Fig trees and codices

Topics Year 4/5
This unit is part of Maya Writing

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Objectives

History

Develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study.
Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.
Undertake an in-depth study of a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history - The Maya civilisation.

Art

Gain an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.
Improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials.

Lesson Planning

Marvel at the four main Maya codices; design, paint and make a class Maya codex on ‘tree bark’.

Teaching Outcomes:

To look at Maya codices, their importance and what they contained.
To learn about the important codices (Dresden, Madrid and Paris) and where they were found.
To design, paint and make class Maya codex on ‘tree bark’ (paper and PVA glue).

Children will:

Gain an insight into the three Maya codices, their importance and what they contained.
Design, paint and make class Maya codex on ‘tree bark’ (paper and PVA glue).

Planning

Provided Resources

Maya codices
How to make a Maya codex

Unit Resources

You Will Need

Figs (ready to eat, dried or fresh)
Tea bags
Small decorating rollers
PVA glue and brown paint
Masking tape

Weblinks

Mystic music of the Maya - YouTube clip
Background information on Maya codices from mayacodices.org
Detailed information on Maya writing from ancientscripts.com
Information about the codices from mayadiscovery.com
The Dresden codex in a museum – YouTube clip