Learning objective
- To describe the role of gods in ancient Maya life.
Success criteria
- I can name some ancient Maya gods.
- I can
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National curriculum
History
The National curriculum for history
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Cross-curricular links
Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Show the Presentation: Ancient Maya clues. Ask the children to match the names of the different ancient Maya landmarks to their correct names.
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Extended-mode explainer videos
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
- Could use the Knowledge organiser for vocabulary support, reading and discussions.
- Could use the Activity: Which god can help?: support version during the Main event.
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should write their own scenarios on the back of their activity sheet and explain which god could help and why.
- Could discuss which god or goddess might have had the most impact on the lives of some ancient Maya people and why, considering aspects like farming, weather, creation and community games.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Name some ancient Maya gods.
- Describe what they are
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Vocabulary definitions
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Ceiba tree
A tall and important tree that grows in tropical rainforests, believed by some people to connect the sky, Earth and underworld.
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Chaac
The Maya god of rain.
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In this unit
Assessment - History Y4: The ancient Maya
Lesson 1: How did the ancient Maya settle in a rainforest?
Lesson 2: What do remains tell us about ancient Maya cities?
Lesson 3: What did the ancient Maya believe?
Lesson 4: How did the Maya reflect world beliefs in their inventions?
Lesson 5: How important was cacao to the ancient Maya?
Lesson 6: What caused the decline of the ancient Maya cities?
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 5th March, 2026
Lesson 5: How important was cacao to the ancient Maya?
Exploring the importance of cacao to draw conclusions about ancient Maya life.
Lesson 2: What do remains tell us about ancient Maya cities?
Exploring archaeological remains to make inferences about life in ancient Maya cities.
Lesson 4: How did the Maya reflect world beliefs in their inventions?
Acting as archivists, the children explore and record some of the inventions of the ancient...
Lesson 6: What caused the decline of the ancient Maya cities?
Investigating the end of the Classic period Maya city states.
