Do you remember how you learned about ancient civilizations and the earliest forms of writing? Perhaps you remember simply memorizing facts about the Sumerians and ancient Mesopotamia. Our students have to learn a lot of facts, as well. Orchard teachers, however, always go the extra mile to make lessons more meaningful for their students. The students create their own alphabet and inscribe a message on a clay tablet. Two weeks later, after the tablets have dried, the students must translate another student’s tablet! What a wonderful way to engage our students and make ancient civilizations come alive!