Year 6 have had an unforgettable experience over the last two weeks as we stepped back in time to explore the fascinating world of the ancient Maya. Our special Maya Day, last week, was packed with hands-on activities that brought history to life and gave everyone a real taste of this remarkable civilisation.
One of the highlights of the day was making and tasting chocolatl, the traditional Mayan chocolate drink. The children discovered how the Maya were among the first people to enjoy chocolate, although their version was very different from the sweet treats we know today! Everyone enjoyed preparing the drink and bravely tasting its rich and unusual flavour.
We also had the chance to examine a range of Mayan artefacts, learning about how archaeologists use objects from the past to understand ancient cultures. The children were fascinated by the intricate designs and the stories these artefacts told about everyday life in the Maya civilisation.
Another exciting activity was learning to write using Mayan hieroglyphs. The children practised creating symbols and names, discovering just how complex and creative the Mayan writing system was. It was wonderful to see everyone’s enthusiasm as they carefully copied the ancient script.
To finish the day, Year 6 took part in a lively game of pok-a-tok, the ancient Mayan ball game. The children loved finding out about this traditional sport and enjoyed having a go themselves, showing great teamwork and plenty of competitive spirit.
Throughout the week, the learning continued as the children designed, made and painted their own Mayan masks. They showed fantastic creativity and attention to detail, using bright colours and patterns inspired by authentic Mayan art. The finished masks looked incredible and were a wonderful way to celebrate all they had learned.
Please take a look at the photos below to see Year 6 immersed in their Maya Day activities and to celebrate their fantastic work throughout the week!
