Students will learn about the origins of cacao through Mayan mythology and develop an appreciation as to why cacao seeds were considered so valuable to be used as currency. Students will be introduced to the process the cacao seeds undergo before they are ready for consumption. We will talk about how the cacao fruit was exported to Europe where it evolved to be a confectionery.  During the time allotted for discussion, students will be encouraged to reflect on what they have learnt. 

I taught at Guatemala’s first Waldorf School located in an isolated indigenous Mayan village on the shores of Lake Atitlan. The village was home to several initiatives and cooperatives which produced cacao and chocolate; hence, the inspiration for this course. Over the three years I lived on Lake Atitlan, I developed a good understanding of the local cultures which today allows me to bring Mayan mythology and imagery to the classroom. I adapted to a school play the stories of the "Popol Vuh", a Quiché Maya narrative about creation relayed down orally for many generations. The stories blended folklore, mythology and history and are sometimes referred to as "The Sacred Book of the Maya". My grade 4/5 class presented the play to the village community.