This article details fun, educational ideas for hosting a party with an ancient Egyptian theme.

Ancient Egypt is a topic full of intrigue for children. Hosting a party with an ancient Egyptian theme can encourage a love of learning about the mysteries of the past, and serve as a wrap-up for concepts taught in the classroom.

Egyptian Feast Menu

Children will enjoy trying some of the foods on which Egyptians dined long ago. Preparations do not need to be elaborate. Children will appreciate having a balance of foods they recognize, with a few new foods to try. Some fruits to include on your table include grapes, pomegranates, figs and raisins. Snacks such as cheese slices , wedges of pita bread , marinated meatballs, and small pieces of roasted chicken or duck are realistic representations of food eaten during this time period.

Two fun items to include, although not eaten in ancient Egypt, are hotdogs wrapped in crescent rolls with ketchup dotted eyes (mummy dogs), and a pyramid-shaped cake with hidden treasure inside (foil-wrapped coins or miniature candy bars).

Egyptian Games

Egyptian children played games similar to games that today's children play. Both active, group games and quieter games for pairs of students may be included in your event. Active games that would be fun to include are tag, relay races in which children push "stones" (bags of dog food), and pyramid -building competitions with the use of cardboard building bricks.

A silly game of "wrap the mummy" is accomplished with partners and a roll of toilet paper. On the quieter side is the Egyptian game , Senet, a board game similar to backgammon or checkers , which can be made out of a shoebox. Memory games can be made by printing out pictures of Egyptian artifacts. Egyptian trivia is another fun activity and a good method of review as well.

Culminating Crafts and Activities

Create a costume center where students can dress up in period finery. Simple costumes can consist of white sheets wrapped around the waist for boys or around the torso for girls, striped squares of material for headcoverings,and goldtoned bracelets and necklaces.If feasible, arrange to have someone who has done some travelling share a video or slides of modern day Egypt. Compare what is shared with what the children know about Egypt in ancient times. Students can design their own travel brochures displaying the highlights of the country.

A special way to end your celebration of ancient Egypt is to create a special memento to take home. Students may enjoy making a name plaque with hieroglyphics, or carving an amulet out of soap (use plastic knives).

Remember to take lots of pictures as well to document the historically great time you have had together.