Healing Practices of Ancient Americas

Cloze texts, like the one provided on the topic of the role of American medicine in early civilizations, serve as an engaging way to introduce students to historical practices and knowledge systems. They encourage active reading, as students must pay close attention to the text to fill in the blanks with the appropriate terms. This particular text offers a broad overview of the sophisticated medical practices of ancient American civilizations, highlighting the use of natural resources, such as plants and minerals, in healing and health maintenance. By focusing on specific examples, such as the Maya's use of tobacco and the Inca's technique of trepanation, students can better understand the depth of these civilizations' medical knowledge. The inclusion of named documents like the Badianus Manuscript provides tangible connections to history, making the learning experience more relatable. Additionally, by identifying the civilizations associated with each practice or knowledge, students learn to associate historical peoples with their contributions to medical science. The task of completing a cloze text can stimulate curiosity and foster a deeper investigation into traditional healing practices, bridging the gap between ancient knowledge and contemporary medicine. This activity not only enhances vocabulary and reading comprehension but also encourages respect for the ingenuity of ancient cultures. Finally, this method promotes critical thinking as students evaluate the significance of each omitted word, understanding its relevance within the broader context of early American medicine.