Today we did a Persian mosaic craft for our Marco Polo Unit Study.
This unit study really lends itself to a lot of hands-on and we are not going to skimp on any of it or until Tiny has had his fill. It is going to be a big unit study so we are slowing down for this one.
Covering the culture and geography of Asia takes time and it is best studied through the eyes of somebody that traveled during that time like Marco Polo.
One of the many things he would have seen along the Silk Road were the beautiful mosaics made by ancient Persian artists.
Persian Mosaic Craft for Kids
Though they would have used beads, glass, shells and just about anything they had to create their masterpiece, for this hands-on activity you too can use just about anything you have around your house.
A few ideas are:
- pieces of aluminum foil
- beads
- sequins
- seashells
- rocks
- macaroni, beans,etc.
- grab some glue too
The Mr. had bought a few craft things for us when he was at the store and I picked up a few pieces of leather (pretty inexpensive here in Ecuador) and we used the leather pieces to make our mosaic.
Books About Marco Polo
First, look at these books about Marco Polo.
10 Books and Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To About Marco Polo
Add some of these fun books about Marco Polo to your home library or use them in your unit studies.
The amazing story of a Venetian trader who becomes an aide to the great Kublai Khan comes to life in this retelling for students by Manuel Komroff. Follow along as Marco Polo travels through deserts littered with bones, encounters animals previously unknown to Europeans, and comes to serve in the court of one of the greatest kingdoms ever known.Included is a gorgeous new map tracing his journey, and 29 full page illustrations from an early edition written for adults.The text in this edition is a reprint of the original Messner Biography, a series that was created for students. "Well told and with engaging narratives, they unknowingly flow nicely from story to fact. You will find a plethora of information packed between these pages, not only about the title’s subject, but the subject's time and the world they lived in."
Was Marco Polo the world's greatest explorer -- or the world's greatest liar? Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman turns his eagle eye on the enigmatic Marco Polo in his most exciting biography yet.
He claimed to have seen rocks burn, bandits command sandstorms, lions tamed with a look, and sorcerers charm sharks while divers gathered pearls on the ocean floor. Marco Polo shook Europe with descriptions of the world he'd seen on his epic journey to the court of Kublai Khan.
But was Marco Polo the world's most accomplished explorer? Had he really seen the "Roof of the World" in Central Asia, and the "City of Heaven" in far-off China? Or was he a charlatan who saw nothing more than the conjurings of his inventive mind? Join Russell Freedman as he tackles a centuries-old mystery.
This is volume number 22 in the Signature Books series for young readers. This series, under the general editorship of Enid Lamonte Meadowcroft, provides easy to read, exciting stories based upon the lives of historical figures. A vivid story of the life and adventures of perhaps the most romantic traveler of all time, a man who returned from the East with tales so fantastic that no one believed him until he was vindicated by later travelers.
A continuation of the Explorers series by award-winning author Sandra Markle, Animals Marco Polo Saw brings to life the amazing, exotic animals Marco Polo encountered during his explorations in Asia, how the animals sometimes affected the outcome of the journey, and even helped the explorer survive!
Examines the political forces and personal ambition that drove Marco Polo in his explorations.
Marco Polo was the most famous traveller of his time. His voyages began in 1271 with a visit to China, after which he served the Kubilai Khan on numerous diplomatic missions. On his return to the West, he was made a prisoner of war and met Rustichello of Pisa, with whom he collaborated on this book. The accounts of his travels provide a fascinating glimpse of the different societies he encountered: their religions, customs, ceremonies and way of life; on the spices and silks of the East; on precious gems, exotic vegetation and wild beasts. He tells the story of the holy shoemaker, the wicked caliph and the three kings, among a great many others, evoking a remote and long-vanished world with colour and immediacy. He found himself traversing the most exotic lands-from the dazzling Mongol empire to Tibet and Burma. This fascinating chronicle still serves as the most vivid depiction of the mysterious East in the Middle Ages.
Cathay is a long way from his home in Venice, but when 14-year-old gondolier, Tonio Tumba receives the chance of a lifetime, he doesn’t say no. Leaving behind his only possession, a shabby green gondola, Tonio eagerly joins Marco Polo on his adventure.
