ANCA-WR Education Committee

Armenian Heritage

Overview

Armenians have inhabited a highland region, called the Armenian plateau, in northern part of the Middle East between the Black, Caspian, and Mediterranean seas for nearly 4000 years. Geographically situated on the crossroads of East and West and having a distinct socio-religious infrastructure, Armenians have created one of the oldest civilizations and a unique national culture that thrives today in the Republic of Armenia, a small easterly portion of ancient Armenia.

Lesson Plans

K - 1st Grade

INTRODUCING THE ARMENIAN ALPHABET

In this lesson, you will explore the letters and sounds of the Armenian alphabet.  You will compare and contrast the sounds of some of these letters by comparing them to the letters and sounds of the English alphabet. You will also discover one famous form of Armenian art. By the end of this lesson, you will color the Armenian letter of your first name initial using Armenian Trchnakir.

Students will be able to:

-Learn about the letters of the Armenian alphabet, including the sounds and styles of each letter
-Compare and contrast the style and sounds of some Armenian letters to style and sounds of English letters 
-Learn about one famous artistic style of Armenian culture
-Identify the Armenian letter that matches their first name initial

2nd - 3rd Grade

Armenian Traditional Clothing and Styles

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of traditional cultural clothing and some various styles around the world. Students will discover the clothing styles from the historic Armenian region of Van and what makes them unique. By the end of this lesson, students will participate in a class discussion and will create and decorate their own traditional costume.

Students will be able to:

-Explore different styles of traditional clothing
-Identify two styles used for Armenian traditional clothing from Van.
-Participate in a lesson reflective discussion 
-Build and decorate a traditional costume

4th - 5th Grade

Symbols and Memory-A Close Look at the Forget Me Not Flower

In this lesson, students will explore the meaning of symbols and how they can be used. Students will understand this concept by taking a close look at the remembrance symbol which honors the Armenian Genocide, theForget Me Not Flower symbol or Anmoruk. Students will learn about the different parts of this symbol and its connection to Armenian culture and identity. By the end of this lesson, students will create and write about their own remembrance symbol dedicated to someone, something or an experience from the past that holds special meaning in their life.

Students will be able to:

-Learn about symbols and how they are used.
-Discover the significance of the forget-me-not flower, as a commemorative symbol, for Armenian people around the world.
-Create their own symbol and write a descriptive essay about its meaning and significance