Year Group

KS2 (Years 3-4)

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Duration

40 minutes

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Curriculum Links

History - National Curriculum for England
Pupils should be taught to:

• Know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: ancient civilisations (e.g. Maya)
• Chronological understanding: Use dates and terms to describe events; place periods of history on a timeline
• Historical enquiry: Ask and answer questions using a range of sources

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT understand when the ancient Maya civilisation lived in history.
• WALT use timelines to place the ancient Maya within the broader context of ancient civilisations.
• WALT identify key features of the ancient Maya period using historical evidence.

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Success Criteria

• I can place the ancient Maya civilisation on a timeline alongside other ancient civilisations.
• I can explain roughly when the ancient Maya lived (around 2000 BC – 1500 AD).
• I can identify and describe one or two features or achievements of the ancient Maya.
• I can ask and answer questions about the ancient Maya using pictures and simple texts.

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Resources

• Dyslexia-friendly timeline sheets with clear fonts and images
• A large class timeline (floor or wall) using colour-coded eras — includes Stone Age, Ancient Egypt, Maya, Romans, etc.
• Illustrated fact cards on the Maya
• Mind maps templates (normal and simplified versions)
• Whiteboards and pens
• ‘Picture partners’ worksheet for EAL & lower ability (matching images with words)
• Extension challenge sheet for advanced learners

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Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

Starter:
Show a big visual timeline poster on the wall/floor. Use a coloured pointer to introduce the concept of timelines and how we can organise history. Ask: "When do you think the Maya lived?" Write guesses.

Teacher input:
Brief talk on the Maya civilisation: where they lived (Central America), approximate dates (2000 BC to 1500 AD). Show images of Maya pyramids, writing, and people in traditional clothing.

Differentiation:

• For EAL & lower ability – use picture cards; allow children to talk in pairs first.
• For dyslexic learners, present information in short bullet points with supportive images; read texts aloud.

Main Activity (20 minutes)

Activity 1: Timeline Placement

• Children are given a printed timeline strip (with key periods e.g. Stone Age, Ancient Egypt, Maya, Romans).
• In pairs, children stick the Maya period in the correct place on their timeline.
• Using fact cards, children add one simple fact about the Maya next to the timeline.

Extension (for advanced learners):

• Create a mini timeline using key Maya dates and match these to global events (e.g. pyramids built during Maya peak).

Activity 2: Mind Map

• Children complete a Maya mind map after discussing what they learned.
• Two versions:
  • Normal sheet: space for three facts and a drawing.
  • Simplified sheet: with sentence starters and picture prompts.

Differentiation:

• Provide word banks for lower ability/EAL
• Use oral questioning and paired work
• Dyslexia-friendly reading sheets for fact cards and timeline.

Plenary (10 minutes)

• Groups share one interesting fact from their mind maps.
• Recap timeline – ask targeted questions: "When did the Maya live? What did they build?"
• Self-assessment: children tick off success criteria on their sheets.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observe discussion, timeline accuracy, and completion of mind maps.
• Summative: Check understanding with 3 quick quiz questions on Maya dates, location and achievements (oral or written).

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Additional Notes

• This lesson builds foundational knowledge about the Maya, supporting chronological understanding central to KS2 history.
• Interactive timeline activity connects abstract dates to physical placement helping memory retention.
• Visual supports and differentiation ensure an inclusive environment.
• Extension tasks challenge more able learners to deepen understanding and make cross-civilisation links.
• Dyslexia-friendly fonts: Use OpenDyslexic or Sassoon Primary fonts for all printed materials.

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Differentiation Summary

Learner Type	Strategies	Resources
EAL	Picture support, paired talk, oral input	Picture partners worksheet
Lower Ability	Simplified texts, sentence starters, scaffolds	Simplified mind maps, word banks
Dyslexic learners	Clear font, coloured paper, chunked info	Dyslexia-friendly sheets
Advanced Learners	Extended timelines, global event matching	Extension challenge sheet

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This detailed, curriculum-linked lesson blends history with engaging, accessible activities to ensure every learner grasps when the ancient Maya lived and their place within the wider ancient world.