British Museum: So You Think You've Got it Bad? A Kid's Life in the Aztec Age
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Part of Nosy Crow's list of publishing in collaboration with the British Museum and developed in consultation with one of the world's leading experts on the Aztecs.
A kid's life in the Aztec Age might sound like fun, what with all that brilliant sunny weather and exciting festivals, but...
Why read this book
- Engaging insights into Aztec culture and history.
- Illustrations bring ancient civilization to life.
- Promotes cultural awareness and historical knowledge.
- Interactive and educational for curious minds.
Discussion points
How do you think the daily life of an Aztec child was different from yours?
What Aztec traditions or rituals did you find interesting or surprising?
Can you imagine what it would be like to go to school or play games as an Aztec child?
What are some ways the Aztecs showed their strength and intelligence through their culture?
How do you think the Aztecs' environment influenced their lifestyle and traditions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily routine with that of an Aztec child to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of historical and cultural differences.
Discuss the importance of learning about ancient civilizations and how they contribute to our understanding of human history and cultural diversity.
Prompt your child to think critically about the challenges and benefits of living in the Aztec age, enhancing their analytical skills.
Emphasize empathetic understanding by asking your child how they would feel experiencing the customs and daily life of an Aztec child.
Use illustrations and descriptions in the book to help visualize the Aztec setting, making the discussion more engaging and relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse cultures
Explanation: The book introduces children to the unique and intriguing aspects of the Aztec civilization, highlighting their daily lives, traditions, and beliefs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences in cultures around them, promoting inclusivity and broadened perspectives in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of history
Explanation: By exploring what life was like for kids in the Aztec Age, the book connects young readers to the past, showing how history shapes our present.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children value history lessons in school and encourages them to explore more about other historical civilizations and their impacts today.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptation
Explanation: The book portrays the challenges faced by kids in the Aztec Age, such as engaging in rigorous training or learning complex religious rituals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that facing challenges and adapting to them is a part of life, which can help them in overcoming their own daily obstacles.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of basic amenities
Explanation: Through the depiction of the Aztec lifestyle, which lacked many modern comforts, children can recognize and be grateful for the amenities available today.
Real-World Application: This understanding fosters gratitude and mindfulness about the conveniences that they might otherwise take for granted, like clean water, education, and technology.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about societal norms
Explanation: By engaging with the customs and societal structures of the Aztecs, children are prompted to think critically about why societies function the way they do.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question and understand the reasons behind rules and norms in their own lives, fostering a more thoughtful and informed outlook.