Learn about Central America Mayan Numbers!

In today’s lesson, we will learn about the Ancient Maya number system

This color-by-number activity will bring to life the Temple of the Grand Jaguar at the Tikal ruins in Guatemala! The Ancient Maya used a counting system that was able to represent very large numbers by using only 3 symbols:

• a dot to represent the number 1
• a stick or bar to represent the number 5
• and a shell symbol for zero, or completion

Check out the Mayan numbers chart and see if you can write your age in using Mayan numbers. See if you can also write out your favorite number in Mayan numbers too! Then, visit the ruins of Tikal, an ancient Maya City found in the rainforests of Guatemala near the border of Belize! The ancient Mayans lived in the southern part of Mexico and northern Central America, including Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Download Activity Sheet:

\Download PDF](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60f5a89e108c2683c870592d/6142f89900dbdec248c3cbbb_TT_LearningHub_Lesson31.pdf)

Benefits of Bilingualism (FAQs):

Any advice on managing two Spanish dialects in the household? Does this cause confusion for kids?

Now that our world is more interconnected than ever, there are plenty of families where each parent could be from a different country in Latin America, with distinctive dialects, vocabulary, slang, and culture. And that’s totally ok for kids to be exposed to. Their perspectives are broadened and they learn to communicate cross-culturally, it’s a thing to be celebrated. Sometimes kids may switch vocabulary when talking to different parents, which is absolutely fine. They’re not confused, if anything this shows their flexibility.

What do you recommend if I’m not completely fluent and my child’s school doesn’t have an immersion class?

I always encourage as much Spanish exposure as possible. Don’t worry about immersion classes availability or not being completely fluent as a parent. Use the Spanish you know, even if you may need to speak Spanglish. Try to find ways to fill the gaps in your language knowledge, through apps, books, and music. I recommend the Canticos Bilingual Preschool App, which gives kids so much exposure through stories, activities, and music.

Do you recommend teaching different subjects in different languages?

Parents who live in an English-speaking country need to remember that children are always going to learn English; their world is in English. It’s important to give kids as much education as possible in Spanish. They will inevitably learn English, and it will be even better if they learn their native language first.

We speak Spanish and English in our home but my child almost always answers or talks back in English. How can I go about encouraging her to respond and speak more in Spanish?

Many kids may be in a classroom where they hear English all day, before going home and hearing Spanish. The biggest advice I can give is to ask your child in a very low-pressure way to try again in Spanish.
For example, if you ask your child a question, and they replied in English, try saying “can you tell me that in Spanish?”

Should I set aside time or create activities for each language or is it okay to mix them both together?

While parents may feel inclined to set aside "Spanish time" and "English time", this often ends up making language learning seem like a chore to kids. Authentic learning opportunities allow kids to joyfully explore their new language.

What are the social and cultural benefits of bilingualism?

Learning a new language goes hand in hand with learning about that language’s culture. Additionally, children who are bilingual can communicate with more people, bridging a gap between their world and the world of others. This often leads to increased empathy and better perspective-taking.

What are some cognitive benefits of bilingualism?

By introducing your child to a second language early, you are giving them the chance to access the cognitive benefits of being bilingual. Research shows that bilingual brains have better executive functioning in:

1. Focus
2. Mental multitasking and self-control
3. Working memory

What are some strategies for raising bilingual children?

1. Start early: Babies’ brains are sponges.
2. Stick with it: If children start to speak their second language instead of their native language at home, don’t give in.
3. Make it Joyful: Pick movies, music, books, and podcasts in that language, so that the practice is enjoyable.

What are some common misconceptions about raising bilingual children?

1. Misconception: Learning two languages can be confusing for children. Reality: They are simply still developing proficiency in each language.
2. Misconception: Bilingual children struggle academically. Reality: They may know a lot, but it is scattered across all their languages.