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Asian Americans - PBS LearningMedia

Grades
6 to 12
  
The Asian Americans Collection offers a rich selection of videos, lesson plans, and classroom activities that explore the history, contributions, and challenges of Asian Americans in...more
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The Asian Americans Collection offers a rich selection of videos, lesson plans, and classroom activities that explore the history, contributions, and challenges of Asian Americans in the United States. This collection, based on the PBS documentary "Asian Americans", covers key historical events, personal narratives, and themes such as immigration, identity, and civil rights. Many of the videos include support materials for teachers and students. Educators can use these resources to enhance diversity, inclusion, and American history discussions while engaging students with primary sources and thought-provoking questions.

tag(s): asia (124), civil rights (216), identity (33), immigrants (41), immigration (77), japan (60), japanese (52), politics (119), racism (81), railroads (15)

In the Classroom

After watching a video on Asian American identity, students can create a digital or paper collage representing identity, heritage, and belonging using images, symbols, and quotes from the documentary. Digital collages can be made using PhotoCollage reviewed here or Photo Joiner reviewed here. Inspired by the personal narratives in the collection, have students interview a family member or community elder about their immigration story or cultural heritage and create a short podcast episode using Buzzsprout reviewed here or Podbean reviewed here. Students can work in groups to create an interactive timeline of key historical events from the collection with Timeline reviewed here or Timelinely, reviewed here, adding images, descriptions, and reflections on how these events shaped Asian American experiences.
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Standing Together - SmithsonianAPA

Grades
K to 12
 
Celebrate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans by exploring this rich collection of digital exhibitions, educational resources, and cultural stories highlighting the history,...more
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Celebrate the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans by exploring this rich collection of digital exhibitions, educational resources, and cultural stories highlighting the history, art, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Teachers can access lesson plans, primary source materials, and multimedia content to integrate AAPI perspectives into their curriculum. The site also features interactive experiences and virtual programs that engage students in exploring diverse narratives. This resource fosters inclusive learning and deepens students' understanding of AAPI heritage in social studies, history, and language arts classrooms.

tag(s): artists (87), asia (124), cultures (206), japan (60), japanese (52), multimedia (54), poetry (196), virtual field trips (132)

In the Classroom

Have students explore APAC's digital exhibitions, such as We Are Here or A Day in the Queer Life of Asian Pacific America. Students can reflect on how artists express identity and create artwork representing their cultural heritage or personal identity. Using the "We Are Not a Stereotype" video series, students can watch a selected video and discuss how stereotypes impact Asian Pacific American communities. They can then create an awareness poster or infographic using Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here debunking a common stereotype. Ask students to research key moments in Asian Pacific American history using APAC's resources and create a visual timeline digitally using a resource such as Time Graphics Timeline Maker reviewed here that highlights significant events, figures, and contributions. Select a book from APAC's Learning Together recommendations to share with students or assign small groups different books, and have them present key themes, historical context, and connections to their own experiences or current events.
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AAPI History Hub - The Asian American Foundation

Grades
K to 12
   
The AAPI History Hub is a valuable educational resource that provides lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive materials to help teachers incorporate Asian American and Pacific...more
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The AAPI History Hub is a valuable educational resource that provides lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive materials to help teachers incorporate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history into their curriculum. The site offers engaging content for various grade levels, including biographies, historical events, and cultural contributions that highlight the rich and diverse experiences of AAPI communities. With classroom-ready resources and discussion prompts, the AAPI History Hub supports educators in fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of U.S. history.

tag(s): asia (124), biographies (95), courts (23), cultures (206), diversity (42), famous people (21), japan (60), japanese (52), scientists (69), women (152)

In the Classroom

Students can work in groups to create a physical or digital timeline using Timelinely reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates reviewed here highlighting significant AAPI events, movements, and contributions. Assign students an AAPI figure or event to research and present via a short podcast using Buzzsprout reviewed here or video using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here. Print or display images and short bios of key AAPI historical figures from the site. Have students walk around, take notes, and discuss whose contributions they find most inspiring. Alternatively, create a digital gallery walk using the gallery walk template available in Padlet, reviewed here.
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Mali Facts for Kids - Twinkl Educational Publishing

