse readers in the peoples, building, clothing, languages and more of the covered topic. This series, Passport to the Past, has strong reviews from School Library Journal which states that the book layout is one of its strong features. "The images are set against just the right amount of white space, helping to make this series attractive and youth friendly."
PRINT RESOURCES: FICTION
Adventures in Ancient China, Linda Bailey
http://tinyurl.com/ylo6wuv
Adventures of three siblings whose curiosity magically transports them into Ancient China. One of the siblings is taken to the Emperor's palace and the others go to rescue her. The book incorporates many topics about Ancient China including farming, the Great Wall and paper. For grades 3-5, this might be a good, independent read for some students. Other titles in this series includes: Adventures in Ancient Greece , Adventures in Ancient Egypt, all by Linda Bailey.
His Majesty, Queen Hatshepsut, Dorothy Sharp Carter
http://tinyurl.com/ylkgrtf
The teen queen who declared herself king is brought to life through this fictionalize work. For ages 10 and up. From reviews, novel starts off strong, but lacks momentum for kids as she is an adult for much of the book. Still, might be worth checking out.
Tales of Ancient Egypt
http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Ancient-Egypt-Puffin-Classics/dp/0140367160/ref=pd_sim_b_5#noop
Good collection of ancient Egyptian myths. Timeless and perhaps a good way to make a connection with your students and their legacy of storytelling.
Magic Tree House series, Mary Pope Osborne
Day Of The Dragon-King
http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-King-Magic-Tree-House-paper/dp/0679890513/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268023705&sr=1-7
From the Magic Treehouse series, this book has Jack and Annie off to Ancient China where they confront a "book burning emperor." Might be a good tie-in with your emphasis on rule of law.
Hour of the Olympics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679890629/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_t5?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1SX0F7549R1N5B1P2X97&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
Jack and Annie are off to Ancient Greece to witness the first Olympics.
Magic Tree House Research Guide #10
http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Tree-House-Research-Guide/dp/0375823786/ref=pd_sim_b_3
This is a companion guide for Hour of the Olympics
Vacation Under the Volcano
http://www.amazon.com/Vacation-Under-Volcano-Magic-House/dp/0679890505/ref=bxgy_cc_b_img_b
Jack and Annie go back in time to Pompeii. There is also a companion guide if you are interested.
The Golden Goblet, Elosie Jarvis McGraw
http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Goblet-Newbery-Library-Puffin/dp/0140303359/ref=pd_sim_b_27
This book might make a wonderful read-aloud for your class. A suspense-filled mystery that takes place in Ancient Egypt, but it will take some of your help with vocabulary to get them through the book.
Tut, Tut, Jon Scieszka
http://www.amazon.com/Tut-Time-Warp-Trio/dp/0140363602/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268146850&sr=1-1
A fun read from the Time Traveller Trio series and may especially appeal to boys. In this book, the boys travel to Ancient Egypt, loose their special "Book" and have to find their way back home.
DVD/CD-ROM RESOURCES
Ancient Civilizations for Children DVD Series
http://tinyurl.com/qb74mz
Strong reviews for these productions for their fast-pace yet informative look at the Ancient World. Booklist lauds the videos as "...solid, polished productions." The series excells in making connections between ancient cultures and our world today. There are 10 videos in the series and you can purchase Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome and China individually.
Roman City, PBS
http://www.amazon.com/Roman-City-David-MacAulay/dp/B000EOTEK4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1265141271&sr=8-2
This video combines a very easily understandable explanation of how a Roman city was built and then intertwines a parallel animated story-line. Kids really like it and stay engaged throughout. Produced by PBS, there are three others in this series on Ancient Civilizations, including one called Pyramid. A great video that has much integrated that addresses laws and justice in Ancient Rome.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Premium Digital Resources (must have WCLS card to access)
elibrary
http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/elibweb/elib/do/search
Be sure to check out this fantastic resource available to you through the WCLS website for free. Just type in your library card number and then start searching for full text magazine articles, photos, videos and much more on any given topic. I didn't have time to research this in depth, however , just by plugging in "Ancient Rome" in the search box, I got this result:
Ancient Rome: http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/elibweb/elib/do/results?set=search&source=&maxresultsperpage=0&start=1&secondaryNav=
Other Digitial Resources (do not need WCLS card to access)
Best of History Web Sites, EdTech Teacher
http://www.besthistorysites.net/AncientBiblical_Egypt.shtml
Portal for lots of quality, reviewed websites on teaching history. Links you to primary source materials, lesson plans, and much more. A wealth of information on teaching world history.
British Museum
http://www.britishmuseum.org/
One could spend all day here just roaming through their online offerings. Here are a few choice ones that suit your topic and age level.
Mesopotamia: http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/menu.html
Ancient Greece http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/menu.html
Click on any topic and it opens up lots more to explore. One interesting one is Daily Life which will allow you to study the daily life in Ancient Greece through motifs on pots.
Mr. Donn's
http://www.mrdonn.org/
Who is this magical Mr. Donn? I'm not sure, but clearly a Mrs. Donn is also part of the teaching duo. An amazingly dense website from the Corkran (Maryland) Middle School teacher. The links are the strong point, however you need to power through some less than impressive sites to find the good ones. Powerpoint presentations are pretty basic, and some poorly executed. The "free video clips" are of varying quality. I found most of them are clips off of You Tube.
Life in Mesopotamia, Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago
http://mesopotamia.lib.uchicago.edu/
An extensive website filled with lesson plans for K-12 all on Mesopotamia. One lesson plan has kids break a vase and recreate what archeologists do by trying to glue it back together. The "Learning Connections" section allow you to zoom in on a primary source and have a closer look. The "Interactive" link allows students to come up with theories about various artifacts such as in this ancient pull-toy interactive:
Pull Toy Interactive: http://mesopotamia.lib.uchicago.edu/interactives/pulltoy.html
World History Lesson Plans, EDSITEment
http://edsitement.neh.gov/tab_lesson.asp?subjectArea=3&subcategory=32
Take a seat and start clicking - this website has some great stuff. Lots of high quality lesson plans organized by grade level, subject and on so many topics it is a bit overwhelming. All have links to primary source material incorportated into the lessons.
Cuniform Writing Lesson Plan
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=622
An increasingly complex society required more sophisticated forms of writing and recording, especially in the areas of trade and law. This lesson plan explains the emergence of cuniform. Site has interactive timelines, student handouts and lots of extension ideas.
Curriculum Resources
Ancient History Simulations,
http://www.socialstudies.com/c/product.html?nocache@21+s@KSZJRNTeogkgE+record@TF21806
These 45 minute simulations are similar to the Interact model, but don't take nearly as much time. The simulations get kids to problem-solve together and investigate specifics of a historical era. For example, Akbar's Dilemma, which you can click on and review, has students engage in an activity around Mesopotamian religion that included aspects of fortune-telling.
National Geographic Xpeditions, National Geographic
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/matrix.html
I like these lesson plans and activities as they provide primary and secondary sources, are activity-based and always give a "younger student" version if you need to simplify it for your students. Most incorporate one or more of the five geography themes.
Activities: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/matrix.html
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