Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Next Top Model”

In this activity, students will choose a mythical Mayan creature featured in Gods of Jade and Shadow and draw a modern version of this character.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia incorporates various characters from Mayan mythology in Gods of Jade and Shadow. Choose one of these characters and draw a modern version of them. You will need to reference the text to accurately depict the character while adding a modern twist to their characterization.

• Select one of the mythical characters in Gods of Jade and Shadow.
• Locate portions of the text that describe their physical appearance and personalities.
• Reread these portions of the text and determine which traits are the most essential to this character. Then, decide which elements to adapt to create a modern adaptation of your character.
• Draw and color a modern version of your character.
• Incorporate text evidence that supports your choices.

Share your modern adaptation of your chosen character with the class and verbally explain your choices.

Teaching Suggestion: It might be helpful to group students who want to recreate the same character together.