Creating Your Alphabet Project
Sixth Grade Social Studies
Ancient Mesopotamia used a system of writing called cuneiform, which led to the rise of cities such as
Sumer, Ur, and Babylon. The writing system was that of symbols, each one unique and purposeful, much
different than some of our modern writing systems. Your task is to create your own system of writing, much
like the Mesopotamians did in the ancient world, on a small poster or booklet. You may work individually or
with a partner.
Your assignment will involve four key parts:
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A name for your language. This should serve as the title for your poster or booklet.
A list of the ten most important words that will be used in your language. A section of your
poster should contain pictographs and English translations for each of these ten words.
An alphabet with at least twenty-six letters. A section of your poster or booklet should
contain your alphabet and an English translation of each letter.
At least two sentences written about Riverwood Middle School using your alphabet and/or
pictographs. A section of your poster or booklet should contain these sentences in your
language and the English translation on the back of your project.
Much of the assignment will be completed in class. Upon completion of the project you will be asked to share
your alphabet with some of your peers and transcribe one another’s sentences about Riverwood Middle
School.