Prehistory/Early Humankind: Overview
Details of e-lessons at http://members.cox.net/e-lessons (Email David at tei@cox.net)
These 15 e-lessons are based on the Waldorf/WideHorizon Teaching Packs: Ancient Civilizations
Details of WideHorizon Resources (9 Teacher Packs) at: http://members.cox.net/waldorfedu/weredu/index.html
Details of Waldorf Resources lessons and packs(9 Units divided into 32 SubUnits) at:
http://members.cox.net/waldorfedu/waldorfeduPages/WorldH.html
Powerpoint presentation at: mhtml:http://members.cox.net/waldorfedu5/powerpoint/P_Prehistory.mht
The first number of the e-lessons is based on the numbering of the nine Units (1-9).
Please abide by copyright.

G6 Unit 1 Prehistory/Early Humankind (list of e-lessons at end of overview)
The initial e-lessons on Prehistory introduce students to the study of ancient history and how we learn about past civilizations. Students are introduced to historical sources and to the importance of evaluating sources (E-L 1.1 What are historical sources? Information) followed by activities (E-L 1.2 What are historical sources? Activities). Students learn about archaeology in E-L 1.3 through a story, Andrea: Aspiring Archaeologist, and information and activities; and in E-L 1.4 about famous archaeologists.

Paleontological Discoveries in East Africa is taught in E-L.1.5 and the e-lesson includes a guided reading activity. Students learn how to work out how old an artifact is in E-L 1.6 How Old Is It? In E-L 1.7 a story of the Neanderthals Neândi and Lamud describes the lifestyles of the Neanderthals. Learning about the Crô-Magnons occurs in E-L 1.8. E-L 1.9 is a readers theatre activity about the Crô-Magnons.

In E-L 1.10 students learn about the Lascaux Caves through a story and guided reading activity. The transition from hunting-gathering to farming is taught through a story (E-L 1.11 Komo, the Storyteller). In E-L 1.12 a story introduces students to Çatal Hüyük, one of the world’s earliest Neolithic settlements.

The forming of communities in the Neolithic Age is described in E-Lesson 1.13 Houses, Clothing and Transportation in Neolithic Settlements and E-Lesson 1.14 Food, Art and Religion, and Pottery in Neolithic Settlements. E-L 1.15 contains review exercises on various areas of Prehistory/Early Humankind.

Overview
The fifteen free e-lessons on Prehistory/Early Humankind are organized in modular format so that the teacher can work through them sequentially or selectively. The approach is holistic and interdisciplinary and, when appropriate, strategies or subject matter from other disciplines have been included. There is extensive variation in the material so that it relates to different abilities, interests, aptitudes and temperaments. E-lessons are written and organized to be developmentally appropriate.

The approach encourages students to express what they have learned through a variety of creative and artistic formats and written assignments. It encourages students to move beyond their own experience in order to understand and respect the efforts of past historical figures. One of the best ways for students to gain this understanding is though autobiographical and biographical stories (and dramas). Students instinctively relate and empathize with figures of the past through stories. Many stories and dramas are provided from which students are able to imaginatively construct the past. Controversial issues are dealt with objectively and non-judgmentally, and in the context of their time and place.

What is the story of humans on this planet?
One important tenet of our philosophy is to convey to students how the human race has, throughout history, overcome enormous odds. How the human spirit has struggled against adversity, been involved in failure and disappointment, but also achievement and success. What is the essence of this spirit? In part, it is concerned with attitudes and motivation, in part with values and beliefs. It is concerned with honor and integrity as well as deviousness and cunning; with sacrifice and love of fellow human beings. Students need to learn the achievements of their ancestors, their mistakes (do we inevitably repeat such mistakes?); where they acted selfishly and selflessly.

Conclusion
We believe that students want to learn, and given the right structure, methodology and content, they will. If learning occurs in a purposeful and appropriate manner, self-confidence and self-esteem will increase - the material is structured for this to occur. We strive continually to improve the material and welcome constructive comment and criticism.

The following free Prehistory/Early Humankind e-lessons are available:
E-L 1.1 What are historical sources? Information
Free lesson designed to introduce students to historical sources
E-L 1.2 What are historical sources? Activities
Free lesson of activities for students to learn about historical sources
E-L 1.3 Archaeology
Free lesson/story including information and activities about archaeology
E-L 1.4 Famous Archaeologists
Free lesson about famous archaeologists
E-L.1.5 Early Times: Paleontological Discoveries in East Africa
Free lesson including information and guided reading activity
E-L.1.6 How Old Is It?
Free lesson showing students how to work out how old an artifact is
E-L 1.7 Story of Neanderthals Neândi and Lamud
Free lesson/story describing the lifestyles of Neanderthals Neândi and Lamud
E-L 1.8 Crô-Magnons
Free lesson about the Crô-Magnons
E-L 1.9 Readers Theatre activity about the Crô-Magnons
Free lesson on Readers Theatre activity about the Crô-Magnons
E-L 1.10 Lascaux Caves
Free lesson/story and guided reading activity on the Lascaux Caves
E-L 1.11 Komo, the Storyteller
Free lesson/story on the transition from hunting-gathering to farmin
E-L 1.12 A Story about Çatal Hüyük
Free lesson/story on one of the world’s earliest Neolithic settlements
E-L 1.13 Houses, Clothing and Transportation in Neolithic Settlements
Free lesson on the forming of communities in the Neolithic Age
E-L 1.14 Food, Art and Religion, and Pottery in Neolithic Settlements
Free lesson on the forming of communities in the Neolithic Age
E-L 1.15 Review Exercises
Free lesson giving teachers and students the opportunity to review Prehistory/Early Humankind