A Kid's Life in Ancient Egypt
So You Think You'Ve Got It Bad? Series
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
Shortlisted for the Teach Primary Book Awards 2019! Related teaching resource pack available on the Nosy Crow website. Part of Nosy Crow's list of publishing in collaboration with the British Museum and developed in consultation with one of the world's leading Egyptologists. A kid's life in ancient Egypt might sound like fun with all the cool pyramids and glorious sunny weather, but actually it was rather tough! In this hilarious book, written by award-winning author Chae Strathie, children will learn exactly how difficult life really was, from dodging Deathstalker scorpions and cleaning up cow dung, to fetching water from the well, eating roast hedgehog and being slammed in the stocks for being naughty at school! Probably the first book about ancient Egypt that involves bubble wrap and skateboards!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think daily life was like for a child in ancient Egypt compared to your life today?
How do you think the pyramids were built, and why were they so important to the ancient Egyptians?
If you could meet an ancient Egyptian child, what would you like to ask them?
What similarities and differences do you notice between your school life and the way children learned in ancient Egypt?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily activities, such as school and hobbies, with those of a child in ancient Egypt to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the historical context.
Discuss the illustrations in the book to help visualize the setting and daily life of ancient Egypt, making the historical period more relatable and engaging for the child.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more about ancient Egyptian culture, such as making traditional crafts or learning about hieroglyphs together, to enhance the learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding different cultures
Explanation: The book provides a vivid portrayal of daily life in ancient Egypt, exploring their traditions, beliefs, and societal structure.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing respect and curiosity for various cultures they encounter, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Example Lesson: Importance of collaboration
Explanation: It highlights how Egyptians worked together in building monuments and organizing societies.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or community activities.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: The book incorporates historical facts that underscore the achievements and challenges of ancient Egypt.
Real-World Application: Children can use historical knowledge to develop critical thinking and make informed decisions by understanding cause and effect from past events.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and innovation
Explanation: It shows how ancient Egyptians adapted to their environment, such as using the Nile River for agriculture and transportation.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be innovative and adaptive in finding solutions to environmental challenges they face in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Narratives in the book often touch on overcoming difficulties, such as dealing with floods or droughts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persevere through their personal challenges, understanding that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.