Grade 6 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 8, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
A Message of Ancient Days

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 8, Lesson 2: Arrival of the Aryans (pp. 229-234)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Culture The arrival of the Aryans in the Indus River Valley changed the culture of both Aryans and the Indus River Valley people.

Present the concept of migration through the movement of Indo-Europeans from their homeland to parts of Europe, Asia, and India. Focus on the migration of the Aryans to the Indus River Valley. Contrast the Aryan nomadic herding lifestyle with the Indus River Valley people's crop-based permanent settlements.

Make a word web of Aryan culture including livestock raising, social classes, and religion. Discuss with students how each aspect of Aryan culture is evident in Indian culture today and add the information to the appropriate oval.

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

Have pairs of students choose one of the following subjects related to Aryan culture: migration, military skills, religion, social classes, earning a living. Each pair should make two flashcards with a question about their subject on one side and the answer written on the back. Have students write their names on the cards, then use the cards for a class question-and-answer session.
Have each student sketch out story boards for a TV documentary on the changes in warfare, livestock, travel, and religion that the Aryans brought to the Indus River valley.

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