Grades
3 to 5
 
This page provides a brief and engaging overview of Mali's geography, history, culture, and economy, making it a valuable resource for elementary and middle school classrooms. The site...more
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This page provides a brief and engaging overview of Mali's geography, history, culture, and economy, making it a valuable resource for elementary and middle school classrooms. The site highlights key aspects such as Mali's location in West Africa, its historical significance as part of the Mali Empire, and famous figures like Mansa Musa. It also covers the country's modern economy, climate, and traditions in a student-friendly format. In addition to the information on this site, you can download worksheets and coloring pages and watch a video about Mali. Teachers can use this resource to introduce Mali through fact-based reading, discussion prompts, and interactive activities to support geography, history, and social studies lessons. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): africa (170), cultures (206), deserts (17), flags (20), maps (225)

In the Classroom

Introduce students to the role of griots (storytellers) in Mali's culture and have students create and perform their own short oral stories or folktales. Set up a classroom "market" inspired by Mali's traditional markets. Assign students different roles (vendors, buyers, traders) with items like gold, salt, and textiles. Have them locate and label Mali, its capital (Bamako), major rivers (Niger River), and neighboring countries on a map. Consider using MapHubs reviewed here or Google My Maps reviewed here.
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Mali Empire - Loren Klein

Grades
5 to 8
 
This video tells how the Mali Empire rose to power by conquering the Ghana Empire in 1234 and seizing control of major trade routes, allowing its rulers, known as "Mansas," ...more
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This video tells how the Mali Empire rose to power by conquering the Ghana Empire in 1234 and seizing control of major trade routes, allowing its rulers, known as "Mansas," to amass great wealth. Unlike Ghana's warrior kings, Mali's rulers expanded their empire by directly controlling gold and salt mines, ensuring economic dominance in West Africa. This video shows how Islam played a significant role in spreading their empire through trade and gaining influence under Mansa Musa, who converted to Islam and promoted religious and educational institutions. The empire's control over key trade centers, including Timbuktu and Gao, solidified its status as a powerful economic and cultural hub. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): africa (170), cultures (206), religions (108)

In the Classroom

Display images of ancient civilizations' artifacts (ex., coins, pottery, statues). Have students predict their use and significance, then research and present findings. Students can work in small groups to compare religious beliefs, deities, and practices of two civilizations (ex., Mesopotamian vs. Egyptian) and create a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here. Students can map trade routes using Google My Maps reviewed here or ePubEditor reviewed here.
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Mali Empire History - Cool Kid Facts

Grades
2 to 7
Visit this kid-friendly overview of one of West Africa's greatest civilizations to learn about key topics such as the empire's rise to power, its wealth from the gold and salt ...more
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Visit this kid-friendly overview of one of West Africa's greatest civilizations to learn about key topics such as the empire's rise to power, its wealth from the gold and salt trade, famous rulers like Mansa Musa, and the significance of cities like Timbuktu as centers of learning. The website presents information in a clear and engaging way, making it a valuable resource for introducing younger students to African history. Teachers can use this page to support lessons on trade, culture, and leadership in the medieval world.
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tag(s): africa (170), archeology (30), cultures (206), maps (225), medieval (33)

In the Classroom

Set up different learning stations representing subjects studied in Timbuktu (astronomy, medicine, math). Students can rotate through the stations, completing mini-activities related to each subject. Students can research and build 3D models of Mali's famous structures, such as the Great Mosque of Djenne, using materials like clay, cardboard, or digital tools like Delightex (formerly CoSpaces) reviewed here or Tinkercad reviewed here. Have students compare the Mali Empire to another historical empire, such as the Roman Empire or the Incas, using a Venn diagram on paper or Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here, focusing on government, trade, culture, and legacy.
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Ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Cluster Web Activity - PBS LearningMedia

