The Early Human World
The ancient world Series
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
The Early Human World, written by Peter Robertshaw and Jill Rubalcaba, explores the story of early human life through a variety of primary sources. The book examines evidence such as 3.5-million-year-old footprints, stone tools from 2 million years ago, and ancient cave art to piece together the lives of early hominids. It discusses notable discoveries including a six-million-year-old jawbone in Ethiopia, a 50,000-year-old skeleton in Iraq, and the frozen remains of Ötzi in the Alps. The book also touches on the changing environment of the Earth, such as the fertile Sahara Desert and large prehistoric animals in Australia, providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of Homo sapiens and the world they lived in.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-11
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for early humans?
How did the tools they used help them survive?
What are some similarities and differences between our life now and the life of early humans?
Why do you think it's important to learn about early humans?
Can you imagine how early humans communicated without a written language?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to compare their daily routines with those of early humans to spark interest and create a personal connection.
Use illustrations or diagrams from the book to help visualize the concepts discussed and enhance understanding.
Discuss the evolution of tools and technology, highlighting how innovations solved challenges faced by early humans.
After reading, connect themes from the book with current events or popular stories to reinforce learning and maintain engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Human Evolution
Explanation: The book delves into the historical progression of early humans, illustrating the journey from primitive tools to the development of communities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by understanding the importance of innovation and community in their daily interactions and cooperative projects at school.
Example Lesson: Cultural Diversity
Explanation: Peter Robertshaw explores various cultures that contributed to human development, emphasizing the rich diversity of early human societies.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to appreciate and respect cultural differences in their classrooms and communities, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book highlights how early humans adapted to their environment and solved problems for survival, such as creating tools and controlling fire.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adaptability and problem-solving in overcoming obstacles in their lives, whether it’s in adapting to a new school environment or solving a difficult math problem.
Example Lesson: Value of Archaeology
Explanation: Through discussing the role of archaeology in uncovering the past, the book educates about the scientific method and the importance of historical evidence.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate history and science, fostering curiosity about how these disciplines help us understand our world and its origins.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The narrative discusses how early humans interacted with their ecosystems, which can help children learn about the impact of humans on the environment.
Real-World Application: This can be used to instill a sense of responsibility in children to care for their environment, engaging in activities like recycling and conservation projects at school.