Mr. Sakson
Ancient History
Project: Exploring Writing Systems
Intro:
As you are learning about the Sumerians, their alphabet included both pictographs
(pictures that stand for words and ideas) and symbols that stand for sounds.
Your Assignment:
Using classroom examples and discussion, and using this sheet as a guide, you will
make:
a dictionary of a language you create
AND
a poster displaying a short message written in your language.
Some Specifics
1.Poster
Use thin poster board. It is on this poster board that you will write your message.
The message can be anything that is appropriate for display: a short poem of your
own, a holiday or traditional greeting, anything really, as long as you get it
approved by me and can translate it into your new language.
Group Sizes (Cut poster board to appropriate size):
One Person:
a. Small Poster Board (about the size of a standard folder or
perhaps a little larger)
b. Short Message (just a short slogan or a few words)
Two People:
a. Mid-sized Posterboard (about 12 by 18 inches)
b. Mid-sized Message (about one sentence in length)
Three People:
a. Large Posterboard (about 22 by 28 inches)
b. Longer Message (original short poem or at least two
sentences)
2. Dictionary:
-Symbols and meanings will appear (neatly) in your dictionary. Put them into a
logical order and into labeled categories that make sense.
-You should have a variety of symbol types:
 About 1/4 should be pictographs (picture words).
ex:

=smile
 About 1/4 should be symbols that stand for sounds (phonemes).
ex:
±
= “ae” (Please note the SOUND, not just the letter.)
 About 1/4 should be symbols that stand for syllables (this makes up
what is called a syllabary). Try to use syllables that are not words
(“trans,” “di,” “pede,” “ral,” etc.) Save the words for another category.
ex:
µ
= “saunt”
 About 1/4 should be symbols that are logographs (words). Technically,
this includes pictographs. What you should do for this section is use
abstract(ed) symbols (not pictures) to stand for words.
ex:
‫ټ‬
= “car”
Important:
In your display, you must
use symbols from each
category. At least one of
your words should be
composed of two or more
kinds of symbols.
Group Sizes:
One Person:
about 30-40 symbols
Two People:
about 60-70 symbols
Three People:
about 120-130 symbols
What your dictionary will look like:
1. Take a sheet of standard-size computer or heavy cardstock paper.
2. Fold it in half, lengthwise, so that it looks like a small book cover. This is
the basic shell/cover of your dictionary.
3. Your words and definitions will go inside. You decide on your cover design,
layout, number of pages, etc.
How your dictionary and poster should be submitted for display:
(Follow this exactly, so that all of the projects can be easily displayed.)
 Your dictionary will hang from the lower, left-hand corner of your poster.
 Use a ribbon, wrap it around the spine of your dictionary, and tie the ribbon
on top (suggested); you may use an alternate way of fastening your
dictionary, as long as it is secure.
 Leave about four-seven inches of slack ribbon at the top of your dictionary.
 Staple the end of the ribbon to the lower left corner of your poster.
Poster
with
Message
[Sign your name and use a
symbol(s) that stand(s) for
your signature(s)]
/Your Staple or
punched hole
⌡
⌡
⌡
⌡
⌡
Exploring Writing Systems: Rubric
PART I: Poster w/ Message
Excellent (Stylish)---------Clear-------------Competent-----------Inadequate
10
9
8
7
6
5 or less
PART II: Dictionary
Stylish,
Clearly Labeled
& Categorized,
Complete
10
9
Clear,
Neat,
Complete
8
Fairly Neat,
Mostly Complete
7
Incomplete
6 or less
FINAL SCORE
20: A+ /19-18: A /17: A- /16: B+ /15-14: B /13: C /12-11:C- /10: D /<10: F
Front Cover
of Your
Dictionary,
Hanging
fr. Ribbon

This format will allow viewers to reference your dictionary and figure out your message.
Please Note:
This project will be completed almost entirely
outside of school. However, you are
encouraged to show me your rough sketches
so that I can be sure you are on the right
track (or guide you if you are not). You do
not have to work with anyone else. If you do,
you must coordinate meeting times and work
distribution.
Only the final product will be graded.
Project is due by
Thur, 1/15