Learning objective
- To make inferences about the ancient Maya from the remains of their cities.
Success criteria
- I can identify landmarks found in Maya cities.
- I
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National curriculum
History
The National curriculum for history
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Cross-curricular links
English
Reading comprehension
Pupils should
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Show the Presentation: 3, 2, 1 and hand out the whiteboards and pens. Read the slide and allow time for the children to write their responses.
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Extended-mode explainer videos
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
- Should use the example and word bank on the slide to help them make inferences during the Main event.
- Could explain their ideas verbally rather than in writing, allowing them to focus on discussion and reasoning
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should make more detailed inferences to explain what the evidence suggests about Maya society during the Main event.
- Could link landmarks to draw wider conclusions during the Wrapping up.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Identify key landmarks in a Maya city.
- Use clues
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Vocabulary definitions
-
archaeological remains
Physical evidence (like tools, buildings and bones) from the past that have been found.
-
city state
A large, independent city which governs the surrounding area.
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In this unit
Assessment - History Y3/4 (B): The ancient Maya
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 1: How did the ancient Maya settle in a rainforest?
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 2: What do remains tell us about ancient Maya cities?
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 3: What did the ancient Maya believe?
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 4: How did the Maya reflect world beliefs in their inventions?
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 5: How important was chocolate to the ancient Maya?
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 6: What caused the decline of the Ancient Maya cities?
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 6th March, 2026
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 1: How did the ancient Maya settle in a rainforest?
Exploring where the ancient Maya settled, the challenges of rainforest life and the solutions they...
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 2: What do remains tell us about ancient Maya cities?
Exploring archaeological remains to make inferences about life in ancient Maya cities.
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 6: What caused the decline of the Ancient Maya cities?
Investigating the end of the Classic period Maya city states.
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 5: How important was chocolate to the ancient Maya?
Using historical artefacts to make deductions about the use and importance of the cacao.
