Early Asian Civilizations: Supplemental Guide CA | Culminating Activities 273You Were There: The Great Wall of China, Confucius
Have students pretend that they were workers at the Great Wall of China
or students of Confucius. Ask students to describe what they saw and
heard. For example, for “The Great Wall of China,” students may talk
about seeing the watchtowers, the soldiers, and the villages that sprang
up near the Great Wall, etc. They may talk about hearing the sounds of
the donkeys and mules used to transport building materials, the voices
of other workers, etc. Consider also extending this activity by adding
group or independent writing opportunities associated with the “You
Were There” concept. For example, ask students to pretend they are
newspaper reporters describing Confucius speaking to his students, and
write a group news article describing the event.
Wonders of the World
Your class has learned that the Great Wall of China is a wonder of the
world. You may wish to explore other wonders of the world with the
class.
Words of the Wise: What Confucius Might Say
Materials: cut-outs of a person
Trace the shape of a person on a piece of paper, draw writing lines, and
make one copy per student.
Remind students that Confucius had many ideas for keeping peace in
society. Have students write one idea or rule they would recommend to
help people get along.
Attach the cut-outs of students’ ideas so that they are connected by the
hands and place them on the wall or on the bulletin board.
On Stage: “The Magic Paintbrush,” Making Silk, the Great Wall
of China
Have a group of students plan and then act out the story “The Magic
Paintbrush,” making silk, or working on the Great Wall of China.