The Mysterious Ancient Maya (Cover-to-Cover Chapter Books: Ancient Civilizations)
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Introduces the ancient Maya; describes their cities, commerce, religion, learning, and everyday life; and discusses the Spanish conquest and its aftermath.
Discussion points
What do you think daily life was like for the Maya children compared to your daily life?
Why do you think the Mayans built such large and intricate temples and structures?
What aspects of the Mayan culture do you find most interesting and why?
How do you think the discoveries about the Mayans impact our understanding of history today?
If you could ask a Maya person one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use maps or images to visualize where the Maya civilization was located and discuss the geographical features.
Encourage your child to compare and contrast the Mayan achievements with those of other ancient civilizations they may know.
Ask your child to think about how Mayan inventions or ideas are still relevant or used today.
Explore further topics like the Mayan language or their calendar system to deepen the conversation.
Use the book as a starting point to discuss broader themes such as the importance of culture and the effects of time on historical understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding of historical civilizations
Explanation: This book draws children into the history and culture of the ancient Maya, providing detailed insights into their daily lives, innovations, and rituals.
Real-World Application: By learning about different cultures, children can develop a better understanding of the world's diversity, promoting inclusivity and respect for other traditions.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: As children read about the mysteries that the ancient Maya left behind, they see the importance of curiosity, which drove historians and archaeologists to explore and understand these ancient people.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own surroundings, ask questions, and seek answers, enhancing their problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity.
Example Lesson: Time management and technological advancements
Explanation: The book discusses how the ancient Maya created calendars and observed astronomical events, showcasing their advanced understanding of time.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of time management and how advancements in technology can be used to improve daily life.
Example Lesson: Learning from the past
Explanation: The story highlights how the achievements and errors of ancient civilizations like the Maya can teach valuable lessons about sustainability and societal structures.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the consequences of human actions on societies and the environment, fostering a sense of responsibility to learn from the past to improve our future.