African History Independent Work Packet

This 8-reading worksheet bundle delves into various aspects of ancient Ghana, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of this fascinating West African civilization. Each reading focuses on a specific theme, including:

• Leadership and legacy: Uncover the stories of iconic rulers like Tenkamenin and Queen Amina, analyzing their economic reforms, military prowess, and cultural impact.
• Thriving economy: Journey through bustling trade routes, understand the role of gold dust as currency, and explore the lives of farmers, traders, and slaves within the Ghanian economic system.
• Daily life and culture: Unravel the tapestry of everyday life in Ghana, from the grandeur of the royal palace to the simplicity of village huts, examining architecture, fashion, food, and religious practices.
• Clash of faiths and fall: Witness the historical context of the Almoravid invasion, analyze the impact of Islam on Ghanaian society, and understand the consequences of the Battle of Beth Koufo.
• Beyond gold: Step away from the mines and delve into the vibrant world of children's games, traditional crafts like pottery and weaving, and vibrant festivals that enriched Ghanaian culture.
• Majesty of kings and queens: Unmask the lives of royalty, explore their daily routines and responsibilities, and discover the role of griots in preserving history and cultural identity.
• Warriors and raiders: Embark on trade routes with the Ghana army, learn about their weapons and training, and understand their role in protecting the kingdom's prosperity.
• Treasures of the lost city: Unearth the mysteries of ancient Ghana through archaeological discoveries, explore the lost city of Djenné-Djenno, and appreciate the ongoing efforts to reconstruct the kingdom's history.

Review:

• Variety of topics: The diverse range of readings ensures students gain a well-rounded understanding of ancient Ghana, going beyond the typical focus on gold and trade.
• Engaging narrative: The vivid storytelling and primary source excerpts bring history to life and spark students' curiosity.
• Interactive activities: Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, short answer questions, and creative prompts like map activities and writing exercises offer different avenues for assessment and solidify learning.
• Differentiation: The varying difficulty levels within each reading and the diverse activities cater to different learning styles and abilities.
• Common Core Standards alignment: The resource clearly outlines how it aligns with relevant Common Core Standards, making it easy for teachers to integrate it into their curriculum.