Unit 1 Curriculum Guide: West African Kingdoms – Ghana, Mali, and Songhai

Unit 1: African Kingdoms — Ghana, Mali, and Songhai
(Curriculum Guide, Grades 4–8)
 
Bring history to life with Unit 1: African Kingdoms, a 5-week integrated curriculum guide that explores the power, wealth, and legacy of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Designed for grades 4–8, this unit blends English Language Arts, Social Studies, and The Arts to create a rigorous, culturally rooted, and CCSS-aligned learning experience.
 
Inside this guide, students will:
Investigate the gold–salt trade routes and how geography shaped power.
Study the leadership of Mansa Musa, Sundiata Keita, and Askia Muhammad.
Analyze primary sources like Al-Bakri and Leo Africanus alongside folktales and oral traditions.
Connect literature, history, and art through interdisciplinary projects.
Complete a culminating Museum Exhibit Project to “prove the learning” in creative and authentic ways.
This guide is flexible and designed for:
Grades 4–5: shorter readings, guided activities, and scaffolded writing tasks.
Grades 6–8: deeper critical thinking, comparative analysis, and extended writing.
Homeschool Families: weekly pacing guides, teaching tips, and curated resource links for easy use at home.
Classrooms: adaptable lesson flow (I Do, We Do, You Do) that works for centers, enrichment, or full-unit study.
 
Why it matters:
Too often, Africa’s story is skipped or begins with slavery. This unit restores Africa to its rightful place as a center of innovation, leadership, and global influence. Students will see themselves in a legacy of brilliance and resilience while mastering grade-level literacy and social studies skills.
✔️ 5-week integrated unit (ELA • Social Studies • The Arts)
✔️ Fully aligned to Common Core State Standards
✔️ Includes pacing guides, assessments, and reflection prompts
✔️ Designed by V.B. Danzy, M.Ed., educator and curriculum designer with 20+ years of experience
 
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