How to Make Faux Egyptian Tablets

The Rosetta Stone was instrumental in helping researchers understand the nature of hieroglyphics.

Hieroglyphics were the complex written language of the ancient Egyptians. Unlike the Roman alphabet, different hieroglyphics represented separate words rather than specific sounds. If your children are interested in the ancient Egyptians and their culture, help them make their own faux Egyptian tablets that have been inscribed with hieroglyphics.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Butter knife
• Paper plate

Instructions

1. Spread newspaper over your working area.

2. Grab a piece of air-dry clay that is about half the size of a fist and work it until it is soft.

3. Roll out the piece of air-dry clay on the newspaper using a rolling pin. Make the clay about 1 inch thick.

4. Cut a rectangular shape about the size of your hand from the clay using a butter knife.

5. Place the rectangle on a paper plate.

6. Give the paper plate as well as a butter knife to the children and ask them to carve their own hieroglyphics onto the tablet. See the Resources for examples of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

7. Set the paper plate aside for 24 hours, giving the clay time to dry and harden.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow the children to paint the tablet with acrylic paint after the clay is dry.

• Spray the tablet with an acrylic fixative to protect it after the child is completely done.

Resources

• Woodlands Junior School; Egyptian Writing; Mandy Barrow
• Ancient Egypt: Writing
• First Palatte: Egyptian Hieroglyphic Stone Craft
• Mr. Donn's Ancient History: Ancient Egypt Lesson Plans