8th Grade Black History Month Resources

Three great activities to celebrate Black History Month this February! Activities include:

--Webquest / Internet Scavenger Hunt (includes answer key)

--Research / Poster project (Microsoft Word) (Student instructions, sample poster, and rubric)

--Word Search Puzzle (includes answer key)

These three short activities are a great way to raise awareness during Black History Month and can each be completed in one or two class periods.

Resources for teacher and students are included with the unit.

This lesson was created for middle school students (grades 6-8) but could also be used for upper elementary students.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

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In this lesson, students learn interesting facts about the NASA’s Space Race and the women behind the scenes as they complete several projects including a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic.    A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students.  The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper.  Also included with this lesson is a word search puzzle which is perfect for early finishers or as a part of the lesson. 

This lesson is intended to be an introduction to the topic and was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in high school as well.  This lesson could be used in a history or technology class, as an activity during Black History Month or Women's History Month,  and is also a great lesson to leave for a substitute teacher!

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

· Teacher & Student Resources

· NASA Space Race WebQuest Activity (print and editable digital files included)

· NASA Space Race WebQuest Answer Key

· Word Search Puzzle – NASA Space Race (includes answer key)

Approximate Lesson Duration:

· WebQuest - 1 (50 minute) class period

· Word Search Puzzle – 20-30 minutes

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This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the history behind MLK day and its importance.

THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:

• MLK Day Passage (2 pages)
• 10 Multiple Choice Questions
• 5 Short Answer Questions
• 9 Choice Board Extension Activities
• Answer Keys
• Link to Digital Version

I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.

Martin Luther King Jr., I Have a Dream Write the Room: Use this writing activity in your AVID classroom, Social Studies, ELA, or any content area. Allow students to reflect on Martin Luther King and his dream with this engaging printable write-the-room activity! This activity features 11 unique labels you can display around your room, each representing a letter to spell out "I Have a Dream." These labels come with thought-provoking prompts that encourage students to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. The recording sheet allows students to organize and document responses.

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Directions:
Students will complete the Martin Luther King Jr. prompts around the room and record their responses on the provided recording sheet.

What's Included:

• 11 classroom labels each representing a letter to spell out "I Have a Dream" with prompts that encourage students to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.
• A recording sheet with a chart where students write their responses next to the corresponding letter.

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AVID Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" Speech + Dicebrakers Activity: Help your students dig deeper by marking the text of the "I Have a Dream Speech" and build your classroom community with these 5 different Dicebreakers with thought-provoking prompts!

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What's included:

• "I Have a Dream" speech in Google doc with space for marking the text
• 5 different dice with 6 questions on each in color and black and white
• One blank dice for students to write their own prompts

Directions:

• Cut and paste to make a cube.
• Take turns rolling the dice and answering questions with a group.
• If time allows let the conversations flow naturally after each question. Students will love pointing out similarities/differences in perception of the text.

Example Prompts:

• Has King's dream become true in today's America?
• How does Martin Luther King, Jr. appeal to pathos? (emotions)
• What is one question you would ask Dr. King?

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" One-Pager Activity: Unlock your students creativity with this free printable inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic quote, "I have a dream." This open-ended one-pager is perfect for note-taking, sketch notes, and coloring, making it a versatile tool for social-emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness.

Students can let their imaginations soar by jotting down their dreams in the clouds, turning this printable into an engaging and interactive bulletin board display. Foster self-expression and positivity with this empowering resource, designed to encourage reflection and inspire dreams in a fun and educational way. Download now for a meaningful addition to your classroom or personal space!

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Use for:

• note-taking or “sketch notes”
• coloring for SEL or mindfulness
• students can write their dreams in the clouds and this can be used as a bulletin board
• Interactive notebooks

Possible “I Have a Dream” sentence starters:

• My dream for myself...
• My dream for my family...
• My dream for my friends...
• My dream for my school...
• My dream for my community...
• My dream for this world...

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Spark in depth and meaningful discussions and deepen your students' understanding of US history with this "What is the KKK?" lesson. Perfect for upper middle and high school social studies classes, this resource is thoughtfully designed to provide an in-depth look at the Ku Klux Klan, its origins and impact.

