Chapter 3
Ancient Egypt and Nubia
Dear Family,
In the next few weeks, our social studies class will look at the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Nubia. They will learn that each civilization was divided into upper and lower halves. In the ancient lands of Egypt and Nubia, the reference point was the height of the land. This caused people living there to consider the northern half as “lower”. Students living in the United States may find it difficult to visualize why each lower half was further north than each upper half. As you are driving or walking through your community, discuss how directions are used in traveling. Also touch upon how traveling can be defined from a reference point, such as traveling toward or away from the center of town. You can show how certain reference points may be different or different areas.
Most students associate pyramids and pharaohs with ancient Egypt. Did you know that the ancient Egyptians built their pyramids on the west bank of the Nile River? They believed that the chief god, the sun, was born each morning in the east and died each evening in the west? Ask your child to tell you some interesting facts about ancient Egypt that he or she has learned.
As your child learns about ancient civilizations, he or she might be interested in newspaper articles telling about these areas in modern times. Encourage your child to share these articles with your family.
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s studies of the ancient world.
Sincerely,
Mr. Lewis
