School life
In a Guatemala classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
North America · Country briefing
Guatemala
A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalGuatemala City
- Population~18 million
- Time zoneAmerica/Guatemala (UTC -6)
- CurrencyGuatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
Guatemala, with Guatemala City marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.
The capital
Guatemala City
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Guatemala a bit special.
Tikal Mayan Ruins
Ancient stone temples rising above the rainforest
Open lesson
Lake Atitlán & Volcanoes
A deep blue lake ringed by three sleeping volcanoes
Open lesson
Antigua Colonial City
A colourful 500-year-old city with cobbled streets and fountains
Open lesson
Semuc Champey
Turquoise limestone pools stacked like steps in the jungle
Open lesson
Chichicastenango Market
One of the biggest and most colourful markets in all of Latin America
Open lesson
Día de los Muertos - Giant Kites!
Colourful giant kites flown high above a hilltop cemetery
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🦜
Quetzal
Guatemala's national bird, with brilliant green tail feathers
Open lesson
- 🐒
Howler Monkey
The loudest land animal in the Americas
Open lesson
- 🐆
Jaguar
The Americas' largest wild cat - and a conservation success story
Open lesson
- 🦏
Tapir
A gentle rainforest giant related to horses and rhinos
Open lesson
- 🐢
Sea Turtles
Ancient ocean travellers that nest on Guatemala's Pacific coast
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!Spanish
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹGuatemala has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Food
Music
Sport
Festivals
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Guatemala?
Choose Guatemalawhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.