Ever wonder why some students seem to instantly “get” certain references in their reading while others stumble, even when their reading skills are similar? The difference isn’t intelligence — it’s cultural capital. This hidden advantage, built through experiences at home and in the community, can make or break reading comprehension. The good news? Teachers can intentionally build it in the classroom, making texts accessible to all learners. Here’s how to bridge those gaps, connect lessons to students’ lives, and ensure academic success doesn’t depend on what children already know when they walk through the door.

Thoth was revered for his intelligence. He was in charge of all knowledge, science, mathematics, and the written word. 

Sobek could protect people against the dangers of the Nile. Crocodiles were worshiped in some parts of Egypt, some were even mummified.

Set was known as the Lord of the Red Land and represented chaos, storms, and everything that could go wrong in the world.

Ptah was a creator god who made everything and was the patron of craftsmen. 

Ra was one of the most important gods in ancient Egypt and ruled over all the other gods, as well as the sky, earth, and underworld.

Osiris ruled over the afterlife and judged the souls of people who had died to decide if they could enter the peaceful afterlife.

As the goddess of magic, healing, motherhood, and protection, Isis was one of the most important and powerful goddesses in Ancient Egypt.

Horus was a sky god and his right eye was said to be the sun, and his left eye was the moon.

She was the goddess of the sky, but also love, beauty, music, dancing, motherhood, and joy. She was sometimes called the "Lady of Heaven."

Egyptians believed that Bes's fierce, frightening appearance could chase away demons and bad luck. His scary face was meant to protect people, not hurt them.

Bastet was the goddess of cats, women, children, the home, fertility, childbirth and secrets.

In Egyptian myth, Anubis was associated with death.