This morning our Year 3 pupils were visited by two special guests who transported the children into the world of Mexico in our very own Ark. With costumes, artefacts, instruments and foods the children learnt many facts about the Mexican culture and the Aztec traditions. They explored the Aztec language, Nahuatl, and learnt some chants the Aztecs used to use at sporting events. Dressed in the Aztec traditional garments and head dresses the Year 3 children reinacted a Mesoamerican Ballgame alternatively known to us as a football match. Using a ball created with rubber the players would knock the ball with their hips, this was otherwise known as a hip game whilst the audience would use percussion and chanting to encourage their players. They would shout hip hip hooray if their players succeeded. The Jaguar Warriors and Judge would be present to ensure the game was pleasing the Gods.
The children learnt about the origin of chocolate and experimented with many different instruments. There was a large variety of wind instruments in Aztec times such as clay flutes, ocarinas and conch shells. The children tried their hand at a couple of these and some percussion instruments such as the huehuetl, a large hand covered drum covered with a animal hide cover. The children enjoyed an insightful morning into the Aztec and Mexican worlds, what an amazing experience.
