Samantha Hitchcock

1.0 Lesson Plan Details

Lesson Title: The Invention of Writing
Subject: Social Studies
School: C.E.I.P. Francisco Fatou
Author: Samantha Hitchcock
Expected Duration: 40 minutes

1.1 Integration of Learning Outcomes/Objectives

Students will be able to use context clues and resources to discover new, subject-
based vocabulary. Students will be able to create their own Mesopotamian ID.

1.2 Standards
CC.1.2.5.F: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the
grade level texts.

1.3 Anticipatory Set

Write the title of the lesson, The Invention of Writing, on the whiteboard
and discuss the meaning of the phrase so that all students understand. Based
on this discussion, have students turn to a partner and discuss where the
invention of writing derived from.
After 30 seconds of discussion with partners, gather the classrooms
attention. Ask students to raise their hands to tell the class where they think
the invention of writing derived from based on our prior discussion.
Hand out a worksheet with five questions based on a video titled Writing in
Mesopotamia, which they will watch.
Play the video twice. Once the video is played for the second time, pause the
video occasionally to make sure the students are following.

1.4 Procedures
Once the video is played through twice, have students return to their former
pairs to complete the worksheet that was handed to them prior to the video.
Tell the students they may use a thesaurus, dictionary, or other reference
texts to complete the worksheet. Give students 15 minutes to complete the
worksheet.

1.5 Differentiation
The student with a hearing impairment will sit closest to the teacher and the
projected video. The teacher should speak loudly and clearly and face the
student when speaking. The teacher will also wear a microphone for his
cochlear implant around his or her neck when speaking to the class.

1.6 Closure
Gather the attention of the students and have them return to their seats.
Samantha Hitchcock

Each pair of students will share their answers from the given worksheet.
(They must speak in full sentences and in their own words).
While students share, the other students should write down any additional
information that may be useful to their answers.
For homework, students will create their own Mesopotamia ID based on a
worksheet that will be given to them at the end of class.
1.7 Formative/Summative Assessment of Students

Summative:
Students will hand in one worksheet per pair. The teacher will be able to
assess the students understanding of the video and basic vocabulary.
Students will create their own Mesopotamia ID based a worksheet that will
be given to them at the end of the class in order to reinforce the lesson.

Formative:
Throughout the lesson, the teacher should monitor the students progress by
walking around the classroom while the students are working on their
worksheets in pairs. The teacher should make sure the students are using the
outside resources appropriately, if they understand the worksheet, and if
they are able to use context clues to help them complete their answers.

1.8 Material/Equipment
Whiteboard
Whiteboard marker
Computer
Projector
Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCjtPRHRZs8
Copies of The Invention of Writing worksheet (one for each pair)
Copies of The Mesopotamian ID worksheet (one for each student)
Pencils (one for each student)
Thesaurus
Dictionary

1.9 Technology
The computer will be used to project the Youtube video
The thesaurus and dictionary may be found on an iPad using Websters
Dictionary/Thesaurus app

2.1 Reflection on Planning

Not applicable

2.2 Reflection on Instruction

Not applicable
Samantha Hitchcock

Appendix A: The Invention of Writing Worksheet

Name: ______________________________________ Date: ________________________

The Invention of Writing

Directions: Complete the following questions. Please use complete sentences.

1. How did writing look when it first began?

2. Why did the pictures change to look more like symbols?

3. What was the style of writing in Mesopotamia called?

4. What tool was used for writing in Mesopotamia? What was it made from?

5. What did they write on?

Samantha Hitchcock

Appendix B: Mesopotamia ID Worksheet

Name: ______________________________________ Date: ________________________

Mesopotamia ID

Directions: On a separate piece of paper, write a 2-3 short sentences about

yourself in English and translate the sentences using cuneiform.
Samantha Hitchcock