If you’re a social studies teacher looking to enhance your curriculum or searching for supplementary resources, you’ve found the right place. I want to help every teacher be their best when teaching your Israel unit! The following resources are activities I personally use in my Ancient Egypt units.
Hebrews Israel Bell Ringers
I kick off my Ancient Egypt unit with dynamic, no-prep, skill-based bell ringers. Each bell ringer engages students by reviewing content and practicing crucial reading and writing skills such as subject/verb identification, citation, and sentence writing, with fun drawing prompts included. This approach not only prepares students for the day’s lesson but helps with classroom management, establishing routines and maintaining student expectations.
Hebrews and Israel Map & Reading Activity
I start every ancient or medieval world history unit with an immersive map activity. This Hebrews and Israelites Map & Reading Activity provides students with a hands-on approach to understanding Middle Eastern geography, and its impact on Israel. Each lesson includes interactive map labeling, coloring tasks, followed by a short reading passage and writing activity on geographic influences, as well as a Google Classroom or printable quiz.
Israel Report Card Reading Activity
When I plan a reading comprehension activity, I want to make it interesting for students. In the Israel Report Card Reading Activity, I transform my students into teacher-historians as they study the Hebrews and Israel. Students read GRAPES thematic reading passages about the , answer questions based on each theme, then grade each theme. Finally, they calculate the empire’s GPA and write teacher comments.
Jewish People Documentary
Documentaries provide a great opportunity for students to learn or review using visual mediums. I tell my students that documentaries are like virtual field trips because we get to hear from historians and archaeologists, and see the actual sites students have studied. I also like to mix it up! Documentaries are a nice change of pace for classes, and they are great for sub plans too!
This incredible FREE Jewish People Documentary handout is perfect for a Hebrews – Israelites Unit. This handout will help keep students engaged while they watch the first half (20 minutes) of Jewish People – A Story of Survival PBS Documentary. It covers the founding stories and people of Judaism: Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, exile and the diaspora.
Solomon’s Temple Project
Engage students with a hands-on 3D project where they construct a Solomon’s Temple Project. This culminating activity integrates key terms and historical events, encouraging collaborative learning and creative expression. A detailed checklist and rubric ensure project quality and classroom decoration.
Israel Puppet Project
We’ve all had classes that just won’t participate. Whether it’s personalities or just how kids are these days, sometimes it is hard to get a good discussion going in class. The way I promote active participation is by using Gen Z and Alpha slang in the Israel Puppet Project. Students use slang and key terms to write a script bragging about Abraham, Moses, Sarah, Ruth and Israel. They then translate their slang into academic language. Finally, they talk with other students or perform a puppet show about Israel’s history.
Hebrews Israel Test
I used to dread making tests for my ancient and world history units. If you need help writing your unit test for the Hebrews Israel Test, use this assessment covering Middle East geography, the Hebrews and Israel and much more. There is a regular and modified version, a study guide and writing tests.
The Hebrews Israel unit is designed with teachers in mind. It is full of time-saving activities. You will get more student buy-in with interactive simulations, hands-on projects, and insightful discussions on historical figures. Designed for flexibility, the Hebrews and Israel unit helps teachers be their best!
Be sure to listen to the Middle Ages Podcast for more awesome ideas ancient and world history teachers!