Draw Like an Egyptian

Egyptian Papyrus Painting

First grade is learning all about the art of ancient Egypt.  They were so excited to share what they already knew when we started this lengthy project.  Lila E told us about her grandparents who gave her a cartouche necklace, Magdalena told us about the ancient Egyptians she learned about in the Torah, and Ceasar brought in a book about Egyptian Gods for us to read.  I was amazed by how much they already knew!  In this project, they began by learning about papyrus paper, and I brought some in for them to feel and to study.  They created texture on their paper to make it look like papyrus by using a light brown pencil and cross-hatching.  We then studied some borders on papyrus paintings and talked about patterns.  They made borders on their pictures.  Then, we learned about shen rings and cartouches.  They each made a cartouch from gold paper (wrapping paper bought at The Container Store) using sharpies.  They cut these out and added them to their work.  I created traceables for them to create the figures.  We practiced standing like Egyptians, with our feet and faces to the side and our bodies forward.  They learned that this stance (frontalism) was used because the Egyptians believed in drawing the various parts of the body in their most flattering angle.  We read about clothing and looked at pictures, and then we learned several symbols common to Egyptian art.  They added these where they wanted:  shen rings, ankhs, sun disks, scarabs, pyramids, The Nile River, canopic jars, staffs... Here are some of their masterpieces!  We spent quite a while on this project because I think it was worth the time.  They learned so much!

Augie added the eye of Horus.

Alejandro is coloring his canopic jars gold.

Alejandro, Grade 1

Sophia, Grade 1

Jade, Grade 1

Augie, Grade 1

Magdalena, Grade 1

Mia, Grade 1