Grades
6 to 12
This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures....more
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This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures. The activity uses a cluster web format to help students organize and visualize key concepts, making it an engaging way to deepen understanding of historical connections. Teachers can use this resource to support lessons on African history, world civilizations, or trade and cultural exchange.

tag(s): africa (170), cultures (206), politics (119), worksheets (71)

In the Classroom

Divide students into groups representing different West African empires. Give each group specific trade goods (gold, salt, ivory, etc.) and have them negotiate and "trade" with each other, simulating the trans-Saharan trade routes. Students can create annotated maps showing the locations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, major trade routes, and key cities like Timbuktu and Gao. Have them use MapHub reviewed here or ePubEditor reviewed here and add visuals and summaries to their maps. Assign students to research and compare the leadership styles of Sundiata Keita, Mansa Musa, and Sunni Ali. They can present their findings through a podcast-style discussion using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here or Buzzsprout reviewed here.
 This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Financial Education - Sesame Workshop

Grades
K to 2
 
Looking for a fun and engaging way to teach young children about money? The Sesame Workshop Financial Education site brings financial literacy to life with the help of beloved Sesame...more
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Looking for a fun and engaging way to teach young children about money? The Sesame Workshop Financial Education site brings financial literacy to life with the help of beloved Sesame Street characters! Through songs, stories, and hands-on activities, young students can begin building smart money habits--like saving, spending wisely, and sharing--all while having a great time. One highlight is a two-minute video featuring Cookie Monster and his mom learning about choices, sharing, and saving. Additional resources include Elmo's Spend, Share, and Save Jar, a guide to making a spending plan together, lessons on wants and needs with Bert and Ernie, and tips for talking to kids during tough financial times. There's also a family-friendly game called "Lemonade Stand," printable play money, and a helpful webinar titled Bright Financial Futures, which includes a certificate of completion. Many materials are also available in Spanish, making this a comprehensive and inclusive toolkit for building strong financial foundations.

tag(s): financial literacy (95), money (114), preK (282), spanish (111)

In the Classroom

Students can use Book Creator reviewed here to create a needs and wants book. Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post ways that they can earn or save money. Finally, students can make a spending plan with their families.
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Arteater - Arteater

Grades
K to 12
 
At Arteater, you can create hand-drawn GIFs from your artwork by following three steps. First, print a template. Then, select templates from different ability levels, from beginner...more
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At Arteater, you can create hand-drawn GIFs from your artwork by following three steps. First, print a template. Then, select templates from different ability levels, from beginner to advanced. Draw in each frame within the template, then take a photo and upload your work. After your image processes, download it as an animated GIF.

tag(s): animation (66), images (265)

In the Classroom

Create animated images for students to include with any presentation. Have younger students use a three-frame loop to demonstrate the stages of plant growth or steps in a math problem, while older students can use the six- or nine-frame loop to include more details. Include animated images in presentations made with Sway reviewed here or in digital books made using Book Creator reviewed here. Ask tech-savvy students to create video explainers to use the more advanced templates using Free Screen Recorder Online reviewed here, then include the videos on your class website or LMS for students to access anytime.
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Culturally Mindful Connection Assessment - Yourway Learning

Grades
K to 12
Complete this short assessment to analyze the strengths of relationships and connections within your school community. Using a 0-5 scale, you can rank the strength of relationships...more
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Complete this short assessment to analyze the strengths of relationships and connections within your school community. Using a 0-5 scale, you can rank the strength of relationships and interactions between students and teachers and the inclusive celebration of student achievements. The results share suggestions for an action plan of implementation to strengthen and support Black male students in classrooms and schools.

tag(s): african american (119), artificial intelligence (186), cross cultural understanding (176), multilingual (78), student-centered (8), Teacher Utilities (203)

In the Classroom

Although this tool provides feedback to support Black students in the classroom, it is also valuable to generate specific ideas for implementing an action plan to support and include students of all cultures within the school community. Extend this tool's ideas using the request changes feature to ask for more specific information. For example, if the suggestion includes establishing structured peer support networks, ask for specific ideas and examples on how to do this for your grade level. Share the ideas with your administrators and grade-level peers as you consider ways to implement your plans. Consider using an organizational tool such as Milanote reviewed here to collaborate, save, and share your ideas and resources.
 This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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A Hurricane Comes to Sesame Street - Sesame Workshop

