Literacy Strategies 

Core Literacy Strategies Used

• Visual Literacy Analysis

  Students interpret Mayan textiles, symbols, and glyphs by analyzing patterns, colors, and imagery to understand meaning.

• Symbol Decoding (Glyph Interpretation)

  Students “read” Mayan glyphs like a language—identifying shapes and connecting them to meanings or stories.

• Vocabulary Development

  Introducing key terms like glyph, symbolism, weaving, hieroglyphics, and pattern, and reinforcing them through use in discussion and writing.

• Context Clues Strategy

  Students use images, surrounding symbols, and prior knowledge to infer the meaning of unfamiliar glyphs or designs.

• Think-Alouds

  Teacher models how to interpret a textile or glyph by verbalizing thought process (“This symbol might represent… because…”).

• Compare and Contrast

  Students compare Mayan communication (glyphs/textiles) with modern writing systems or symbols (like emojis or logos).

• Discussion-Based Learning (Accountable Talk)

  Students explain their interpretations and support their ideas with visual evidence.

• Annotation (Visual or Text-Based)

  Students label parts of a textile or glyph image with notes about meaning, color symbolism, or cultural significance.

• Writing to Learn

  Short reflections, journal entries, or explanations about what a textile or symbol communicates.

• Storytelling / Narrative Construction

  Students create a story or message using Mayan-style symbols or inspired designs.

• Scaffolding with Sentence Starters

  Examples:

  • “I think this symbol means…”

  • “This pattern shows…”

  • “The colors might represent…”

• Multimodal Learning

  Combining reading, writing, speaking, and creating (art-making) to reinforce literacy skills.

• Cultural Literacy Connection

  Understanding how communication reflects beliefs, traditions, and daily life in Mayan culture.