In this lesson plan, students will read stories, create journal entries, and examine maps in order to learn about the Nahuatl culture, language and artwork.

Created by Ma. Eugenia Avila, September 2007 

• The students will identify the Nahuatl in America before the Spanish arrival.



• The students will examine the way of life of the Nahuatls.



• The students will research to find out in which regions of Mexico Nahuatl is still spoken.



• The students will read a story in Nahuatl, and in both the English and Spanish translations.



• The students will learn the phonics of Nahuatl.



• The students will appreciate the way the Nahuatl paint.



• The students will find some Nahuatl paintings which illustrate the story.



• The students will analyze information by identifying, comparing, summarizing and drawing conclusions.

1. Read information about Nahuatl Culture at: http://www.azteca.net/aztec/nahuatl/index.shtml



2. View the PowerPoint on Nahuatl history and read the Nahuatl history fact sheet



3. View the PowerPoint story “The King and the Daughter”



4. Read the Nahuatl interview

1. Journal Activity: Ask the students to write a short description of the story and pictures in their journals.

2. Mapping Activity: Place the map of Mexico from the PowerPoint on the computer screen and project it so the class can view it. Have students name the places where Nahuatl is spoken.

Based on the knowledge you have gained about the Nahuatls, write an essay to a friend or family member and describe what you know about the Nahuatls, including their culture, lifestyle, beliefs and problems with the Spanish. The letter should contain historical information found on the website, and from the PowerPoints, pictures and paintings. This assignment must be in essay form. It should be approximately one page long. Your grade will be based both on both the accuracy of the content and on the use of standard English grammar. Be as neat as possible. Attach a drawing made by yourself as your essay cover.

Have students watch the how-to video to learn to make the Nuahatl headdress, called a “Pinacho.”