Grades
K to 2
 
Sesame Workshop's A Hurricane Comes to Sesame Street is a short, impactful video that helps young children process the emotional aftermath of natural disasters through the familiar...more
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Sesame Workshop's A Hurricane Comes to Sesame Street is a short, impactful video that helps young children process the emotional aftermath of natural disasters through the familiar lens of Big Bird and his friends. As Big Bird copes with the destruction of his nest, students learn about feelings like sadness, fear, and hope--and how community support can help rebuild both homes and hearts. The site also offers guided discussion questions to encourage emotional expression and understanding, making it a valuable tool for teachers addressing tough topics in a gentle, age-appropriate way.

tag(s): communities (39), hurricanes (33), preK (282)

In the Classroom

Consider sharing this resource with families on your class website. Students can share their feelings using Seesaw's reviewed here community library to find emojis. Students can create a hurricane in a jar. Finally, students can create an emergency readiness kit and plan in case of a hurricane (or other emergency).
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Emergencies - Sesame Workshop

Grades
K to 2
 
Looking for a gentle, age-appropriate way to introduce emergency preparedness in your classroom? Sesame Workshop's Emergencies video is a quick 45-second clip that helps young children...more
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Looking for a gentle, age-appropriate way to introduce emergency preparedness in your classroom? Sesame Workshop's Emergencies video is a quick 45-second clip that helps young children understand what to do during an emergency. But the learning doesn't stop there--the website also includes a variety of supportive resources such as a Wildfires Family Guide, Emergency Family Kit video, "Let's Pack an Emergency Kit" activity, tips for Rebuilding After a Hurricane, and guidance for Talking About an Unexpected Emergency. There's even a lesson on the importance of knowing your first and last name. Many of these resources are available in Spanish, making them accessible for a wider range of families and classrooms.

tag(s): communities (39), natural disasters (19), preK (282)

In the Classroom

Students can create an emergency kit. Students can use Book Creator reviewed here to offer tips and suggestions in dealing with an emergency. Students can record themselves saying their first and last name using Free Screen Recorder Online reviewed here.
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Emergency Helpers - Sesame Workshop

Grades
K to 2
 
Meet the Emergency Helpers with Sesame Workshop! Sesame Workshop's Emergency Helpers offers a short video that teaches young students who helps in an emergency. Firefighters, doctors,...more
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Meet the Emergency Helpers with Sesame Workshop! Sesame Workshop's Emergency Helpers offers a short video that teaches young students who helps in an emergency. Firefighters, doctors, teachers, and police officers are sung about in the video. Each of the emergency helpers' jobs is explained in the song. The video is available in Spanish.

tag(s): communities (39), preK (282)

In the Classroom

Students can participate in the activities at the bottom of the webpage. Students can complete a community library activity on Seesaw reviewed here. Students can create an Emergency Helpers book using Book Creator reviewed here or WriteReader reviewed here.
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Culturally Responsive Teaching - Yourway Learning

Grades
K to 12
 
With this AI-based generation tool, you can remix your traditional lesson plan to include culturally responsive teaching strategies and activities. Complete the form by adding the requested...more
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With this AI-based generation tool, you can remix your traditional lesson plan to include culturally responsive teaching strategies and activities. Complete the form by adding the requested information, including grade, subject, learning objectives, students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and student assets. Completed responses include suggestions for resources, cultural awareness activities, inclusivity, and differentiated instruction. Use the options to request changes to adjust the output as needed, then download the response to your device or copy and paste it into a new document.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), cross cultural understanding (176), racism (81), Teacher Utilities (203), teaching strategies (52)

