If I Were a Kid in Ancient Greece: Children of the Ancient World
Children Of The Ancient World Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
This book explores what life was like for children in ancient Greece, highlighting their education, daily activities, and religious practices. Youngsters in ancient Greece were well educated, sometimes with private tutors, and studied subjects like music for up to three hours a day. They also engaged in mock battles to learn bravery and worshipped gods in temples, mirroring adult practices. The book delves into various aspects of Greek life, including house rules, gym class, the Olympic games, Greek gods, pets, and more, providing a comprehensive introduction to this legendary society for young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think a typical day would be like for a kid in ancient Greece? How would it be different from your day?
If you could choose, which ancient Greek god or goddess would you want to meet and why?
What are some games or activities you learned from the book that children in ancient Greece played? Would you like to try any of them?
How did the roles and responsibilities of children in ancient Greece compare to yours today?
What did you find most surprising or interesting about the way children lived in ancient Greece?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the book's illustrations to spark imagination and ask your child to describe what they see and how it makes them feel about ancient Greece.
Relate the historical context to your child’s daily life by comparing and contrasting their routines, games, and education.
Encourage your child to think about what it would be like to live in another era. This can help them develop empathy and a deeper interest in history.
After reading, propose a family activity like creating togas from bedsheets or trying out an ancient Greek recipe to bring history to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The book educates children about the customs, daily activities, and responsibilities of kids in ancient Greece, enhancing their understanding of historical contexts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to appreciate cultural diversity and historical evolution, fostering a broader perspective during social studies classes or when interacting with diverse cultures.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: It highlights how children in ancient Greece were educated and trained in various arts and sciences, emphasizing the value of learning from a young age.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore different subjects and appreciate the importance of education in personal growth and achieving their potential.
Example Lesson: Role of play
Explanation: The story illustrates the significance of play and recreation among children in ancient Greece, showing that play was an essential part of their daily life.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the balance between work and play, encouraging them to value and engage in sporting and creative activities for a well-rounded development.
Example Lesson: Community involvement
Explanation: The book describes how children participated in festivals and communal activities, teaching the importance of being involved in one’s community.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to participate more actively in local events and community service, enhancing their sense of belonging and responsibility towards their community.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptation
Explanation: It captures how children in ancient Greece adapted to their roles in society, showing resilience in facing the challenges of their time.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be resilient and adaptable in their own lives, using these stories as a framework for overcoming personal challenges and adapting to new situations.