As Tonio and the Polo family travel the dangerous silk road to modern-day China, they encounter many fascinating people and dangerous perils. When Tonio rides into Cathay on one of the Khan’s elephants, he says to his friend, Pietro: “Elephants are grand… but give me a horse any time – unless I could have a gondola. When we get back to Venice, I’ll take you out in mine.”
There are many wonderful sights, amazing inventions and great riches to discover, though Tonio looks forward to getting back home - but many years will pass before his chance to see the canals of Venice again. When so much has changed, will Tonio find anything worth returning for?
Louise Andrews Kent is a master storyteller, weaving historical accuracy and immersive adventure into one epic voyage of discovery.
This new edition features all the original illustrations and clean, readable text. It is a fantastic living book teaching about history and geography, recommended for ages 10 and up.
Excellent, historic story well told by Harold Lamb and beautifully illustrated by Elton Fax. Originally published in 1954, this paperback edition was released in 1982.
Relive Italian voyager Marco Polo's adventures in China in1275, including his legendary meeting with Kublai Khan, emperor of the powerful Mongol Empire. This exciting new book separates fact from myth using excerpts from Polo's actual journals and vivid illustrations and photographs to portray Polo himself and his impressions of the unique traditions and customs of the Mongols. A recipe from the period is also included. Topics include - what the Medieval period meant to Europe and exploration - the Silk Road - Marco Polo's service in Kublai Khan's court - life at sea and in the Mongol Empire - Marco Polo's influence on later explorers Teacher's guide available.
This edition is presented complete and unabridged, with larger text for easier reading by younger readers, and all the original illustrations and decorations.“I have attempted to transform the somewhat dry and monotonous translation of this narrative into an entertaining story, that may engage the attention and the interest of my young readers; for which it certainly presents ample opportunities. If the task is properly done, no one can fail to follow Marco Polo from his Venetian home, across the entire continent of Asia to the court of Kublai Khan, and in his various adventures and journeys while in the far-off Orient, without eager curiosity and ever-deepening interest. The central figure of the story is heroic, for Marco Polo was in all things manly, brave, persevering, intelligent, and chivalrous; and the scenes and incidents in which he was the leading actor were in the highest degree thrilling and dramatic.”-From the Preface by the Author.
So Tiny began to lay out his design.
After cutting out his pieces, he had to study his design for a while.
This was actually a good art lesson for him because like his mother (poor thing) he is not particularly comfortable with crafting and creating.
But because he just laps up a hands-on activity anytime we do one, I always make time for quite a few for him.
Unlike Mr. Awesome, who seizes the moment to craft and create, Tiny expects perfection every time, which is exactly why I like for him to do them.
I want him to not be so hard on himself when it comes to creating and crafting and to lighten up some.
Have to love the many personalities you teach while homeschooling.
One kid I have to rein in from hands-on to do some seat work and the other kid I have to unglue from the seat for some hands-on work.
Anyway, after Tiny studied his design for a while, he was satisfied and glued on all the pieces.
It makes it easy reading about Persian art and modern day Iran when your kid can do an engaging and simple activity.
We have a few more activities that we have done that I will be sharing soon, but we loved this easy peazy one.
Marco Polo Unit Study Hands-on Activities
- Make a Persian Mosaic
- Learn how to make the extend a timeline book
- Make Terra Cotta Warriors
- Grab these free Notebooking Pages
- Create this salt dough map of the Travels of Marco Polo and grab the printable map flags.
How to Get the Free Marco Polo Lapbook
Now, how to grab the free printable. It’s a subscriber freebie.
When you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.
1) Sign up on my email list.
2) Grab the printable.
3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox as a follower. Glad to have you.
Crystal says
What a great way to make an intricate craft accessible for all. Thank you for linking up to the Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop last month, I’m featuring you today at Castle View Academy. I hope you’ll be linking up again!
Crystal recently posted…Chinese Zodiac Phone Charms
Tina Robertson says
Hi Crystal,
You are so welcome and THANK YOU for hosting and for the feature. Love your link up!
Jill says
This is a great craft idea to go with your Marco Polo unit!
Thank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!
Jill recently posted…Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop 71
Tina Robertson says
Thanks Jill and thanks for stopping by and hosting each week!