Machu Picchu crafts for kids is a great way to teach them about other cultures while learning geography. Also, look at my page South America Unit Study Resources for more ideas about South America.
And in this case, we’re learning a little animal science as we craft a llama from a box rescued from the trash.
Llamas are often recognized by their distinctive long necks and fluffy coats.
They are a very important part of the history and lifestyle of the people of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu was built by the Incas in Tawantinsuyu (a pre-Columbian civilization) in what is now known as Peru.
They built the terraces of giant stones and put their houses, palaces, and temples, and farms on the steep mountain side with irrigation systems to get water to all of their farms.
Llamas are remarkable animals that have been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years.
They were the primary method of transporting goods to and from the site of Machu Picchu because they could navigate the hard mountain paths and carry heavy loads.
Their adaptability, intelligence, and gentle nature make them valuable companions and contributors to the Andean way of life.
BOOKS ABOUT SOUTH AMERICA FOR KIDS
First, look at these books about South America.
13 Resources for a Study of South America
Add some of these fun books and resources to your study of South America.
An incredible variety of climates and biomes span the territory of South America. As a result, the continent contains some of the greatest biodiversity on Earth.
Rookie Read-About: Continents series gives the youngest reader (Ages 3-6) an introduction to the components that make each continent distinctive and exceptional. Readers will get to know each continents' geography, history, and wildlife. In this book readers learn about the continent of South America, including the geography, native animals, people and more.
A full-color, compelling book for ages 7 to 10 offers a deep dive into the three sophisticated ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica―the Aztecs, Maya, and Incas― through hands-on STEAM projects, essential questions, and loads of fascinating facts!
Why were there more than 3,000 steps built at Machu Picchu? Why did the Aztecs roam Mexico for nearly 200 years before finding a place to settle? How did the Maya study the movements of the stars and the planets? Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas! With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids takes kids ages 7 to 10 on a guided tour to experience the history, culture, economics, and daily life of the Aztecs, Maya, and Incas.
A man, his burros, and his books bring joy to children in remote Colombian villages in this inspiring book based on a true story by celebrated picture book creator Jeanette Winter.Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there’s barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution—a traveling library! He buys two donkeys—Alfa and Beto—and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages.
An Incan boy who tends llamas in a hidden valley in Peru learns the traditions and secrets of his ancestors.
In the sequel to On the Pampas, the author recalls her first year on the small Argentinian ranch purchased and managed by her mother, in an account that includes a visual dictionary of the Spanish words and geographical terms used in the text.
Atmospheric woodcuts illustrate this Newbery Award–winning collection of 19 South American folktales. Charles J. Finger heard the tales firsthand from native storytellers, whose fables of talking animals, witches, giants, and ordinary people in supernatural settings provide remarkable insights into regional values and culture. The first of the stories, "A Tale of Three Tails," tells of an age when the rat had a tail like a horse, the rabbit had a tail like a cat, and the deer's tail was plumed like the tail of a dog. "The Magic Dog" recounts an act of kindness to a stray animal that helps overcome a witch's curse. In "The Calabash Man," the creatures of the jungle assist a suitor in winning his bride, and in "El Enano," a greedy troll's insatiable appetite leads to his downfall. Packed with adventure and full of surprises, these and other stories emphasize the importance of hard work, courage, and loyalty.
In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. While history has recast Bingham as a villain who stole both priceless artifacts and credit for finding the great archeological site, Mark Adams set out to retrace the explorer’s perilous path in search of the truth—except he’d written about adventure far more than he’d actually lived it. In fact, he’d never even slept in a tent.
With the memorable characters and plot twists she brings to her best-selling fantasies, acclaimed author Eva Ibbotson has written a hair-raising novel, set in turn-of-the-last-century Brazil.Accompanied by Miss Minton, a fierce-looking, no-nonsense governess, Maia, a young orphan, sets off for the wilderness of the Amazon, expecting curtains of orchids, brightly colored macaws, and a loving family. But what she finds is an evil-tempered aunt and uncle and their spoiled daughters. It is only when she is swept up in a mystery involving a young Indian boy, a homesick child actor, and a missing inheritance that Maia lands in the middle of the Amazon adventure she's dreamed of. Readers of every generation will treasure Ibbotson's lush historical adventure that harkens back to the beloved classics of Frances Hodgson Burnett and Louisa May Alco
Can you imagine living in a place where there is so much water some houses need to be built on stilts to protect them when the river rises? Or where it is so wet that some plants can grow on the sides of trees with their roots gathering water from the air? In This Place Is Wet, you'll find out all sorts of things about what it's like to live in the rain forest of Brazil. Try to imagine living there!
