The Origins of Halloween
Halloween began 2000 years ago, in the iron age, as a Celtic festival called Samhain that marked the change in seasons at the end of October. Over the centuries, Samhain was combined with Roman and Christian celebrations. New traditions began in Ireland and Scotland...
How Monsters Can Help Teach History
Using stories to engage students in ancient history topicsIt is important for us to learn from the battles and politics of the past, and to pass on those lessons to the next generation. Teaching history can accomplish that, but how do you make it interesting for...
Classroom Displays – Getting Ready for the School Year
As the new school year begins to dawn teachers everywhere start turning their thoughts to new students and new classrooms. Many teachers, myself included, work hard to make their classrooms a warm, welcoming and interesting environment. Research suggests that things...
Roman Mythological Beasts
The Romans were known for their innovations in warfare, technology and architecture, but when it came to myths and the mythological beasts, they borrowed from the more poetically-inclined Greeks. These fantastical beasts, creatures and monsters, could be good or evil....
Making Papyrus
Supplies Needed Brown paper bag White glue Water Wax paper Bowl Stir Stick What to do Step 1 Rip the brown paper bag into one inch wide strips of equal length. Step 2 In a bowl make a mixture of half glue and half water. (To make one sheet of papyrus you only need...
Who Were The Vikings?
Scandinavians Vikings were people from Scandinavia from the late 8th century until the mid 11th century, a time known as the Viking age. Scandinavia is the area of Northern Europe which is now the countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Explorers Vikings were a...
10 Facts About the Roman God Mars
The main Roman gods and goddesses were 'adopted' from the Greeks with a few tweaks, nonetheless, they are interesting characters. Here are a few fun facts about the Roman god Mars: 1. Mars was the god of WAR. 2. He was the founder of Rome. 3. He was pretty much...
10 Facts About Viking Women
Viking women were no shrinking violets. A Viking woman could inherit property, and if her husband mistreated her she could leave him, and take her property with her. Here are ten facts about Viking women that just might surprise you! 1. They could carry weapons. 2....
Ancient Sites in Egypt
When we lived in Egypt, we were lucky enough to visit many ancient sites, some more than 4,500 years old. We have used the photos and knowledge we gained during these travels to make our Ancient Egypt teaching resources. Pyramids were built as tombs for royalty....