Description
The Kingdom of Benin: Complete History Lesson Plan & Activity Pack
Transport your students to pre-colonial West Africa with this engaging, “no-prep” lesson plan on the Kingdom of Benin.
This comprehensive resource is designed to save you planning time while providing students with a deep understanding of one of Africa’s most advanced and powerful historical kingdoms. Moving beyond the basics, this unit explores the rich culture, intricate art, and complex history of the Edo people (located in modern-day Nigeria).
This lesson is perfect for Grades 5-8 and is fully editable to suit your classroom needs.
📂 What’s Included in This Bundle:
This digital download includes everything you need to teach a full unit or a standalone deep-dive lesson:
- Instructional Slide Deck (PowerPoint/PDF): A visually stunning presentation covering geography, the rise of the Obas, and the daily life of the Benin people.
- Student Information Sheets: Differentiated reading passages suitable for various reading levels.
- Interactive Activities:
- Timeline sorting activity: From the Ogiso era to the British Expedition.
- Source Analysis: Examining the famous Benin Bronzes (What do they tell us about the court?).
- Map Work: Locating the kingdom and understanding its trade routes.
- Vocabulary Builder: Key terms definitions (e.g., Oba, Guild, Cowrie shells, Bronze, Ramparts).
- Assessment: A multiple-choice quiz and a short-answer reflection sheet to check for understanding.
- Teacher’s Guide: Suggested lesson flow, discussion questions, and answer keys.
🧠 Key Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Distinguish between the historical Kingdom of Benin and the modern Republic of Benin.
- Describe the significance of the “Great Walls of Benin” and the city’s sophisticated layout.
- Analyze the role of the Oba (King) and how they governed with the help of palace chiefs.
- Evaluate the artistic and historical importance of the Benin Bronzes.
- Discuss the events leading to the decline of the kingdom and the British Expedition of 1897.
🏫 Perfect For:
- Black History Month curriculums.
- World History units focusing on non-European civilizations.
- Art History cross-curricular lessons (focusing on the Bronzes/Plaques).
- Substitute teacher plans (easy to pick up and teach).
💻 Technical Details:
- File Format: ZIP file containing PDF and Editable PowerPoint (.pptx).
- Pages/Slides: 10 pages total.
- Language: English.
- Instant Download: Access your files immediately after purchase.
Teacher’s Note: This lesson handles the topic of the 1897 Punitive Expedition with sensitivity, encouraging students to think critically about colonial history and the repatriation of art.
Ready to bring African history to life in your classroom? Add this lesson plan to your cart today!
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