What’s Included:

Google Slides Presentation:

• Engaging and visually appealing slides.
• Historical background on the KKK.
• Critical thinking questions to prompt class discussions.

Accompanying Worksheet:

• Thought-provoking questions to reinforce learning.
• Activities designed to promote analysis and reflection.
• Extension activity.

Key Features:

Easy to Use: Ready-to-go slides and worksheets require minimal prep time.

Learning: Encourages student engagement and participation.

Editable: Customize to fit your specific classroom needs.

Teaching sensitive historical topics requires care and accuracy. This "What is the KKK?" lesson is crafted to handle the subject with the respect and seriousness it deserves, fostering an environment of learning and understanding. Empower your students with knowledge and promote critical thinking about historical and contemporary issues.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

Please provide your feedback and receive TeachShare credits towards you next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

This is a perfect way to have students learn about four Black Americans instrumental in the US Civil Rights Movement. Students will watch videos, answer questions, write poetry, create a headline and will identify a hero in their own lives who shows the same perseverance of those featured. All of the activities are done on the hyperdoc. I usually have students do this over the course of 3-4 days independently and have them submit it electronically for an assessment grade.

I am always amazed at the connections students make with this assignment to their own experiences.

This specific resource highlights the lives of Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass and Jackie Robinson.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

This resource provides background on Frederick Douglass including a video from PBS Learning as well as an analysis of a primary source (excerpt from Douglass' "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?") There is also a reflection at the end of the slide deck. All work is done on the slides.

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

I would love to hear how you used this resource in your classroom. Please leave your feedback for TeachShare credits towards your next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

This is perfect for teaching about Martin Luther King and his work for the advancement of Civil Rights in America. Students will analyze and interpret excerpts from 5 of Dr. King's speeches. There is also an engaging extension activity for them to complete when finished.

The resource comes in both PDF and Google Slides/docs versions and includes a graphic organizer for students to use to complete the activity.

Speech excerpts included:

"I Have a Dream"

"I've Been to the Mountaintop"

"Letter from a Birmingham Jail"

"The Negro and the American Dream"

"What's Your Life's Blueprint?"

This resource is for personal use in one classroom only. Please do not distribute

to others or post publically online (within your Google Classroom, etc. is

permitted). If a friend or colleague would enjoy this resource, you may

purchase additional licenses at a discounted price. The information ,activities

and images included are copyrighted. You may not reuse or sell any part of

this resource as your own. 

Please provide your feedback and receive TeachShare credits towards you next purchase.

To view more of my products, visit my store at Nemo's Nook.

Celebrate Black History Month with this thoughtful, engaging lesson on overcoming obstacles in Maya Angelou's renowned poem, "Still I Rise."

This lesson plan on Angelou's poem can be used in a variety of ways throughout the school year. For instance, the lesson is the perfect jumpstart for your unit on slavery, Civil Rights, poetry, or Women's Rights in America. It can also be used as a stand-alone lesson to get your students to reflect upon and discuss overcoming their own personal obstacles. Given the theme of the poem, the lesson even acts as a great medium for discussing how to to rise above bullying in a society where bullying is sadly so prevalent. These meticulously laid-out materials and lesson plan will have your students thinking, speaking, reading, and writing all in one class period and interacting deeply with one of the most beautiful and resounding works of American poetry.

Product Includes:

- Precise lesson plan with warm-up, explanation, application, synthesis, and extension activity

- Student packet for guided notes with anticipation guide and comprehension questions

- Notes on Maya Angelou

- Homework assignment

Note that the poem is not included in this resource as it is protected by copyright. However, "Still I Rise" can easily be found online.

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Also, check out these great resources for your poetry unit by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Poetry ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Poetry Unit Anticipation Activity

⭐ Caged Bird (Angelou) Lesson Plan & Materials

⭐ Harlem (A Dream Deferred) Lesson Plan & Materials

⭐ Black History Month Poetry {{BUNDLE}}

⭐ Figurative Language Challenge Game

⭐ Sonnet 130 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

⭐ Sonnet 18 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

Celebrate Black History Month with this engaging lesson on Maya Angelou's stunningly poignant poem of injustice, "Caged Bird."

