The word Xinachtli (sheen-ach-tlee) means “germinating seed” in the Nahuatl of Aztec language. It refers to a moment in time when a seed is no longer seed but not yet its destined plant form. Therein lies a moment of infinite possibilities.

This is the driving philosophy behind the Xinachtli Project, which apply a series of creative approaches based on ancient constructs in a contemporary classroom.

At the core of these approaches is involving the students in recreating the probable efforts of the ancients to develop a way of measuring time and reflecting on their history and social condition on this Mother Earth. At each juncture the children see the moments of infinite possibilities and the teacher sees in them that germinating seed without limitations.

They learn how such a process required applications of math, astronomy, geography and the inclusion of a world view that see humankind as integral rather than separate from the creative cycles of the Universe.

Learn more about this unique model and “enrich, engross, enthrall” your students. Any educator can learn to apply aspects of Xinachtli, especially by experiencing the same hands on, interactive exercises the children undergo.

It does not require in depth study of Nahuatl culture or the addition of special manipulatives. All of the approaches can be recreated using materials already in the classroom. All handouts and materials become your reproducible property.