Students explore the facts and the effect of the Aryan migration to India in ancient times. Then, they learn about the caste system, which was built upon Aryan social class structure. Finally, they write imaginatively describing their images of Aryan life.
Students are introduced to the Aryans and Vedic culture through brief background text and images. They watch a selected segment of The Aryan Migration—Invasion and Influence on India to see how the Aryans may have migrated into India and influenced religion and language. Students then submit a question they have about the Aryans to a shared class table and review and discuss classmates’ questions with a partner.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives. Prepare and cue the video segment so students can easily view the correct portion. After students post their questions, prompt them to discuss patterns and curiosities that emerge. Optionally, direct interested students to the History of Sanskrit video and use Introduction to the Vedic Period for your own background knowledge.
Students read The Aryans and the Vedic Age to learn about key phases of Aryan history and culture. They complete a three-part graphic organizer, taking notes on movement, accomplishments, and lifestyle in each major time period. Students then watch Vedic Age (Vedic Period) and add three new facts from the video, beyond what they learned in the reading, to a shared class table.
Teacher MovesSupport students who may struggle with the video by directing them to the on-screen script. After students record their facts, lead a discussion comparing the Aryans with other civilizations students have studied, such as the Indus Valley or the Assyrians. Highlight the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age mentioned in the reading and invite students to orally review what they know about these technological changes.
Students read The Caste System (first nine paragraphs) to learn the basics of caste divisions and then watch What Is India’s Caste System? And Who Are the Dalits? to see how caste operates in people’s lives. Using a graphic organizer, they take notes on the roles and characteristics of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Sudras, and Untouchables (Dalits). Finally, they post an explanation to a class wall describing how the caste system functioned and how it impacted society, using evidence from the lesson.
Teacher MovesUse students’ wall posts to spark a whole-class discussion about the caste system. Ask questions such as why a society might adopt a caste system, why low-caste people might accept it, and whether a caste system could work in the United States, encouraging students to support their ideas with evidence from the reading and video.
Students read Ancient India Daily Life, Aryans to learn about everyday life in Aryan (Vedic) civilization. Drawing on this information and their imagination, they write a one-paragraph blog-style post describing what they think life would be like in ancient Aryan society, then read classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesInvite several students to read their posts aloud and guide a discussion comparing different visualizations of Aryan daily life. Consider publishing student work on a class blog or similar platform to showcase their writing.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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