This dynamic lesson plan on Angelou's poem is the perfect addition to your poetry unit. In this lesson, students will analyze the figurative language within the poem and respond to its powerful theme through independent work, paired activities, and full class discussion. The lesson plan even includes a unique way to read the poem as a class that will have your students engaged from the start. The meticulously laid-out materials will prompt your students to think, speak, read, draw, and write all in one class period and interacting deeply with one of the most celebrated works of American poetry.

Product Includes:

- Comprehensive lesson plan with warm-up, explanation, application, and synthesis

- Student packet: copy of the poem, notes on Maya Angelou, chart and drawing activity, open response question

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Also, check out these great resources for your poetry unit by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Poetry ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Poetry Unit Anticipation Activity

⭐ "Still I Rise" (Angelou) Lesson Plan & Materials

⭐ Harlem (A Dream Deferred) Lesson Plan & Materials

⭐ Black History Month Poetry {{BUNDLE}}

⭐ Figurative Language Challenge Game

⭐ Sonnet 130 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

⭐ Sonnet 18 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

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⭐Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence⭐

Celebrate Black History Month with this dynamic lesson on pursuing your dreams in Langston Hughes' provocative poem, Harlem (A Dream Deferred).

This differentiated lesson plan on Hughes' poem is the perfect addition to your poetry unit. In this lesson, students will analyze the figurative language within the poem and respond to its powerful theme through independent work, paired activities, and full class discussion. These meticulously laid-out materials will have your students thinking, speaking, reading, drawing, and writing all in one class period and interacting deeply with one of the most breathtaking works of American poetry.

Product Includes:

- Comprehensive lesson plan with warm-up, explanation, application, synthesis, and differentiated extension activities

- Student packet

- Copy of the poem

- Notes on Langston Hughes

- Drawing Activity

- Open Response Question

- Extension Activity for Forging Original Poetry

This lesson plan is Common Core Aligned.

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Also, check out these great resources for your poetry unit by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Poetry ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Poetry Unit Anticipation Activity

⭐ "Still I Rise" (Angelou) Lesson Plan & Materials

⭐ Caged Bird (Angelou) Lesson Plan & Materials

⭐ Black History Month Poetry {{BUNDLE}}

⭐ Figurative Language Challenge Game

⭐ Sonnet 130 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

⭐ Sonnet 18 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

This resource features all of the materials you need to conduct a stations activity to teach students about Kwanzaa. The lesson involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. All tasks are Language Arts skills-based so that with this engaging lesson, learning is not sacrificed; in fact, students will come away with it with a greater understanding about the history an importance of Kwanzaa.

How does it work?

Your students will work to complete 5 Language Arts-based tasks about Kwanzaa in order to learn more about this important holiday.

• How It All Began: In the first task, students must correct incorrectly spelled words within the origin story of Kwanzaa.

• Quote Worthy: In the second task, students must identify parts of speech within 7 quotes about Kwanzaa.

• Word Match: In the third task, students must identify synonyms within passages describing popular Kwanzaa traditions.

• A Dream Deferred: In the fourth task, students must answer multiple choice questions about the poem, Harlem by Langston Hughes.

• Crossword: In the fifth and final task, all students have learned throughout the stations activity will come together as they must fill out a crossword puzzle about Kwanzaa. Once they have completed the puzzle and cracked the final code, they are done.

Product Includes:

- Stations Activity Basics

- Preparation Checklist
- Detailed Day-Of Instructions
- Student Teams Chart
- Materials for 5 Tasks: task signs to be folded upright, task instructions (2 per page for easy printing), and supplementary materials to be kept at stations
- Student Answer Sheet
- Teacher Answer Keys
- Stations Activity Reflection for homework or in-class writing activity

- Reflection Writing Prompt

This lesson is suitable for middle and high school students and is ideal for use during Kwanzaa.
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Also, check out these great products by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Hanukkah Kwanzaa Christmas Diwali ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ New Year's ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Christmas ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Christmas Poetry ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Christmas Grammar Escape Room

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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

This resource features all of the materials you need to conduct a Stations Activity to introduce students to Black History Month. The lesson involves movement, energy, creative thinking and most of all, collaboration. All tasks are Language Arts skills-based so that with this engaging lesson, learning is not sacrificed; in fact, students will come away from it with a greater understanding about the major contributions, achievements, and literary works of Black Americans.

