Stay Woke Studying Africa in Elementary Schools

Twelve lessons for elementary school students about Africa that require no materials.

Learning about Africa, elementary school students are exposed to new ideas and customs, counter stereotypes and spark their curiosity. Below are 12 lessons for elementary school students about Africa that require no materials.

Studying Africa in elementary schools play an important role in promoting cultural awareness, diversity, and understanding among students. By learning about Africa, students will appreciate and celebrate this diversity. Africa has often been misrepresented in the media, and negative stereotypes persist. By studying Africa in school, students will gain a more accurate understanding of the continent, its people, and its cultures.

Three African Geography lessons to stay woke by studying Africa in Elementary Schools.

Students will learn about the different regions of Africa, its physical features, climate, and natural resources. Here are three African Geography lessons that require no materials and can be taught to elementary students:

Teach students about the different countries in Africa by having them identify and locate them on a map. This can be done through verbal instruction and drawing maps on the board or using an interactive online map.

Introduce students to the major landforms of Africa, including mountains, deserts, rivers, and lakes. Use gestures and descriptive language to help students visualize these features.

Teach students about the different climate zones in Africa, such as the tropical rainforest, savannah, and desert regions. Describe the characteristics of each zone and how they affect the plants, animals, and people who live there.

Three African history lessons to stay woke by studying Africa in Elementary Schools.

Students studying the history of African civilizations, including the Ancient Kingdoms of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Mali, as well as the impact of colonialism and the struggle for independence. Here are three African history lessons that require no materials and can be taught to elementary students:

Teach students about the ancient civilization of Egypt and its impressive achievements in science, art, and architecture. Share stories about the pharaohs, the pyramids, and hieroglyphics.

Introduce students to Mansa Musa, the 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire and one of the richest people in history. Discuss his pilgrimage to Mecca and how he brought back knowledge and wealth to his kingdom.

Introduce students to Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid activist who became the first black president of South Africa. Share stories about his life, his struggles, and his legacy as a leader of the fight for justice and equality.

Three African food history lessons to stay woke by studying Africa in Elementary Schools.

Students will learn about the rich and diverse cultures of African food, including spices, art, street food, and African cuisine. Here are three African food history lessons that require no materials and can be taught to elementary students:

Teach students about the spices used in African cooking, such as ginger, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Explain how these spices add flavor and aroma to dishes and are also used for medicinal purposes.

Discuss the tradition of street food in Africa, where vendors sell delicious and affordable snacks and meals. Share examples of popular street foods, such as kebabs, samosas, and roasted corn.

Introduce students to popular African dishes, such as jollof rice from West Africa, injera from Ethiopia, and tagine from North Africa. Discuss the ingredients and preparation methods for these dishes, as well as the cultural significance of sharing meals with family and friends.

Three African social studies lessons to stay woke by studying Africa in Elementary Schools.

Students will also learn about the social issues facing many African countries, including war and conflict, Human trafficking, and the environment. Here are three African social studies lessons that require no materials and can be taught to elementary students:

Discuss the Human trafficking challenges facing Africa, and why people are made to work long hours or do things that are dangerous or scary. Help students understand how these issues impact individuals and communities, and how they can take action to end Human trafficking.

Introduce students to the issue of conflict in Africa, including civil wars, ethnic tensions, and political instability. Discuss how these conflicts impact people's lives and how they can lead to displacement,ptsd, and other challenges.

Teach students about the issue of environmental degradation and climate change in Africa and how it affects Africa and the world. Discuss the opportunities to save the environment and natural resources, such as air, water, soil, and plants, and encourage students to think about how they can help solve the issue of environmental degradation and climate change.

Classroom Kachumbari Recipe.

One African recipe that can be made in a classroom with no cooking and the veggies can be prechopped is Kachumbari, a popular dish in East Africa that is similar to a fresh salsa or salad.

Classroom Kachumbari Recipe

Ingredients

1 large tomato, chopped

1 small red onion, chopped

1 small cucumber, chopped

1 small green bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1-2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice

Salt to taste

Directions

Wash and chop the vegetables and herbs. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to mix well. Let sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Kachumbari is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a classroom snack or as a side dish for a larger meal. It is easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.