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Egyptian Wall Painting

Egyptian Wall Painting

Students will learn about ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and create a story using the watercolor crayon resist technique.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Hieroglyphics refers to the formal writing system used in ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphic images represented ideas, words, letters, and numbers. Have students learn about some of the elements of this system such as the time period in which they were used, where they were inscribed, where the language came from, etc. Ask them to look up several symbols and their meanings.

  • Step 2

    Hieroglyphs were often incorporated into wall paintings in ancient Egypt to tell the story of the art. Have students create a wall painting that tells a story in hieroglyphics. To do this they will use the watercolor crayon resist technique. Ask them to write their story using hieroglyphics they've researched. Have them press down firmly with the crayon and then paint over it with watercolors. The wax will resist the paint and create a striking visual contrast.

  • Step 3

    When the paint is dry have students present their stories to the class and decode the hieroglyphics.

Standards

ARTS: Explore and invent art-making techniques and approaches.

SS: Culture: Through experience, observation, and reflection, identify elements of culture as well as similarities and differences among cultural groups across time and place.

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture.

Adaptations

Ancient Egyptian wall paintings have deep historical and cultural significance. They used vibrant hues and intricate illustrations, and they provide a window into this ancient civilization. Have students explore this craft and look at some examples of the artwork.

Hieroglyphics were often written on papyrus, the "paper" of that time period. Have students learn about the plant it was made from, its uses, and some historical documents written on it.