In the Classroom

Use this AI generator to find inclusive teaching ideas for any lesson in just seconds. Ask for ideas to incorporate a student's culture into activities or integrate cultural learning activities across all subject areas. For example, when learning about European countries, find activities to include with science, math, and writing assignments. Make a new student feel at home by integrating ideas from their culture into reading and writing projects. Develop critical thinking skills by incorporating inquiry thinking and suggested activities into your current lessons. As a final project, ask student groups to create digital books using Book Creator reviewed here using images and descriptions that reflect a multicultural understanding of their learning activities.
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Student Feedback - Yourway Learning

Grades
2 to 12
Providing meaningful feedback to students is key to helping them understand where they are in the learning process and providing guidance for the future. This AI-generation tool analyzes...more
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Providing meaningful feedback to students is key to helping them understand where they are in the learning process and providing guidance for the future. This AI-generation tool analyzes student work using your input on grade level, subject, title, and assignment description to provide specific feedback on the content. Feedback includes information on the student's ability to address the topic, how their writing supports the objectives, and specific ideas for enhancing and improving the content.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), assessment (146), feedback (13), writing (327)

In the Classroom

Use this tool to gather quick feedback for student writing activities and share it with students as part of their editing and revision process. Share a link to this tool on your class website or newsletter for students to use as a helpful tool to improve their writing before submitting their final draft. Use the feedback provided to guide your writing instruction; for example, if many students need to improve their work by adding specific examples, use this information to develop additional lessons to teach this skill. Use Google Docs or Microsoft Word for students to track and share writing revisions. For example, ask students to begin writing projects in Google Docs. After sharing their work, use Student Feedback to analyze the work based on your criteria, then share the feedback portion with the student. Ask the student to highlight areas that need improvement, then use that information as a starting point to revise the text below the original text. When finished, ask the student to write a short reflective piece on methods to improve their writing. This method lets you view each writing process step as a reflective activity.
 This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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SEL Lesson Planner - Yourway Learning

Grades
K to 12
 
This AI-powered tool generates social-emotional learning (SEL) plans for any topic and grade level. Begin by adding the grade level, then select the SEL competency to address from the...more
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This AI-powered tool generates social-emotional learning (SEL) plans for any topic and grade level. Begin by adding the grade level, then select the SEL competency to address from the five options: self-awareness, self-management, and others. In the final box, add the topic, standard, or objective to address and include additional details to consider when generating your lesson. After the lesson is generated, use the available options to request changes and modify the lesson to fit your needs. Download or save your lesson plan document using the options available at the Manage Content dropdown box.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), social and emotional learning (107), Teacher Utilities (203)

In the Classroom

Save this lesson generator for many different classroom uses. Create lessons to build social-emotional learning skills that address the needs of your students or incorporate SEL thinking processes into lessons that require students to understand different perspectives, such as the civil rights movement or the environmental impacts of pollution. Take time to develop the prompt for the final box to include specific information for the type of lesson to create, teaching frameworks to include, technology to incorporate, and consideration of thinking routines. For example, use a prompt such as "the civil rights movement of the 1960s, include five station rotation activities; one should be technology-based" to generate a SEL lesson. Consider adding Thinking Routines, reviewed here that encourages students to use perspective to consider others' thoughts, experiences, and feelings.
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The Empire of Mali- The Twang of a Bow - Extra History

Grades
6 to 12
 
This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership...more
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This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership as Mansa of Mali. Born into a minor fiefdom after the collapse of the Ghana Empire, Sundiata overcame personal and political struggles--including exile, disability, and family betrayal--to unite warring factions against the tyrannical sorcerer-king Soumaoro Kante. Through strategic alliances and military prowess, he led a victorious rebellion in 1234, forming a powerful federation of twelve nations. Unlike its predecessor, Mali thrived under Sundiata's rule, benefiting from vast gold mines, controlled trade routes, and a strong military. His reign laid the foundation for one of West Africa's greatest empires, ensuring economic prosperity and political stability for generations to come.
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tag(s): africa (170)

