10 – 12

Aztecs, Mayans and Incas

Activity

Aztecs, Mayans and Incas

What to do with this activity?

Before Europeans arrived on the American continents there were sophisticated civilizations, cities and empires in Central and South America. The most important of these were the Aztecs who settled in what is now Mexico; the Mayans who lived in Central America; and the Incas on the west coast of South America. These great civilizations were largely destroyed by war and disease once the Spanish arrived in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

It is still possible to visit the amazing pyramids and remains of cities that they left behind. Historians know a lot about how they lived, but there are still many mysteries.

Find out lots about these three ancient civilizations from Ducksters here, and from the beautifully illustrated Doris Kinderley website here. This link opens on the Aztecs - find the Incas and Mayans linked at the bottom of the page. 

  • Why am I doing this?

    It’s important to encourage whatever reading your child is doing at this age. Children have their own interests and hobbies so they will be more inclined to read information about these subjects. Having comics, papers or magazines around the house will make it easier for your child to get into reading. Your child might find it appealing to read online and you might like that the book can be read by an automated voice. E books can be looked at when you are on the move, making sure that your child is careful with your computer or phone.

  • How can I do more?

    Your child might like to read a section of the newspaper or a magazine – the sports, fashion or cooking sections - depending on their interests. They might like to read a short piece from a newspaper and underline facts with a pen and opinion with a pencil. You can then talk about the difference between fact and opinion (there are good examples in sports writing). Encourage your child to read instructions for mending bikes, building models and playing new games.

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