Grade 6 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 11, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
A Message of Ancient Days

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 11, Lesson 2: Athens: A City-State (pp. 338-343)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Culture Athens developed a successful form of democracy, or government by the people.

Outline the steps Athens took to develop rule by citizens, beginning with monarchy, moving to oligarchy, then tyrants, and finally ending with democracy. Be sure students understand that the word tyrant then did not have the negative meanings it does today. Point out the ways in which rule by tyrants actually helped create democracy.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Ask each student to take on the role of a metic or foreigner, living in Athens around 500 B.C., and to write a letter home describing the government of the city, Athenian society and economy, and his or her life there. Encourage students to use details to create a full picture.
Have students look closely at the coins on page 343, and then create one or more new designs for Athenian coins. Ask them to be aware of the meanings of the specific symbols they choose. When finished have them share their designs and explain their symbols.

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