UKS2 Topic: Early Islamic Civilisation Block I: Legacy of Early Islam

Explore the remnants of early Islamic civilisation that we enjoy today. Discover that many words in common use today have their origins in the time of the early Islamic civilisation; experiment with calligraphy; watch videos and read about a range of Islamic scholars; decorate manuscriptsin an Islamic style; and much more!

Block I: Legacy of Early Islam
[8 sessions] / Main outcome:History
Other outcomes: English, Art
By the end of this block you will have achieved the following outcomes: /
  • Apply their growing knowledge of root words, prefixes and suffixes (morphology and etymology) … to understand the meaning of new words that they meet.
  • Note and develop initial ideas, drawing on reading and research where necessary.
  • Write legibly, fluently and with increasing speed by choosing the writing implement that is best suited for a task.
  • Use further organisational and presentational devices to structure text and to guide the reader.
  • Identify the audience for and purpose of writing, selecting the appropriate form.
  • Extend mastery of language through public speaking and debate.
  • Understand the historical and cultural development of art forms.
  • Improve mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials.
  • Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.
  • Thoughtfully select and organise relevant historical information.
  • Construct informed responses.

Session 1: English
What’s in a word?
Discover that many words we commonly use are from languages other than English/Old English. Realise that language travels with people and is not confined by borders (just as the goods and cultures that passed along the ‘silk road’). / Children will:
  • Use an etymological dictionary to discover that many words in common use today have their origins in the time of the early Islamic empire

Session 2:Art
A gift from China
Explore how the Islamic conquest of Central Asia spread the knowledge of paper-making. Discover how to make paper, pen and ink. / Children will:
●Make their own paper and experiment with calligraphy using homemade inks
Session 3: English
Paperback writers
Learn about 4 Key Islamic Scholars and choose one to write a biography about using appropriate knowledge and skills. / Children will:
  • Watch a video and read about a range of Islamic scholars, choosing one to write a biography about
  • Recall the key features of a biography
  • Make notes on a chosen scholar

Session 4: English and Art
Paperback writers 2
Continue reviewing chn’s biographies on the Key Islamic Scholars, then decorate them using the paper, pens and ink created in Session 2. / Children will:
●Draft and write a biography
●Decorate manuscript with calligraphy in an Islamic style
Session 5 & 6: History and English
Then and now
Collaborate to create a poster presentation that links the work of an ancient scholar/early work, within a specific discipline, with modern-day understanding. / Children will:
●Attempt to identify common themes within the work of early Islamic scholars
●Identify their own success criteria for a poster presentation.
●Collaborate in groups of 2 or 3 to research the chosen presentation theme, using web and paper-based sources; then plan a poster presentation that links the work of an ancient scholar/ work with modern-day understanding in that discipline.
●Carefully choose how to present information and ideas to showcase both ancient and contemporary understanding.
Session 7: History, English and Art
Then and now 2
Continue working on their poster and prepare to present it to the class or wider audience. / Children will
  • Produce in ‘best’ the finished version of their poster presentation, choosing appropriate organisational and presentational features for their non-fiction text
  • Present the project to a wider audience

Session 8: History and English
King of the castle
Discuss and debate to decide which of the incredibly varied discoveries and teachings of the early Islamic scholars, are the most important, enduring and influential. / Children will
●Perform a ranking activity such as ‘diamond 9’, choosing the top achievements of the early Islamic civilisation
  • Justify their choices in a challenging discussion

Resources

Session 1

Provided:PowerPoint presentation What’s in a Word. Information sheet on Etymology activities.

You will need: Access to the internet, Etymological dictionaries.

Session 2

Provided:PowerPoint presentation on Islamic Writings; Information sheet on Calligraphy practice.

You will need: Access to the internet.Paper: used paper (shredded is good), large plastic tubs, a food processor (old is best), j-cloths, fine mesh screens, tea-towels. Ink: e.g. nettles, berries, beetroot, coffee, tea, water, vinegar, salt, pestle and mortar.

Session 3

Provided:PowerPoint presentation on 4 Key Islamic Scholars. Information sheet on Biography Writing.

You will need: Access to the internet.Books, e.g. Science, Medicine and Math in the Early Islamic World by Trudee Romanek.

Session 4

Provided:Islamic patterns and motifs (Block C, Session 2, Resource 2).

You will need:

Session 5&6

Provided:Information sheet entitled Information text: success criteria checklist.

You will need: Access to the internet.Books, e.g. 1001 Inventions and Awesome Facts from Muslim Civilization (National Geographic Kids)/ Arab Science and Invention in the Golden Age by Anne Blanchard & Emmanuel Cerisier/ Islamic Weapons: Maghrib to Moghul by Anthony C. Tirri.

Session 7

Provided:

You will need: Access to the internet.Books from previous sessions. Poster-making materials: A1 or A2 card, range of coloured paper and card, glue, scissors.

Session 8

Provided:Information sheet entitled ‘Diamond 9’ ranking example: classroom behaviours.

You will need: Access to the internet.

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