How does it work?

Your students will work to complete 5 language arts-based tasks about Black History Month.

• Notable & Quotable: In the first task, students will read 8 quotes that are significant to the study of Black History. Students must identify the word spelled incorrectly in each quote and write it correctly in boxes on their answer sheet.

• Black History Facts: In the second task, students will find 7 facts about Black History Month. To reveal the code, they must identify the part of speech of the underlined word within each passage.

• Black Ocean: In the third task, must correctly identify the figurative language devices in passages of poetry by renowned Black poets.

• A Dream Deferred: In the fourth task, students will perform a close reading of Langston Hughes’ Harlem and answer multiple choice questions about the poem.

• Famous Firsts: Complete the word search of famous firsts by Black Americans by searching for the last name of each figure. Once all names have been found, the letters that remain form a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. Once students bring this to you, they have completed the activity!

Product Includes:

- Stations Activity Basics

- Preparation Checklist
- Detailed Day-Of Instructions
- Student Teams Chart
- Materials for 5 Tasks: task signs, task instructions, and supplementary materials
- Student Answer Sheet
- Teacher Answer Keys
- Reflection questions for homework or in-class writing activity

This lesson is suitable for middle and high school students and is ideal for use during the month of February.
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Also, check out these great products by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Black History Month Lesson Bundle

⭐ Memorial Day Stations Activity

⭐ Veterans Day Stations Activity

⭐ History Quote Posters

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Make your classroom pop during Black History Month with this set of 25 posters featuring inspiring quotes from Black figures. Each 7.5 x 7.5 (square) PDF poster contains a quote about poetry imposed over a stunning photograph to spruce up your ELA classroom during your poetry unit. The square format makes for an eye-catching arrangement on your wall or bulletin board and serves as a great conversation starter. I suggest laminating the posters so that you can use them year after year!

Examples of quotes used in this resource:

• "Just don't give up what you're trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." ~ Ella Fitzgerald
• “Freedom is never given; it is won.” ~ A. Philip Randolph
• “Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations." ~ Dr. Mae Jemison
• "The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.” ~ Maya Angelou

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Check out more resources for your unit on Black History by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Black History Month Stations Activity

⭐ Black History Month Poetry Lesson Bundle

⭐ Still I Rise (Angelou) Lesson Plan & Materials

⭐ Caged Bird (Angelou) Lesson Plan & Materials

⭐ Harlem (A Dream Deferred) Lesson Plan & Materials

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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

These three differentiated lesson plans center around the beautifully powerful poems, "Still I Rise," "A Dream Deferred," and "Caged Bird." Each plan is meticulously explained using a format of warm-up, explanation, application, and synthesis with the aim to engage students from beginning to end. Students will analyze the figurative language within the poems and respond to the powerful messages they evoke through independent work, paired activities, and full class discussion. Lesson plans and accompanying materials strive to encourage students to interact deeply with some of the most breathtaking works of American poetry ever written. No teacher preparation is necessary for any of these lesson plans.

Bundled Product Includes:

• 3 Full lesson plans with warm-up, explanation, application, synthesis, and differentiated extension activities
• Comprehensive student packets for each poem
• Copies of each poem

Although these lesson plans are aligned to eighth grade Common Core standards, they can be differentiated to be appropriate for a middle or high school setting.

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Buying this bundle saves 20% off the price of the three lesson plans, however, you can buy them separately here:

⭐ "Still I Rise" Lesson Plan and Materials

⭐ "Caged Bird" Lesson Plan and Materials

⭐ "A Dream Deferred" Lesson Plan and Materials

Also, check out these great resources for your poetry unit by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Poetry ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Poetry Unit Anticipation Activity

⭐ Figurative Language Challenge Game

⭐ Sonnet 130 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

⭐ Sonnet 18 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

___________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

Why is it that calling out sick can actually mean more work as you scramble to come up with a plan for your substitute teacher?

This product features a bundle of 6 (mostly) print & go emergency lesson plans that are ideal for days prior to and returning from vacations, between units, emergency sub plans, or simply those days when you just "can't." (And let's face it, we've all been there!)

