Hieroglyphics are one of the most fascinating forms of ancient writing that have ever existed. They were used by the ancient Egyptians to write everything from religious texts to mundane documents like receipts. They are comprised of pictures and symbols that represent words or ideas. Introducing kids to hieroglyphics can be a fun and educational activity that can also help them learn about ancient cultures. Here are 18 creative hieroglyphics activities for kids to try.
1. Hieroglyphic Coloring Pages
These free hieroglyphics coloring pages are a fun and easy way for kids to learn about ancient Egyptian symbols and their meanings. Learners can color in the hieroglyphics with colored pencils, markers, or crayons while learning their meanings.
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2. DIY Hieroglyphic Stamps
Using foam sheets and pencils, kids can carve out their preferred symbols to create their own hieroglyphic stamps. Students can then make their own hieroglyphic messages on paper or other surfaces by using these stamps.
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3. Hieroglyphic Puzzles
Hieroglyphic puzzles are a great way for kids to learn about symbols and their meanings while having fun. These puzzles can be in the form of word searches or crossword puzzles, with clues and answers written in hieroglyphics.
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4. Create a Hieroglyphic Alphabet Chart
Drawing each symbol and then writing the letter that corresponds to it underneath allows children to make their own hieroglyphic alphabet chart. When doing so, they’ll not only be able to improve their knowledge of the alphabet but also of hieroglyphics.
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5. Make a Hieroglyphic Nameplate
This activity involves creating a personalized nameplate using hieroglyphics. Kids can use papyrus paper and black markers to draw their names using hieroglyphic symbols. They can also include other symbols that represent their personality or interests. This activity enhances knowledge about ancient Egyptian writing and encourages creativity. The finished nameplate can be hung on a door or used as a desk nameplate.
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6. Hieroglyphic Wall Art
Kids can create their own hieroglyphic wall art using canvas or paper and acrylic paint or markers. They can design their own hieroglyphic message or use a template to create a specific phrase or word in hieroglyphics. This activity promotes creativity and enhances knowledge about ancient Egyptian symbols and their meanings. The finished artwork can be displayed as a unique piece of wall art.
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7. Play Hieroglyphic Bingo
Hieroglyphic Bingo is a fun game that helps kids learn the symbols and their meanings. It can be played with bingo cards that have hieroglyphic symbols on them. The caller calls out the meanings instead of numbers.
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8. Write a Secret Message in Hieroglyphics
By using a translator or hieroglyphic chart, children can create a secret message in hieroglyphics. This is a creative approach to practice writing in hieroglyphs and gets your students to generate a secret code that they can use to communicate.
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9. Hieroglyphic Jewelry Making
Kids can create unique jewelry pieces by using hieroglyphic symbols on beads or pendants. They can use clay or paper to create the jewelry base and then draw or stamp the symbols. This activity promotes creativity and enhances knowledge about ancient Egyptian symbols and their meanings.
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10. Create a Hieroglyphic Tablet
With air-dry clay or salt dough, children can create their own hieroglyphic tablet. Students can imprint hieroglyphics onto the clay using a toothpick or a little stick and let it dry. This project educates children about the ancient Egyptian use of clay tablets and helps them appreciate the art of hieroglyphics.
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11. Hieroglyphic Paper Beads
Using paper strips with hieroglyphic motifs, children can make unique and colorful paper beads. Kids can use the beads to craft bracelets or necklaces. This project encourages creativity while also expanding knowledge of ancient Egyptian symbols and their meanings.
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12. Hieroglyphic Decoder Wheel
Paper and a Brad fastener can be used by children to create a hieroglyphic decoder wheel. They can decipher hidden hieroglyphic messages using the wheel. This activity increases critical thinking abilities and awareness of ancient Egyptian symbols.
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13. Design a Cartouche
Children can create their own cartouches and nameplates that the ancient Egyptians used to inscribe the names of important people or gods. They are able to write their own names as well as those of their family members in hieroglyphics.
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14. Hieroglyphic Word Search
Kids can create a hieroglyphic word search by selecting a few words and converting them into hieroglyphics. Then, they can create a grid and fill in the spaces with other hieroglyphics to make it challenging to find the words.
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15. Hieroglyphic Painted Rocks
Kids can use acrylic paint or permanent markers to draw hieroglyphs on rocks. They can use the finished products as décor or as paperweights. This activity encourages creativity and helps people learn more about the meanings of ancient Egyptian symbols.
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16. Hieroglyphic Cookie Cutters
Using aluminum foil or metal strips, children can make their own hieroglyphic cookie cutters. They can make cookies with hieroglyphic designs using cookie cutters. This activity encourages creativity while also expanding knowledge of ancient Egyptian symbols and their meanings.
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17. Hieroglyphic Sand Art
Layering different colored sand in a bottle to create a design with hieroglyphics is a fun way for kids to make colorful hieroglyphic sand art. This activity encourages creativity while also expanding knowledge of ancient Egyptian symbols and their meanings.
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18. Hieroglyphic Crossword Puzzle
Using a template, children can create their own hieroglyphic crossword puzzles. They can use different hieroglyphics and clues to fill in the squares and challenge their friends to solve the puzzle.
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