Rebus 1 | Rebus 2 | Rebus 3 | Rebus 4

Imagine that you had to write a story or a letter to someone who does not speak or read your language. What could you do? Draw pictures.

To communicate thousands of years ago, many people used pictures instead of written words. Cave dwellers drew pictures on walls of caves. Native Americans painted stories on animal skins, and even wove pictures into belts of shells called wampum.

Part I - A rebus is a form of picture writing. In a rebus, words and letters are used with a series of pictures or symbols whose names sound like syllables or words. We "read" the pictures. Test your skills at picture reading with the rebus below.

What a City!

You may know that DC is the of the It is the legislative and administrative of the But did you know that Philadelphia was actually the first A decision was made to move the in 1790 George chose a Maryland and Virginia on the east of the River for the new which was named after him.

this new Federal City required a lot of planning and building The was by Pierre Lenfant. Several buildings had to be like the White and the . The White located at 1600 Avenue has been home to all of the presidents after George . The is the meets. held its first session there in 1880.

An that runs from the to the River was also . Its called the Mall. There are several and sights the Mall. DC is home to lots of museums, parks and sports too.

Did you notice something missing? There isn't any punctuation in the story. Early picture writing did not use any periods, commas, quotation marks, or other punctuation. Reread the rebus and add the appropriate punctuation. Did it make it easier to read?

Part II - Now it's your turn! Write a rebus about one of these topics, or make up one of your own. Be sure to use punctuation marks to make your story easier to read.

A Famous Sight in Washington, D.C.
A Recipe for Making Your Favorite Food
A Mystery Object
A Vacation
Your Favorite Sport