In class, we discussed the roots of the people groups that settled two areas. The Fertile Crescent and Egypt. We looked at and worked with map skills to identify and trace the major rivers of the areas and learned some neat facts about the people that settled there.
Noah had 3 sons, Shem,Ham, and Japheth. Shem's descendants settled the area near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The early people groups were called Sumerians and were known for developing the plow and irrigation. Polytheism was widely practiced. We discussed the benefits of technology in making jobs more efficient and the impact on a society as they figured these things out. We were able to define and discuss the difference between polytheism and monotheism. It was encouraging to hear the children enthusiastically proclaim that we believe in the "One True God!"
Ham's descendants settled the area surrounding the Nile river in Northern Africa. Egypt was a familiar place to these children. We read from Pages of History by Etter and Detweiler. The book gave us insight into many gods of the Egyptians as well as facts about the pyramids. The limestone blocks used to build the Great Pyramid were as big as 5x8x12 feet! They used over 2 million blocks to build it. The Nile river is the longest river in the world and the only river that flows from south to north!
In the Trailblazers class the question of the trinity cam up when discussing the difference between serving many gods and the One True God. I was able to share an illustration from a book I have at home. Holding up one apple I asked the children how many apples did I have. They of course answered appropriately "one." I asked about the 3 components of an apple. It has a peel or skin, the flesh, and a core. Each part of the apple helps to make the whole apple. Even though there are 3 parts to the apple, we still only have one apple. Like the apple, the trinity is three persons, one God. If you would like to borrow the book, I am happy to share. IT wasn't my intention to dive into such a deep topic, but when it came up in discussion I addressed and was grateful to have had an apple there for a snack!
Activities in class:
- Map Work
- Notebook Page
- Egyptian Paper Doll
Questions for review:
- What are the benefits of settling near a river?
- What is a descendant?
- How do we know so much about ancient times?
- Define polytheism.
- How long is the Nile river?
Assignment:
- Read history cards NT:1, OT:9-13
