What Your Child is Learning in Unit 5, "The Foundation of Western Ideas"

In next unit your child will learn about the origin and development of Christianity and Judaism and how each has shaped history. He or she will also explore the origin of democracy with the ancient Greeks, and discover the accomplishments of the Greeks in politics, architecture, and military development during the Golden Age in Greece.

Activities You Can Do at Home to Support Your Child's Learning

Chapter 10 The Ancient Israelites

• Several movies portray events in the early years of Judaism and Christianity. If possible, view one of these with your child. Discuss what life was like in the time period shown in the movie. Notice the geography shown in the movie and ask your child about travel during the time portrayed.

• If possible, go to a Greek restaurant. Encourage your child to notice items on the menu that feature fish, lamb, and cheese made from goat's milk. Discuss why these foods were common in Greece. (Greece was a land of islands, so fishing was common. Sheep and goats could survive well on the rugged terrain and rocky soil).

Chapter 11 The Ancient Greeks
Chapter 12 Classical Greece

• With your child, look at the pictures of Greek buildings in the textbook. At different times in United States history, Greek architecture was much admired and copied. Walk through your neighborhood with your child and take turns spotting elements of Greek architecture copied here. (Many public buildings have Greek-style architecture).