Teacher Resource

Alphabet History

1. What did the BTN story explain?2. When and where did the Phoenicians live?3. What did their alphabet look like?4. The Phoenician alphabet included both consonants and vowels. True

or false?5. What did the Greeks add to the alphabet?6. Who spread the alphabet around Europe and England?7. Which letters did the English include?8. Different languages used different _______________.9. Not all languages use the alphabet. Some use…10. Name three things you learnt about the alphabet watching the BTN

story?

Class Discussion Discuss the BTN Alphabet History story as a class, using the following questions to guide the discussion. Record the main points on a mind map with ‘alphabet’ at the centre.

Think of an interesting fact you learnt watching this story. What did this video make you wonder? What information was

surprising? Think of one question you have about the Alphabet History story, and

find out if other students have the same question. How will you find an answer to your question?

Do you know about other alphabets? Share what you know with the class.

TimelineStudents will investigate the history of the alphabet, including the following key developments:

Egyptian hieroglyphs Phoenician alphabet Greek alphabet Latin alphabet

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Episode 2612th September 2017

Students will explore the history of the alphabet and sequence key developments on a timeline. Students will examine Egyptian hieroglyphs found on historical artefacts and then create their own hieroglyph.

History – Year 7Roles of key groups in ancient Egyptian society (such as the nobility, bureaucracy, women, slaves), including the influence of law and religion (ACDSEH032)

The evidence for the emergence and establishment of ancient societies (including art, iconography, writing tools and pottery) (ACOKFH002)

Sequence historical events, developments and periods (ACHHS205)

Students will present their information on a timeline. They will then respond to one or more of the following questions:

Find 1-3 interesting facts about each significant event in the history of the alphabet. Make comparisons between the different alphabets over time. How are they similar or different?

What materials or technologies were/are used to send messages? Imagine what it was like carving a message using Egyptian hieroglyphs into stone. Think of some of

the challenges and advantages.

Latin meaning of hieroglyphAs a class, discuss the origin of the word ‘Hieroglyph’. Did you know that the word hieroglyph comes from the Greek hiero ‘holy’ and glypho ‘writing’? In the ancient Egyptian language, hieroglyphs were called medu netjer, ‘the gods’ words’ as it was believed that writing was an invention of the gods.

Deciphering hieroglyphsVisit an Egyptian exhibit at your local museum, or use the internet to find a photograph of an ancient Egyptian artefact (Example – Australian Museum). You will most likely discover that hieroglyphs can be seen on many ancient Egyptian artefacts. Choose one ancient Egyptian artefact with hieroglyphs and use this document to help decipher the messages you discover.

Egyptian hieroglyphs, Australian Museum Australian Museum, Ancient Egyptian funerary cone

Using hieroglyphsStudents will use Egyptian hieroglyphs to write their name and then display their artworks around the classroom. Alternatively, students can use Egyptian hieroglyphs to write a secret message, which can then be deciphered by a classmate.

Can you think of modern symbols that we use today as a way to communicate? Today emojis are used in a similar way to hieroglyphs, communicating thoughts and ideas through images. Design your own set of emojis and include meanings for each emoji. Emoji characters can include facial expressions, hand gestures, objects, places and animals. Design a message, which can be displayed in your classroom.

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What did you like about this activity? What were some of the challenges communicating using only emojis? How are Egyptian hieroglyphs from 3,000 BC and emojis used today similar or different?

IlluminationsAn illumination is a decoration (initials, borders or illustration) that enhances the pages of a manuscript page. An illuminated letter was usually the first letter of a page or paragraph. It was always enlarged and in colour, and illustrations like animals, plants or mythological creatures were sometimes included.

The Egyptians were the first culture known to use illuminated manuscripts, and as written languages developed other countries also used the art form.

In this activity, students will investigate what an illumination is, explore the history of illuminated manuscripts, examine an illumination they find online and then create their own illumination. Use the following as a guide for this activity.

What is an illumination? When were they made? Who made them and how were they made? Find examples of illuminated texts. Choose one to examine in detail. Can you identify the initial?

What other images can you see? What colours are used? Design and create your own illumination using the initial of your first name. Use colours that you like

and images/symbols that represent who you are.

Ancient History Encyclopedia – Alphabethttp://www.ancient.eu/alphabet/

History – Who created the first alphabet?http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/who-created-the-first-alphabet

ABC Splash – H Warshttp://splash.abc.net.au/home#!/media/2331399/h-wars

Australian Museum – Egyptian Hieroglyphshttps://australianmuseum.net.au/uploads/documents/7770/egyptian heiroglyphs.pdf

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