TEACHER’S GUIDE
TEACHER’S GUIDE
• The Olmec, Maya, and Aztec were some of the advanced societies in Mexico
during ancient times. Have students research each group and compile their
collected information into a Venn diagram. Discuss the commonalities and
differences revealed in the diagram.
• Jaguars and eagles were important symbols of strength for Aztec warriors.
These animals are referenced in hieroglyphics, folktales and even in battle
armor. Have students create costumes that honor these animals just like the
Aztec did so long ago.
Suggested Internet Resources
Periodically, Internet Resources are updated on our web site at
www.LibraryVideo.com
• www.elbalero.gob.mx/index_kids.html
“Mexico for Kids,” sponsored by the Presidency of the Republic of Mexico,
gives Mexican facts from its history to the biodiversity of Mexican wildlife.
• www.umkc.edu/imc/cincomay.htm
This site from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Education
provides Cinco de Mayo lesson plans, activities and songs.
• www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/mx.html
This U.S. government site offers current statistics and issues regarding
Mexico's economy, government, and current events.
The History
of Mexico
Suggested Print Resources
• Kalman, Bobbie. Mexico: The People. Crabtree Publishing, New York, NY;
2002.
• Kimmel, Eric. Montezuma and the Fall of the Aztecs. Holiday House, New
York, NY; 2000.
• Milord, Susan. Mexico! 40 Activities to Experience Mexico Past & Present.
Williamson Publishing, Charlotte,VT; 1999.
TEACHER’S GUIDE
Kimberly Grieco, M.Ed.
Curriculum Specialist
Schlessinger Media
TITLES
• The Culture of
Mexico
• The Geography of
Mexico
Teacher’s Guides Included
and Available Online at:
• The History of
Mexico
800-843-3620
Teacher’s Guide and Program Copyright 2004 by Schlessinger Media,
a division of Library Video Company
P.O. Box 580,Wynnewood, PA 19096 • 800-843-3620
Executive Producer:Andrew Schlessinger
Program produced and directed by Fink Productions
All rights reserved.
K5863
V8768
Grades K–4
M
exico is a country of rich national heritage that has
influenced the world with its turbulent history, diverse
geography, and traditional culture. Its history reflects
Mexico’s struggle for independence in overcoming invasion
and control by foreign countries, its struggle for equality for
its own individuals within its borders, and the final formation of a nation with its own identity. Mexican geography is
defined by landforms, ranging from deserts to tropical rainforests, that have affected the wildlife, industry and settlement of this nation. Mexican culture is a proud mix of
ancient customs passed down from its indigenous people
and the influence of Spain. It is easy to see why Mexicans
are truly proud of their fascinating and beautiful country.
Program Summary
Mexico’s history reveals the determination of this country to become an independent nation.The “first” people of Mexico — the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec —
were world leaders in mathematics and science. The Aztec Empire was
destroyed and its indigenous people enslaved by Spain as it conquered and
settled lands in North and South America. This new land was called New
Spain. Famous leaders such as Father Hidalgo, General Santa Anna, and Benito
Juarez fought to not only gain possession and freedom in Mexico, but also to
hold onto its borders.Through the efforts of these heroes and many other revolutionaries, Mexico is the independent country we know today.
Vocabulary
indigenous — Having originated in a particular region.
Olmec — (1500 BCE–200 BCE) The first ancient civilization of Mexico known
for its colossal stone carvings.
Maya — (200 BCE–900 CE) An ancient civilization of Mexico famous for its
hieroglyphics and astronomy.
hieroglyphics — A system of writing using picture symbols.
cacao — A native tree found in Mexico and South America. Its seeds are the
main ingredient in chocolate. Cacao seeds were highly valued and even used
as money by the ancient civilizations of Mexico.
Aztec — (1325 BCE–1500 CE) The most powerful and advanced ancient civilization of Mexico, which was conquered by Spain in 1519.
Montezuma II — (1466–1520) Ruler of the great Aztec Empire and city of
Tenochtitlán (Mexico City) until he was defeated by Spanish conquistadors in
1519.
conquistadors — Means “conquerors” in Spanish; these leaders claimed land
in America for Spain.
Hernan Cortés — (1485–1547) Famous conquistador best known for conquering and ending the Aztec Empire in 1519.
New Spain — Lands claimed by Spain during the European settlement of the
New World which encompassed Mexico, parts of the U.S., and parts of South
America.
haciendas, ranchos — Spanish terms for a large farm or estate.
missionaries — Groups of people that visit other lands to teach and spread
their religion. Missionaries settled in Mexico and brought the Catholic religion
and education to its indigenous population.
Father Hidalgo — (1753–1811) A Mexican priest who inspired his countrymen to rebel against Spanish rule in 1810.
General Santa Anna — (1794–1876) Famous and controversial president of
Mexico. He served as a general for the Mexican army and battled the U.S. for
Texas and lands in the southwestern United States.
The Alamo — A fort in Texas that was the site of a famous battle fought
between Mexico and the U.S. for Texan independence from Mexico in 1836.
The battle was a victory for General Santa Anna and the Mexican army.
Benito Juarez — (1806–1872) Beloved and respected president of Mexico.
He supported the working class and helped to establish new laws.
(Continued)
Cinco de Mayo — A celebration in honor of Mexican pride and spirit resulting from General Zaragoza’s victory against France at the Battle of the Puebla
in 1862.
Pre-viewing Discussion
• Discuss what you know about the history of Mexico.Who were the people
and what were the events that make Mexico’s history unique?
• Based upon what you know about the history of Mexico, discuss similarities
and differences between its history and the history of the United States.
• Speculate about how life in Mexico has changed over time.What do you
think the most significant changes have been? Why?
Focus Questions
1.Why are the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec considered to be advanced ancient
societies? What contributions did they make to the world?
2.Why was Spain interested in claiming land in the New World?
3.Who were the conquistadors? Who were the missionaries? How did they
affect the lives of Mexico’s native population?
4. How is the Mexico of today different from its ancient past?
5.Who was Father Hidalgo? Why is he considered to be a national hero?
6.What was the purpose of the Mexican-American War? What was the result?
7.Why do Mexicans celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
8.Why was a civil war fought in Mexico?
Follow-up Discussion & Activities
• Controversial historical figures found in Mexico’s past can lead to great
debate topics. Have students research Hernan Cortés, Santa Anna, and
Pancho Villa.Why were they considered to be both beneficial and detrimental for Mexico? Have students take a position and debate.
• Father Hidalgo’s inspirational speech gave Mexicans the motivation to fight
for freedom. It is a speech that Mexicans honor on their Independence Day.
Have students brainstorm famous speeches from other historical world
figures, i.e., Martin Luther King, Jr. or Abraham Lincoln. Discuss the basic
theme of these famous speeches. Have students create slogans or write persuasive speeches to support these themes.
• The Maya are known for developing a complex picture-writing system called
hieroglyphics.These hieroglyphics were painted onto deer hides or paper
and folded into accordion-style “books” called codices. Share some examples
of Mayan writing from sources like www.civilization.ca/civil/maya/
mmc04eng.html and have your students create their own hieroglyphics and
codices.
• The indigenous people were frightened when they first saw a man astride a
horse. It appeared to be one huge beast. Have your students pretend that
they are indigenous people seeing this animal for the first time. Have them
write a descriptive paragraph to explain what they are seeing, hearing and
feeling.
(Continued)