A Journey to Africa

· Begin the lesson by developing a K.W.L. Chart for Africa, with a focus on Kenya, (what we know, what we want to know, what we learned) by braining storming with the class. (*Continuing adding to the chart throughout the lesson)

· Ask students in what ways the land forms of our area effect our lifestyle, food sources, and types of people. Develop a list of important categories as a class for a data collecting tool. (Sample chart included in attachment)

· Show a video about Kenya and play a few samples of popular music from their culture. (National Geographic Website/Links provided in attachment)

· As a class, use the online National Geographic Exploration tool.

· Assign the task of creating travel brochures for Kenya, Africa. Encourage students to be creative and include unique facts about Kenya. The Travel brochure will be graded with a rubric. Students are encouraged to present the pamphlet in a variety of setups. The suggested set up would be a three fold piece of paper. The brochure should be colorful, informative, organized, and interesting.

· Allow students time to complete their charts of data by providing them with computer access, library time, and a variety of books and other resources.

· Give students time to finish their brochures.

· Next discuss some famous fictional characters that were involved in trickster tales.

· Now, present the book to students and explain its origin. Be sure to let students know, Anansi was used in many African tales.

· Stop several times throughout the book to make predictions, judgments, and to recall plot details.

· After the book has been read and everyone is on the same page with it, allow students pick an option from a list of writing activities.

Ø Write a new ending for the book.

Ø Write an explanation of how the rock became magical.

Ø Write a letter to Anansi, explaining the lesson he should have learned.

Ø Other ideas welcomed.

Finally...

Group Presentations during the African Festival...

African Games

Music

Food

· The “Ticket to the Door” is a daily activity to gain feedback from students. The ticket to the door will ask students a few important questions and then allow students to express their feelings about what we have been learning and what they would like to learn more about. (The “Ticket to the Door” sample provided)