Each lesson plan maintains a high standard for student learning and engagement with minimal preparation on your end. Plans are varied yet cohesive and allow for differentiation within your classroom. It is recommended that you read through each lesson plan prior to the start of class to make sure that you have all materials ready as photocopying and in some cases moderate set-up is required. While plans work well for substitutes, you may find that they are so much fun that you will want to experience them with your students yourself!

Purchasing these resources as a bundle saves 20% off the cover price!

Products included in this bundle:

⭐ "Still I Rise" (Angelou) Lesson Plan & Materials -- A best-selling product!

This lesson plan on Angelou's poem can be used in a variety of ways throughout the school year. For instance, the lesson is the perfect jumpstart for your unit on slavery, Civil Rights, poetry, or Women's Rights in America. It can also be used as a stand-alone lesson to get your students to reflect upon and discuss overcoming their own personal obstacles. Given the theme of the poem, the lesson even acts as a great medium for discussing how to to rise above bullying in a society where bullying is sadly so prevalent. These meticulously laid-out materials and lesson plan will have your students thinking, speaking, reading, and writing all in one class period and interacting deeply with one of the most beautiful and resounding works of American poetry.

⭐ We Didn't Start the Fire Activity

This step-by-step two-day lesson plan encourages students to consider what defines their generation and then create their own lyrics to Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire." Every year, this lesson has been a huge hit with my students especially on the last two days of school. Your students will appreciate your taking the time to allow them to step back and reflect upon their world. You will love it because no preparation is needed at all for this very memorable activity!

⭐Shakespeare's "Death Lines" Activity

In this full-length lesson plan, students will closely examine the final lines of Shakespearean characters before their deaths (if you know Shakespeare, there are quite a few!). Following a mini-lesson on the importance of these final words, students will take part in the classic game, Mafia, with a unique, Shakespearean twist. I invented the take on this game several years ago and it has become one of my students' and my favorite days of the whole school year. There is truly nothing like seeing students having a great time while studying Shakespeare. I am confident that your students will love it too!

⭐"Literature Talk" Lesson Plan

This product features an engaging "Literature Talk" activity that will have your students thinking, writing, speaking, and moving all in one class period. In this activity, they must choose between 6 different quotes about books and articulate why the quote aligns with their own perspective. They will have a chance to discuss their opinions in small groups and as part of a full class discussion. The full-length lesson plan can literally be used any day of the school year and is sure to spark thoughtful discussion among your students.

⭐Collaborative Writing Activity

"Collaborative Story Time" is a communal story-telling activity in which students practice using Freytag's Pyramid plot structure in their own narrative writing. In this activity, each student begins a story inspired by a unique evocative photograph. They are prompted to write the exposition of the tale by introducing the setting and main characters. After the allotted amount of time, the story is then passed to another student who is prompted to write the inciting incident or conflict and begin to detail the rising action. The paper is passed from student to student twice more until the story is resolved. When the stories are finished, the worksheet is returned to the original student who can then make edits and is responsible for producing a final draft.

⭐Poe's Annabel Lee Poetry/Song Pairing

Who in the world knows more about love and loss than Edgar Allan Poe? This resource features a full-length lesson plan and accompanying materials for a song/poem pairing of "Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe and popular song, "Sad Beautiful Tragic." Lesson plan is Common Core aligned and centers around rhyme scheme, repetition, figurative language, and theme. This student-tested activity is the perfect addition for any unit on Edgar Allan Poe and is guaranteed to enlighten your students on the timelessness of Poe's poetry in an engaging and contemporary way.

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⭐Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence⭐

Embark on a captivating journey through time and uncover the untold stories of Mali, Songhai, and Kush, magnificent African empires that dazzled the world with their wealth, innovation, and cultural achievements. This comprehensive reading comprehension worksheet, perfect for Black History Month or any social studies unit, delves into the heart of these civilizations, dispelling myths and showcasing a vibrant era of African excellence.
Engage your students with:

• Gripping narratives: Discover the rise and fall of these empires, from Mali's gold-paved streets under Sundiata Keita to Songhai's intellectual fervor under Askia Muhammad, and Kush's powerful queens like Candace Amanirenas.
• Primary source exploration: Analyze compelling excerpts from historical figures like Ibn Battuta and Leo Africanus, gaining firsthand accounts of the empires' opulence and cultural practices.
• Critical thinking activities: Hone critical thinking skills with multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions that delve deeper into the content.
• Standards-aligned assessment: Address key Common Core State Standards related to reading comprehension, informational text analysis, and primary source interpretation.

