Imhotep of Ancient Kemet
What’s inside...
Over 4,000 years ago, in ancient Egypt, a young boy named Imhotep was born. From a young age, he excelled and quickly became known as a genius. Imhotep had the ability to see through difficult problems and was often trying new techniques and experiments. He had many talents, and as an architect, Imhotep designed the step pyramid at Sakkara--one of the most incredible structures in ancient history. The step pyramid still stands strong today. In the pages of this book, you'll discover the Egypt known to Imhotep, as he grows from a curious young man into one of the most successful, intelligent, and well-known men in ancient Egypt.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Imhotep's inventions impacted the lives of people in Ancient Kemet?
What qualities did Imhotep have that made him a good leader and innovator?
Why is it important to learn about historical figures like Imhotep today?
How did teamwork and cooperation play a role in the successes depicted in the book?
If you could meet Imhotep, what questions would you ask him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on Imhotep’s character traits and discuss which qualities they admire the most and why.
Discuss the relevance of ancient inventions to modern technology and how innovation impacts society.
Relate the book's themes to your child’s everyday experiences, such as teamwork in school projects or community activities.
Create a mini-project where your child imagines their own invention that could help their community, inspired by Imhotep’s achievements.
Use the discussion to explore additional historical figures from different cultures and eras, enhancing global and historical awareness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Problem Solving
Explanation: Imhotep of Ancient Kemet showcases the story of Imhotep, who faces various challenges but consistently finds innovative solutions using his knowledge and skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persevering through difficulties and using creativity to solve problems in their own lives, whether it's in their studies or interpersonal challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of Education
Explanation: The book emphasizes Imhotep's journey of learning and how his acquired knowledge helped him achieve great things, highlighting the impact of education.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their education and see it as a powerful tool that can help them shape their future.
Example Lesson: Respect for History and Culture
Explanation: Through Imhotep’s story, children are introduced to the rich history and culture of Ancient Kemet (Egypt), fostering a respect for different heritages and traditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and histories, enhancing their global awareness and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: Imhotep demonstrates leadership qualities as he leads various projects and educates others in the story.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take initiative in group settings like school projects or sports, and understand the importance of leading by example.
Example Lesson: Innovation
Explanation: Imhotep’s achievements as an architect and a physician are depicted in the book, showcasing his ability to innovate and think ahead.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think outside the box and be innovative, which can be applied in creative projects or finding new ways to tackle tasks.