It is astonishing that Simón Bolívar, the great Liberator of South America, is not better known in the United States. He freed six countries from Spanish rule, traveled more than 75,000 miles on horseback to do so, and became the greatest figure in Latin American history. His life is epic, heroic, straight out of Hollywood: he fought battle after battle in punishing terrain, forged uncertain coalitions of competing forces and races, lost his beautiful wife soon after they married and never remarried (although he did have a succession of mistresses, including one who held up the revolution and another who saved his life), and he died relatively young, uncertain whether his
achievements would endure.
Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash
Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book – Fun And Education For Adults and TeensMake the perfect gift for anyone who loves coloring! Enjoy this Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book for Adults and Teens. Click the cover to reveal what’s inside!About this book:
- 40 original pages drawings of Symbols, Warriors, Masks and Mandalas.
Explore the Inca empire, including how the Incas survived in the mountains, how the empire was built, and why it disappeared.
A True Book: Ancient Civilizations series allows readers to experience what makes each ancient civilization distinctive and exceptional as well look at its influence on the some of the practices of the modern world. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.
We are going to celebrate that with 10 facts full of great information, more Machu Picchu crafts for kids, and my own tutorial to make your own mini-Llama pinata from recycling.
10 LLAMA LOVING FACTS
- These woolly pack animals are native to the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in South America, and more specifically Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
- Historical evidence shows that llamas were first domesticated by the indigenous people of the Andes as early as 4,000 BC. They played a very important role in these communities. They served as pack animals, providing fiber for clothing, and even being used for meat and sacrifice. Some communities still use them for herding and transportation to this day.
- Llamas are the largest members of the camelid family in South America. They can reach a height of 5 to 6 feet at the shoulder and weigh anywhere between 280 to 450 pounds.
- Their thick, woolly coats provide insulation against the cold Andean temperatures. Not only are they useful but these coats come in a wide array of colors-including white, black, brown, gray, and they can even have spotted or multicolored patterns.
- When threatened or annoyed, llamas may spit a mixture of saliva and stomach contents as a defense mechanism. This spit can be very accurate and foul smelling.
- Llamas are social animals and live in herds that are led by a dominant male. These herds can range in size from just a few individuals to groups of 20 or more.
- They talk to each other through a variety of vocalizations, including hums, grunts, and screams. Body language, such as ear position and tail movements, also plays a part in their communication.
- Llamas are herbivores and feed mostly on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation found in the high-altitude habitat. They have a three-chambered stomach which allows them to efficiently digest tough plant material.
- Llamas are adapted to arid (dry) environments and can go for extended periods without drinking water, up to 3 days.
- Llama fiber is soft, warm, and durable. It is used to make a variety of products, including clothing, blankets, and rugs.
Next, look at these Machu Picchu crafts for kids.
MACHU PICCHU CRAFTS FOR KIDS
- Trek back to ancient Meso-American and Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids.
- Check out these great free Peru color pages.
- Great for a book report or just an enjoyable way to learn more about another country and culture “Where is Machu Picchu”” is engaging and chock full of good information.
- If you like lapbooks for more organized learning I have a Free Machu Picchu Mini Book & Completed South America Lapbook.
- Create your own colorful felt landscape with my How to Make a Felt Mountain Craft | 7 Andes Mountain Facts For Kids.
Make a llama out of one of my favorite craft materials, learn how to Make a Paper Plate Llama.
Finally, look at how to make a tissue paper llama.
RECYCLED TISSUE PAPER LLAMA
You will need:
- Empty cardboard box-cereal, etc
- Tissue paper
- Google eyes
- Scissors
- Glue stick
First, on the wider side of the box, draw the outline of a llama.
You can either free hand it or use this free llama pattern.
Carefully cut around the outline, repeat on the opposite side of the box.
I find it easiest to cut both sides out at once.
Cut the sides of the box into strips of the same width, to keep it simple you can use the entire width of the sides of your box, you will need enough length to go all around the outline of the llama.
Bend the sides around one of the llama outlines and tape into place like this.
Attach to the other side of the outline and tape it into place as well. Keep bending and taping all the way around until it is completely closed in.
Cut strips of tissue ½” wide.
Create a fringe by cutting up the width ¾ of the way up, be sure not to cut all the way through.
Wrap the strips and glue down starting at the base and working the way up.
Continue until the entire body is covered with the fringe.
Glue on googly eyes and draw on nostrils and whatever other decoration you would like.
We had to go with a pack blanket of course.
Allow the glue to dry completely.
