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Childhood
in
Ancient
Egypt:
Toys,
Education,
and
Work

Last Updated: January 14, 2025

Edited by: Khaled B.

● Homemade toys: Dolls made of wood, cloth, or clay were common.

● Animal figures: Children played with carved animals and toy boats.

● Board games: Games like Senet taught strategy and social skills.

● Outdoor play: Running, swimming, and ball games were popular.

● Limited schooling: Formal education was mainly for boys from wealthy families.

● Learning to write: Students practiced hieroglyphs on clay tablets and papyrus.

● Training for careers: Education focused on becoming scribes, priests, or officials.

● Girls at home: Most girls learned household skills from their mothers.

● Helping the family: Children worked in farming, herding, or family workshops.

● Apprenticeships: Boys learned trades like carpentry or stone carving.

● Early labor: Many children worked long hours alongside adults.

● Social role: Work prepared children for adult life.

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