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Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Introduction to African Empires - Kickstart the project with a brief overview of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires, discussing their significance and impact on world history. (15 min)
Role of Griots - Explore the essential question, 'What role did griots play in preserving the history and culture of African empires?' through a storytelling session using multimedia resources. (30 min)
Griot Storytelling Workshop - Students participate in a storytelling workshop with a local storyteller or griot, practicing oral storytelling techniques and discussing the cultural significance of griots. (45 min)
Musical Exploration - Introduce students to traditional African instruments, focusing on the djembe, and discuss their cultural and historical context. Engage in a hands-on drumming session. (45 min)
Historical Figures and Modern Narratives - Discuss the story of Sundiata Keita and connect it to modern narratives like 'The Lion King,' focusing on themes of leadership and resilience. (20 min)
Research and Reflection - Begin a research activity where students explore historical figures of the African empires and reflect on their influence on today's world. (25 min)
Cultural and Economic Exchanges - Introduce the concept of trade routes and their importance to the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires, using maps and interactive activities. (20 min)
Create a Trade Route Map - Students work in groups to create a visual map of the historical trade routes, highlighting key goods exchanged. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Active participation in the 'Journey Through Time' event, with students engaging in each station and activity.
2. Completion of a storytelling workshop, with students practicing oral storytelling techniques.
3. Initial design and partial construction of a traditional African instrument like the djembe.
4. A group discussion and reflection on the themes and leadership lessons from the story of Sundiata Keita.
5. Participation in a virtual exchange and submission of a reflection on cultural connections and communication.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with local museums and cultural centers to set up interactive stations for the 'Journey Through Time' event.
2. Arrange for a local storyteller or griot to visit and perform.
3. Gather materials for instrument construction, such as wood, leather, and crafting tools.
4. Prepare copies of the story of Sundiata Keita and organize a discussion guide.
5. Set up a virtual exchange with an African school or community for the reflection session.
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Griot Storytelling Workshop - Engage in a storytelling session with a local African storyteller to learn about the role of griots in preserving history and culture. Students will practice oral storytelling techniques. (45 min)
Instrument Crafting Session - Begin designing and constructing traditional African instruments like the djembe, guided by a musician specializing in African music. Explore the cultural significance of these instruments. (45 min)
Historical Trade Routes Investigation - Collaborate with local museum experts to explore the trade dynamics of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires. Create a visual map of key trade routes and discuss their impact on cultural exchanges. (45 min)
Cuisine Connection Cooking Class - Participate in a cooking class with African culinary experts to prepare traditional dishes from Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Discuss how food reflects cultural and economic exchanges. (45 min)
Leadership Role-Playing Activity - Engage in a role-playing workshop based on the stories of Sundiata Keita and The Lion King, drawing connections to modern leadership lessons and skills. Reflect on personal connections to leadership narratives. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Construct and decorate traditional African instruments, such as the djembe, with guidance from musicians.
2. Prepare and taste traditional dishes from Ghana, Mali, and Songhai during cooking classes.
3. Design and draft digital travel brochures highlighting cultural and historical landmarks of African empires.
4. Participate in storytelling sessions, practicing techniques learned from griots and applying them in creative storytelling.
5. Engage in a virtual exchange with students from African communities, reflecting on cultural similarities and differences.
6. Compile reflections comparing the role of traditional griots with modern digital communication methods.
7. Draft narratives connecting the stories of Sundiata Keita and The Lion King with modern leadership lessons.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with local African cultural centers and musicians to schedule workshops on creating and playing African instruments.
