The Maya – Year 5

Year 5 – The Maya

This half term, we have been studying The Maya. There have been many opportunities for cross-curricular learning and the children have enjoyed reading a variety of texts related to the topic too.

We started our topic by learning how to make traditional Mayan Hot Chocolate. The bitter, earthy taste certainly wasn’t to everyone’s taste but the experience was enjoyable! The children then learned about an ancient game called Pok a Tok. They spent time outside setting up their courts and trying to play this game. Despite the difficult rules, they did really well and were all very enthusiastic. We then became archaeologists and took it turns extracting Mayan poo. The children had great fun working out what different foods they used to eat from this!

In writing, we have focused on the Maya and the children have produced some wonderful pieces including instructions, a fact file, and an explanation text. Through cross-curricular opportunities like these, the children have consolidated learning and made good links in their knowledge.

What The Student Says

Last half term, I enjoyed learning about the Maya and the Mayan civilisation because we learnt how to make a Mayan hot chocolate, we learnt how to play Pok a Tok and we learnt about what they ate and what activities they did. After a few lessons, we inspected Mayan poo and we wrote about life in the Mayan civilisation.

What knowledge and skills have been developed?

  • developed their creativity and imaginations
  • further developed their understanding and enthusiasm for ancient studies
  • made links to their prior knowledge
  • worked collaboratively to complete mini-projects
  • increased their confidence and communication skills

What the Teacher says

This topic has been one of my favourite to teach! From day one the children have approached all aspects of learning with great enthusiasm and engagement. They have loved the Hot Chocolate making, playing Pok a Tok, and developing their knowledge through active learning in history. Miss O'Connell - Year 5

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