Mexican Moments
Investigate the Aztec calendar then create a fictional scroll calendar with details of an imaginary trip to Mexico.
1. With Crayola® Scissors, cut large construction paper in half to make two long rectangular pieces. Put Crayola School Glue along one short edge and glue the sheets together to form a long calendar.
2. Cut two strips of cardboard longer than the short ends of the calendar. Glue one to each end of the long sheet to form scroll handles. Dry overnight.
3. Divide the page into the number of days of your Mexican journey with Crayola Fine Tip Markers and ruler.
4. Refer to the Aztec calendar to find the symbol for each day (1 Crocodile, 2 Wind, 3 House, 4 Lizard). Two possible resources for details about this intricate calendar are www.azteccalendar.com and www.ai.mit.edu/people/montalvo/Hotlist/aztec.html. Draw the symbols with Crayola Construction Paper Crayons. Decorate the scroll handles with Aztec calendar symbols.
5. Ask a friend to help roll up the scroll by turning the cardboard strip handles simultaneously toward the middle. Anchor it to the back with adhesive tape.
6. Each day of your imaginary trip to Mexico, add sketches and descriptions of the people, art, foods, architecture, music, fantasy souvenirs, and other ideas to your calendar.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.
- Explain that the Aztecs named their days with picture symbols instead of names like "Monday." Assist younger children and those with special needs in their search for these symbols on the Internet.
- Challenge older students to rename days on recycled calendars following the Aztec calendar system.
- Use scroll journals for exploratory journeys to other parts of the world where scrolls were common methods for recording information.
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