To Ancient Egypt and Back Again (Part 1)
Whispering, “It’s time to get ready,” was all it took for little girls’ eyes to open. A smile transformed their grimacing faces as short arms stretched above their ears. They bounced out of bed and quickly dressed in the clothes I’d laid out. Then I sneaked into my son’s room to rub his back. He smiled, too.
Munching the eggs and toast, the chatter never ceased:
“We’re going to Dallas!”
“What is at the art museum?”
“Is King Tut dead?”
“How long until we get there?”
“What’s Dad making for lunch?”
I knew Bug would enjoy the art museum, but my girls have the short attention span common to little ones. What could I do to help them enjoy the trek through artifacts centuries old?
I planned to print out pictures of various artwork at the museum and create a treasure hunt. My good idea is still just a good idea. It didn’t happen in the scramble to get ready.
Miniature books intended to hold the images were the only things completed and tucked into my children’s bags. Their discovery brought more questions and a bit of upset. Sweet Pea pouted, “I don’t want pencils.” After I explained the purpose, she slung the bag over her shoulder, and skipped to the van.
Photography was prohibited, but I wish I had a snapshot of my children sitting on the floor sketching ancient relics in their handmade books. Bug captured the map of King Tut’s tomb and a few hieroglyphics. Sunshine drew stripes of gold and onyx on the staff and flail. Sweet Pea colored spots on a cow’s head.
In the crowded rooms, I interpreted the purpose of various objects. The princess chair brought gasps of awe and decorative canopic jars received quizzical glances.
The tour ended in a shop plastered with trinkets portraying ancient civilizations. We left with a simple postcard book, so my children can add the photos to their notebooks.
We haven’t studied Ancient Egypt, but Tutankhamun and The Golden Age of the Pharaohs was an impressive introduction.
Wow! Sounds like an awesome trip! We plan on taking the boys in December or January and can’t wait.
Wow! Sounds like an awesome trip! We plan on taking the boys in December or January and can’t wait.
Wow! Sounds like an awesome trip! We plan on taking the boys in December or January and can’t wait.
Is this the TUT exhibit that is touring the country? We hope to see that after the first of the year. We are wrapping up Egypt now.
Renee’,
They will enjoy it! I was a bit disappointed that King Tut’s golden sarcophagus wasn’t there, but my children didn’t notice. There were so many other things to mesmerize them.
Phyllis,
Yes, we saw the exhibit in Dallas, but there is one in Atlanta, too. Here is the website: King Tut and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs
What a wonderful field trip!
I just checked and this exhibit will be in Atlanta
when we’re down visiting my parents in January.
I’d love to do a unit on Ancient Egypt and then take
the kids!
Thanks for sharing this. :)
Shannon
(I think my kids (7, 5, 3) are close in age to yours. Do you think that at least the 7 year old would enjoy it? He’s really into history. Thanks!)
Shannon,
I do not know what the difference is between the two shows since they are simultaneous. I assume they are similar. If so, I’m sure your children will enjoy it.
My son is 10, but both my 5-year-old and 3-year-old liked it. One time my 5-year-old asked to leave, but once we entered the next room she was fine.
I wish we could have gone with you. We’ve done some of ancient Egypt, moved on to other civilizations, and will be back in Egypt next week, I think (chronological history). This would be perfect since we’re doing Tut next.
I love your opening paragraph – wonderful writing!
Sharing on my blog is NEVER spam! :) That was such a good idea about your homemade notebooks! It was so busy, there’s no way they could have sat on the floor & drawn what they saw! :)
It was so neat though.