Life in the Time of Moctezuma and the Aztecs
Life in the time of Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Traces the history of the Aztec Indians, describing their religion, social structure, daily life, and the consequences of their contact with the Spanish during the reign of Moctezuma II. The book is a hardcover and part of the 'Life in the Time of' series, with a table of contents shown in the second photo.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
63 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for children your age in the Aztec civilization?
How do you think the Aztecs' beliefs influenced their daily life and traditions?
If you were a part of the Aztec community, what role would you like to play and why?
How were the Aztecs' scientific and architectural skills important to their society?
What lessons can we learn from the Aztec civilization that are still relevant today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about the Aztecs and what they hope to learn from the book.
Illustrate discussions with examples from the book to make connections between the text and the questions.
Encourage your child to compare and contrast their daily life with that of a child during the Aztec era.
Link discussions to imagery in the book, enhancing visual understanding and engagement.
Post-reading, revisit your child’s initial perceptions of the Aztecs and address any changes in their understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Understanding
Explanation: The book offers insights into the rich history and culture of the Aztecs during the reign of Moctezuma, highlighting their traditions, values, and way of life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, enhancing their global awareness and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Leadership
Explanation: Moctezuma’s role as a leader is explored, illustrating how his decisions impacted his people and their history.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the roles and responsibilities of a leader, promoting qualities like decision-making and accountability in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The challenges faced by the Aztecs, including their encounters with Spanish conquistadors, are depicted, showing their strength and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain strong and resilient in the face of challenges, using adversity as a stepping stone for growth.
Example Lesson: Value of Knowledge and Learning
Explanation: The book delves into Aztec innovations and their commitment to education, as seen in their use of codices and calendars.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value education and pursue knowledge, understanding its power to enhance lives and societies.