KS2 - Maya - Daily Life

Through engaging, enquiry-based lessons, children will discover how the Maya lived, worked together, and developed ingenious farming techniques that enabled them to thrive in harmony with their environment. By comparing the achievements and traditions of the ancient Maya with aspects of modern British history, children deepen their historical understanding while developing curiosity and critical thinking.

Lesson Plans

Maya homes

During this immersive outdoor lesson, your children will explore the fascinating world of Maya daily life through traditional architecture. By contrasting ancient building techniques with modern British history, children develop an understanding of how non-European societies expertly adapted to their environments.

Learning objective:

To understand how Maya homes were built using natural materials.

Roles in society

Step outdoors to uncover the vital societal roles that powered the ancient Maya civilisation. This dynamic lesson uses immersive, hands-on enquiry to challenge children to contrast ancient daily life with their own modern world.

Learning objective:

To know and understand the importance of different roles in Maya society.

Maya clothing

Unleash your children’s creativity as they step outside to discover how the ancient Maya used nature’s vibrant palette to signal status and identity. This lesson provides an immersive exploration of non-European society, challenging children to investigate the fascinating link between the environment and social hierarchy.

Learning objective:

To describe what different members of the Maya society wore.

Maya farming techniques

This engaging outdoor lesson encourages pupils to compare ancient sustainable farming with modern methods, fostering a deep understanding of how non-European societies worked in perfect harmony with their environment.

Learning objective:

To compare and contrast how foods were grown and prepared during the Maya civilisation.

Before you get started

Safety and sustainability is super important!