In the Classroom

Have students explore Mali's contributions to art, music, and storytelling, researching griots, traditional instruments, or historical sites like Timbuktu. They can present their findings through skits, posters, or mini-documentaries using moovly reviewed here or Animoto reviewed here. Students can participate in a Mali trade simulation, where they role-play merchants, kings, and traders exchanging goods (gold, salt, textiles) and negotiating taxes, highlighting the importance of trade in Mali's success. Students can illustrate a comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker reviewed here or Write Comics reviewed here retelling key events from Sundiata's journey, emphasizing major turning points like his exile, rise to power, and victory over Soumaoro Kante.
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Dance: Sundiata- Mali's Lion King - YPS Arts Department

Grades
6 to 8
  
This lesson plan, Dance: Sundiata--Mali's Lion King, integrates history and the arts to engage students in learning about the legendary West African ruler, Sundiata Keita. Designed...more
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This lesson plan, Dance: Sundiata--Mali's Lion King, integrates history and the arts to engage students in learning about the legendary West African ruler, Sundiata Keita. Designed for middle school students, the lesson explores the story of Sundiata through dance, movement, and storytelling, reflecting the rich oral traditions of the Mali Empire. Students analyze the themes, historical significance, and cultural impact while expressing their understanding through choreographed performances. The resource includes guided discussion questions, key vocabulary, and creative activities to deepen comprehension and make history come alive through the arts.

tag(s): africa (170), african american (119), dance (33)

In the Classroom

Have your students mimic movements inspired by animals (like lions or birds) and warriors to connect with the themes of Sundiata's journey. Students can create a short poem or spoken-word piece about Sundiata's journey and perform it alongside interpretive dance movements. Students can research and compare traditional West African dance styles (such as Mandinka dance) with other global storytelling dances. They can present their findings through a short report or poster using Canva Edu reviewed here.
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Mali Lesson Plans - Virginia Department of Education

Grades
4 to 12
  
Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing...more
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Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing trade networks of the Mali Empire, this guide provides teachers with dynamic lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive activities to immerse students in African history. With a focus on storytelling, historical analysis, and cultural connections, this resource equips educators with the tools to make history come alive in the classroom. Plus, the included links offer even more ways to enrich student learning!

tag(s): africa (170), creative writing (125), journals (16)

In the Classroom

Students can create a travel journal to record responses to lessons on paper or using Imagine Forest, reviewed here or Sway, reviewed here. Have students participate in a suitcase packing activity to prepare for an imaginary journey to Mali by choosing items they may need on the trip. Create a list of items they may pack and have them discuss their choices. Students can illustrate key moments from the Epic of Sundiata using a storyboard format. They can either draw by hand or use digital tools such as Google Drawings, reviewed here to represent important events, such as Sundiata's early struggles, his rise to power, and the establishment of the Mali Empire. Have students participate in a trade simulation to understand the economic power of the Mali Empire. They can role-play as merchants trading gold, salt, and other goods along the trans-Saharan trade routes.
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Lion King vs. Sundiata, Lion King of Mali - Engaging Everything

Grades
5 to 9
 
This engaging video lesson helps students create a comic strip retelling the story of Sundiata while drawing connections to The Lion King. Students fold a blank sheet into eight squares...more
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This engaging video lesson helps students create a comic strip retelling the story of Sundiata while drawing connections to The Lion King. Students fold a blank sheet into eight squares (or use a provided template) and illustrate key moments from the story, incorporating twelve essential vocabulary terms. The lesson uses an adapted text from an African storyteller and highlights parallels between Sundiata and The Lion King, such as King Maghan representing Mufasa and Sundiata paralleling Simba. Accompanying resources, including a pre-made comic strip template and key terms, are available for teachers to support student engagement. If your district blocks YouTube, then this video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): africa (170), comics and cartoons (55), vocabulary (242)

In the Classroom

Have students make the comic on a device using ToonyTool reviewed here or Write Comics reviewed here. Students can compare Sundiata and The Lion King using a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here, analyzing historical elements versus fictional adaptations. Before introducing Sundiata, have students match The Lion King characters (Mufasa, Simba, Scar, etc.) with their Sundiata counterparts based on descriptions. Then, reveal the actual connections and discuss.
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