Pharaohs and Power Lesson Plan
Learning Objective: Pupils can explain the role of the pharaoh and why they were so powerful
About this resource
This comprehensive lesson plan provides everything you need to teach Year 4 pupils about the fascinating world of Ancient Egyptian pharaohs. It delves into their significant role and immense power, offering engaging activities and clear explanations to help children understand this key aspect of history. Designed for KS2, this resource directly supports the UK National Curriculum by exploring a significant historical civilisation.
Starter
10 minutesShow images of pharaoh masks and statues. Ask: 'Who were the pharaohs? Why were they shown wearing gold and jewels?' Introduce the pharaoh as both king and god.
Main Activity
30 minutesPart 1: The Pharaoh's Role Teach the key responsibilities:
- Political leader (made laws, collected taxes, led the army)
- Religious leader (believed to be a living god, performed ceremonies)
- Builder (commissioned pyramids, temples, monuments)
- Judge (settled disputes, punished criminals)
Part 2: Famous Pharaohs Research Groups research one pharaoh each:
- Tutankhamun (boy king, famous tomb)
- Hatshepsut (female pharaoh, great builder)
- Ramesses II (warrior king, Abu Simbel)
- Cleopatra VII (last pharaoh, Roman connections)
Create a fact file poster for your pharaoh.
Part 3: Pharaoh for a Day Write a diary entry as a pharaoh. What decisions would you make? What ceremonies would you perform?
Plenary
10 minutesEach group presents their pharaoh. Class votes: 'Which pharaoh would you most like to meet and why?' Discuss how pharaohs' power compares to modern leaders.
Differentiation
SEN Support
Simplified fact file template. Key facts on cards. Paired research.
EAL Support
Visual pharaoh cards. Key vocabulary: pharaoh, dynasty, tomb, ceremony. Sentence starters for diary.
Gifted & Talented
Compare the power of pharaohs to modern heads of state. Research the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb by Howard Carter.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can describe at least 3 pharaoh responsibilities
- Can name 2 famous pharaohs and their achievements
- Can explain why pharaohs were considered gods
Cross-Curricular Links
Teaching Ancient Egypt? Let Giant Journeys transport your class back to the land of the pharaohs — mummification, hieroglyphics, and the secrets of the pyramids await. Visit: https://www.giantjourneys.co.uk