Ambleside Classical

Africa Unit Study

If you read my blog, you already know that our family is currently studying Africa in our homeschool. I thought I would compile some of the resources we are using in a more organized fashion, and add to them as our study progresses.

Suggested Length of Study

North Africa - 2 weeks
West Africa - 2 weeks
East Africa - 2 weeks
South Africa - 2 weeks

Culture and History
World Book Encyclopedia CD or Book - "Africa"
Enchantment of the World series- choose a minimum of 4 countries to learn about from various regions (North, East, West, South)
A Glorious Age in Africa by Chu and Skinner
Eyewitness Africa
Create scrapbook pages, timelines, copywork, mini-books, or oral reports.

Fiction
Star of Light
Journey to Jo'burg by Beverly Naidoo
The Rat-Catcher's Son by Carolyn London
African Folk Tales by Hugh Vernon-Jackson (Dover Thrift)
Beat the Story Drum, Pum-Pum by Ashley Bryan

Biography
Trial by Poison: Mary Slessor (Trailblazer Books)
Escape from the Slave Traders: David Livingston (Trailblazer Books)

Science
Sand on the Move: The Story of Dunes
other books about deserts
Zoobooks about various African Animals: Elephant, Giraffe, Rhinos, Hyenas, Lions, Zebras, Cheetahs, Gorillas, etc.
Keep vocabulary book, draw diagrams, create mini-reports.

Writing
Copywork and/or Dictation from Africa-related books. Cross-curricular activities such as writing for scrapbook pages and reports.

Music
African music such as African Playground, which features fun, upbeat songs from various countries of Africa or Geo Deo Journey Into Africa Songs

Poetry
African proverbs

Art
Hands-On Africa: Art Activities for All Ages or Global Art (Africa portions) by Kohl
Journey Into Africa Coloring and Fun Pages
Journey Into Africa How To Draw and Color (African Animals)

Geography
Color thematic maps using a World Atlas and blackline maps of Africa - "Countries," "Capitals," "Physical," and "Climate." Color 1 region at a time (North, East, West, South) and add to each of your thematic maps weekly. Or, use suggestions/schedule for "Africa" weeks in Trail Guide to World Geography by Geography Matters.

Videos (preview, use with caution, some are PG-13)
Hotel Rwanda
Africa: The Serengeti: IMAX
National Geographic: Africa: Disc 1
National Geographic: Relentless Enemies
National Geographic: Eye of the Leopard
National Geographic: Wildlife
The History Channel Presents: Sahara
Gorillas in the Mist
Lion of the Desert
Sarafina!

Sample Schedule for upper elementary

Monday/Wednesday
Poetry - Read and explain the meaning of an African proverb
Memory - Work on memorizing African countries from one region at a time (North, East, West, or South)
History/Culture - World Book, Enchantment of the World, or Biography reading (non-fiction) - 30 minutes
Writing - Copywork, Dictation, mini-report, notebook page or mini-book related to non-fiction reading
Music - Listen to and try to learn one African song for the week
Literature - Fiction Reading - 30 minutes
Other activities as desired

Tuesday/Thursday
Poetry - Read and explain the meaning of an African proverb
Memory - Work on memorizing African countries from one region at a time (North, East, West, or South)
Science - Science Reading (Deserts or African Animals) - 30 minutes. Define 5 vocabulary words and draw one diagram from Science reading
Music - Listen to and try to learn one African song for the week
Literature - Fiction Reading - 30 minutes
Other activities as desired

Friday (Hands-on Day!)
Art - have child choose a more involved craft project from Hands On Africa, Global Art, have her draw African animals as directed in Journey Into Africa How To Draw and Color or choose a project from another activity book - 60 minutes +
Geography - color thematic maps, work on Trail Guide to World Geography "Africa" if available, or create other Africa-related geography project - 60 minutes +
Finish or begin a notebook page on something learned this week. Consider adding images from the internet and building it into a scrapbook or 3-D page - 60 minutes +
Practical Life - cook an African food
Play African games
Talk about what you learned this week, and share questions you may be curious about
Watch a VIDEO
Other activities as desired