2. Gather materials for instrument-making, such as wood, leather, and crafting tools.
3. Source recipes and ingredients for traditional dishes from Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
4. Arrange for culinary experts specializing in African cuisine to lead cooking classes.
5. Prepare digital resources and templates for students to design travel brochures.
6. Set up a virtual exchange platform for connecting with students from African communities.
7. Organize storytelling sessions with local griots to allow students to experience oral histories firsthand.
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Activities
African Instrument Crafting and Sound Exploration - Continue constructing the traditional African instruments like the djembe, focusing on refining the craftsmanship. Explore the different sounds these instruments can produce and practice basic rhythms. (45 min)
Griot Storytelling and Modern Connection - Engage in a storytelling session with a local griot, discussing the influence of griots on modern storytelling and communication. Students will work in pairs to brainstorm and script their own stories inspired by historical narratives. (45 min)
Cuisine Connection and Cultural Exchange - Participate in a cooking class with African culinary experts, preparing a new set of traditional dishes from the empires studied. Discuss the cultural significance of each dish and how they represent historical trade and exchange. (45 min)
Leadership and Storytelling Rehearsal - Conduct a rehearsal for the storytelling event, where students practice their reenactments of Sundiata Keita and The Lion King. Receive peer and teacher feedback to refine delivery and historical accuracy. (45 min)
Digital Brochure Design - Begin creating a digital travel brochure that highlights historical and cultural landmarks of the African empires. Incorporate elements learned from previous activities, such as trade routes, cultural exchanges, and griot stories. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. A collaborative performance piece that integrates music and storytelling, ready for presentation.
2. A traditional dish prepared and shared within the classroom, accompanied by a discussion on its historical significance.
3. A draft of a digital travel brochure that highlights key historical and cultural landmarks of African empires.
4. Student reflections on the role of griots and modern communication, articulated through a discussion or written format.
Preparation 1. Organize materials for the storytelling and reenactment workshop, including scripts and props.
2. Arrange for a musician to assist in the music session and provide feedback on student performances.
3. Secure ingredients and kitchen space for the cooking class, collaborating with a culinary expert in African cuisine.
4. Provide students with access to digital tools and resources for creating their travel brochures.
5. Prepare guiding questions and resources for the reflective discussion on communication methods.
Week 4
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Activities
Final Instrument Crafting and Jam Session Preparation - Complete the construction of traditional African instruments like the djembe and practice ensemble play for a community jam session. (45 min)
Storytelling and Leadership Performance Rehearsal - Finalize preparations for the storytelling event, focusing on delivery and historical accuracy. Rehearse reenactments of Sundiata Keita and The Lion King. (45 min)
Digital Brochure and Travel Menu Completion - Finalize the digital travel brochure and travel menu, ensuring all elements reflect cultural and historical accuracy. Prepare for presentations. (45 min)
Griots' Storytelling Night Performance - Host the 'Griots' Storytelling Night,' where students perform their reenactments, and engage in discussions about leadership and historical narratives with community members. (45 min)
Taste of Africa Exhibition - Present the digital brochures and menus, and participate in a tasting event featuring dishes from Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, showcasing cultural and economic exchanges. Reflect on the project experience and discuss socio-emotional growth. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. A fully rehearsed and executed community jam session featuring student-crafted African instruments and traditional music performances.
2. Completed travel brochures and menus that effectively communicate the historical and cultural significance of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires.
3. Successful reenactments of Sundiata Keita and The Lion King during the 'Griots' Storytelling Night,' demonstrating understanding of historical narratives and leadership themes.
4. A 'Taste of Africa' event where students present and serve traditional dishes, complemented by their brochures and discussions on historical trade routes.
5. Participation in a reflective panel discussion, sharing insights on the role of griots and modern communication, and the socio-emotional growth experienced during the project.
Preparation 1. Gather all necessary materials for the community jam session, including instruments, sound equipment, and any additional props needed for performances.
2. Coordinate with community partners, including African cultural centers, musicians, storytellers, and chefs, to confirm participation in the week's events.
3. Ensure all digital and physical copies of travel brochures and menus are printed and prepared for presentation at the 'Taste of Africa' event.
4. Set up spaces for the 'Griots' Storytelling Night' and 'Taste of Africa' event, ensuring seating, stage areas, and culinary stations are ready for the audience.
5. Prepare reflective discussion prompts and materials to guide students in comparing traditional and modern communication methods.