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Maya Teacher Resources
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What on earth is that jar for? It was an ancient incense burner used by the Maya, that was inspired by the myth of the sun god. Young analysts hear the story of the Mayan sun god, analyze the story through the artistry in the jar, and then write a continuation of the ancient tale. Background information, images, and analysis notes are included.
Creative projects are a great way to engage your class and can be a fun way to assess mastery! Learners create brochures and postcards that might have been created by and for travelers to ancient Mayan cities. They read and discuss the New York Times article "In Maya Ruins, Scholars See Evidence of Urban Sprawl" and explore a website on Mayan sites.
Students investigate the Maya civilization. In this Maya civilization lesson, students view a PowerPoint presentation and record notes. Students explore several important landmarks, such as the "Magician's Palace" at Uxmal.
The Maya created amazing stone carvings and sculptures, but what were they for? Kids analyze the significance and purpose of a Maya stela and then write a creative piece. They imagine they are the stela, and write a story about what life as a limestone, and then as a carved stela was like. A great writing prompt that includes art history and research!
Giving gifts has been a part of the human experience since modern man walked the earth. Upper graders explore the culture of gift giving in Mayan times through an artistic analysis. They analyze gift giving and palace life as seen on an ancient vase. They then write a personal narrative that describes a time when they either gave or received a special gift.
Meant for use with Maya Angelou's first autobiographical volume I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the materials here are designed for a homeschool setting, but they'd suit any classroom or text. Graphic organizers, chapter summary guides, vocabulary practice, response to literature ideas, writing prompts, a plot flow chart, character map, and reading schedules are provided.
Students recognize the relationships between Maya city-states during the classical period. They prepare news reports about major events of the period such as the capture of a rival king and his city-state.
To break down complex themes, discuss a sense of self, and learn a bit about Mayan culture, learners start through art analysis. They analyze a Mayan incense burner, discuss themes, and then write a short story that includes themes from discussion. Great pictures and a full two-day procedure make for a very nice lesson.
Students explore the culture of the Mayans through a variety of activities. For this lesson about Maya, students analyze pictures in books and on websites, produce scale models of Maya architecture, and create Maya mosaics. Students study Maya myths, analyze and create glyphs or pictures, role-play as warriors, write to a Maya pen-pal, and finally enjoy a Maya feast. Students develop a true understanding of the Maya people by the close of this lesson.
Young scholars research the culture of the Mayans. In this early civilizations lesson, students research selected Maya city-states including Tikal, Clakmul, Piedras Niegras, and Uaxactun. Young scholars use their research findings to present news reports to their classmates.