Curated OER
The Emergence and Evolution of the Cuneiform Writing System in Ancient Mesopotamia
Middle schoolers explore the parallel development and increasing complexity of writing and the growth of civilization in the Tigris and Euphrates valleys in ancient Mesopotamia.
Curated OER
The Cuneiform Writing System in Ancient Mesopotamia: Emergence and Evolution
Students research the parallel development and complexity of writing and civilization in ancient Mesopotamia. In this ancient Mesopotamia lesson, students analyze the Cuneiform writing system in ancient Mesopotamia and how the...
Syracuse University
Ancient World Writing System
Most twenty-first century pupils don't know how to interpret cuneiform. Examining images of cuneiform and papyrus writing and using a chart and Venn diagram, young historians extrapolate what life may have been like for people who lived...
Curated OER
Chapter 12 Writing: the ABCs of Language
Providing a thorough presentation on the art of written language (and not just English), this slideshow will open your students' eyes to the sociological and linguistic issues surrounding writing systems, both modern and historical. The...
Curated OER
The History of Writing
The history of written communication can be an interesting addition to history lessons.
Curated OER
Papyrus
Students study what papyrus was and what it was used for. Students explore how papyrus was made, and the two writing systems hieroglyphics and cuneiform.
Curated OER
An Ancient Revolution: The Written Word
Students explore the impact of written communication. In this ancient civilizations lesson plan, students investigate communication from ancient Sumer and discuss its relevance today. Students watch a multimedia presentation about...
Curated OER
Applications of Cargoes from Three Continents to the Latin Classroom
Students discuss the importance of communication and writing in their daily lives. In groups, they use the internet to research the development of letters, alphabets and writing materials. They trace the spread of the Latin language...
Time Warp Trio
The Seven Blunders of the World
Learners explore the cultures and civilizations of Mesopotamia. They take a look at the factors that shaped the region, and study the history of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and other ancient wonders of the world. The class is divided...
Curated OER
Reading Comprehension: Counting
In this informational text comprehension worksheet, 3rd graders read the passage about counting and answer 10 multiple choice questions about the passage.
Curated OER
Passages of Man and Word
Third graders explore transportation and written communication prior to the Renaissance.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: The Cuneiform Writing System in Ancient Mesopotamia
In this lesson plan, middle schoolers will consider "The Cuneiform Writing System in Ancient Mesopotamia: Emergence and Evolution." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
Other
Ancient Scripts: Writing Systems
History and definition of writing, plus extensive information on the types, families, and regions of written languages. For each language, you'll find information on when and where it was used, the people who used it, and what it looked...
University of Chicago
University of Chicago Library: Teaching the Middle East: Writing: Before Islam
Learning module considers the writing systems and literature of ancient Mesopotamia before the arrival of Christianity or Islam.
Library of Congress
Loc: Global Gateway: Cuneiform Tablets
View clay tablets, cones, and brick fragments inscribed using the ancient Sumerian pictographic writing system known as cuneiform and read about the ancient writing system.
Other
World History Project: Cuneiform
Read a brief history of cuneiform, the most widely used and historically significant writing system of the ancient Middle East. Also learn about how cuneiform spread from one ancient culture to another.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Ancient Mesopotamia: Writing
On this site, investigate the writing of Ancient Mesopotamia. Learn how the Sumerians invented the first writing system called cuneiform.
Other
Classics Technology Center: Ancient Mesopotamia
This site from the Classics Technology Center provides materials concerning ancient Mesopotamia collected through teacher collaboration. Focuses on geography, religion, economics, clothing, and achievements. Also includes classroom...