This resource is ideal for:

• Middle and high school students in social studies, history, or Black history courses.
• Teachers seeking engaging and informative materials for Black History Month or ancient African civilizations units.
• Homeschoolers looking to supplement their curriculum with captivating lessons.

Unmask the mysteries of these remarkable empires and ignite your students' passion for history with this dynamic and informative resource!

Review: The content of the product is excellent. It is well-organized, informative, and engaging. The reading comprehension worksheet follows a clear structure, starting with an introduction to the topic, then providing detailed information about each of the three empires, and concluding with primary sources and assessment questions. The inclusion of primary sources and assessment questions is particularly valuable, as it allows students to think critically about the information they have read and develop their understanding of the topic.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to identify the key characteristics of the ancient African empires of Mali, Songhai, and Kush.
• Students will be able to analyze primary sources to gain insights into the culture and history of these empires.
• Students will be able to develop their critical thinking skills by answering comprehension and analysis questions.
• Students will be able to communicate their understanding of the topic through written and verbal responses.

Common Core State Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7: Analyze various accounts of a single historical event or issue, recognizing and clarifying differences in points of view.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.8: Distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and determine the difference between fact and opinion.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.9: Analyze and evaluate the usefulness of different resources for researching a topic.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.10: Integrate information from diverse sources, including primary and secondary sources, print and digital sources, and visual sources, in order to write about a topic.

Step away from the gold mines and dive into the vibrant heart of ancient Ghana! This engaging reading comprehension and hands-on activity worksheet transports your students to a sun-drenched world where children's laughter echoes, artisans weave magic with their hands, and festivals burst with colorful celebrations.

Explore Beyond the Surface:

• Games of Wit & Agility: Witness children strategize in the bean-clicking game of Mancala, leap and dodge in the playful tag game "Ampe," and discover how these simple pastimes were more than just entertainment.
• Masters of Craft: Get inspired by skilled Ghanaian goldsmiths, weavers, and potters who transformed raw materials into stunning jewelry, tapestries, and pottery, each piece a treasure trove of cultural heritage.
• Craft Your Own Legacy: Unleash your inner artist with a fun clay pendant activity inspired by Ghanaian pottery methods. Learn to shape the clay, decorate with vibrant paints, and wear your creation with pride!
• Celebrations of Life: Feel the pulse of Ghana's joyful festivals, where the Yam Festival erupts in a symphony of drumming, dancing, and storytelling, connecting the present to the past and honoring ancestral spirits.

Engage Your Students with:

• Captivating text and primary source analysis for deeper understanding of Ghanaian culture.
• Interactive comprehension questions in multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer formats.
• A hands-on clay pendant activity to spark creativity and connect with Ghanaian traditions.
• Vivid vocabulary and imagery to bring ancient Ghana to life.

Perfect for:

• Social studies and history lessons on Ancient Africa.
• Developing reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
• Fostering creativity and hands-on learning experiences.
• Integrating cultural awareness and historical appreciation.

Ready to transport your classroom to a vibrant, playful, and historically rich Ghana? Download this exciting worksheet and watch your students become explorers, artists, and celebrants of ancient African culture!

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the diverse aspects of life in ancient Ghana beyond its famous gold trade.
• Understand the significance of traditional games, crafts, and festivals in Ghanaian culture.
• Develop critical thinking skills through source analysis, inference, and problem-solving.
• Foster creativity and hands-on learning through artistic activities.

Common Core Standards Alignment:

• RH.6-8.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a historical text.
• RH.6-8.3: Analyze how a primary source reveals the historical context of a particular event.
• RH.6-8.7: Integrate information from various sources to answer questions about a particular historical period.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.7: Analyze various features of text, including figurative language, word choice, and tone.
• VA.K-12.2: Create a work of art based on observation