Intro to ancient Mayans
This learning block represents one week’s work. Aim to watch at least one video and choose at least one activity or project to complete.
There are three videos to choose from about ancient Mayans. The first one is better for younger kids, the second one will appeal to older kids. The third one would be great to watch as a family. Feel free to watch one, or all three!
If you liked the trailer for Living on One Dollar, ask your parents if you can watch the full movie. It’s available here, for free, on YouTube.
Now choose an Activity
Make a Mayan Mask
Here’s a link to a video that is all about Mayan masks, where they were made and what they were for. At the end of the video are instructions for making your own mask.
Or, you can download a coloring page of a Mayan mask to print and color. It’s up to you!
Make People of The Corn
Corn is very important to the Mayan people. They call themselves “the people of the corn” because they believe that people were made from corn in their creation myth.
Watch this video with Mayan people talking about why corn is important to them and telling their creation story. The language they are speaking is Q’iche Mayan.
One of 20 Mayan languages that are still used.
After you watch, here is a recipe for cornstarch based playdough to make. Now craft your own small “people of the corn.”
Mayan Codex Project
The Mayans have an elaborate system of writing using picture blocks called glyphs. Watch this video about the Mayan glyphs and codex. Then click here to learn how to make your own Mayan Codex.
Books About Mayans
Click on a book to buy it from Amazon. Or, you can ask for them at your local library.
