Sample Lesson Plan for Grade 5 Student

(Taken from Kamali Academy)

Our Story (Beginnings to 400 C.E.)

Primary Resource:
Classical Africa – Molefi Assante

Unit 1-Africa: The Early Civilizations

Day 1

• Watch this video on the African origins of human beings HERE.

• Copy this African proverb and briefly explain its meaning in your
Ourstory notebook: However far a stream flows, it never forgets its
origins.
• Write a short narrative about why learning about our ancestors is
important.
• Define these vocabulary words: continent, tropical, jihad, savanna,
indentured, classical, enslaved.

Day 2
• Read Chapter 1 in African Beginnings in Classical Africa.
• Answer the questions in your notebook.
• Begin a Timeline. Please include important dates and people from the
chapter.

Day 3

• Copy this African proverb and briefly explain its meaning in your
Ourstory notebook: A little rain each day fills the river to
overflowing.
• Answer in your notebook: Why are rivers so important to civilizations?
• Define these vocabulary words: inundation, emergence, drought,
civilization.

Day 4
• Read Chapter 2 in The Nile River in Classical Africa.
• Answer the questions in your notebook.
• On your timeline, include important dates and people from the chapter.

Day 5
• Read Langston Hughes’ poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers."
• Memorize the poem and perform for your family.
• Read this short biography of Langston Hughes HERE.

Day 6
• Create a Mini Nile (Hapi) River in your
backyard. http://creeksidelearning.com/make-a-mini-nile-river-in-
your-yard/
• Create a Nile (Hapi) River in a Pan.http://creeksidelearning.com/our-
week-spent-going-down-the-nile/

Day 7
• Create an Informational Poster Board or Powerpoint about the Nile (Hapi)
River.

Day 8

• Create your own language with an alphabet or pictures. Be able to say,

“I’m an Afrikan” in your new language.
• Find out how to say Hello and Thank you in seven foreign languages.
Write them in your Ourstory notebook.
• Copy this African proverb and briefly explain its meaning in your
Ourstory notebook: Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.
• Define these vocabulary words: pictogram, hieroglyphics, medu neter,
dynasty

Day 9
• Read Chapter 3 in The Rise of Egypt (Kemet) in Classical Africa.
• Answer the questions in your notebook.
• On your timeline, include important dates and people from the chapter.

Day 10
• Write your name in the Medu Neter.
• Create your own cartouche with this
activity. http://theendinmind.net/egyptian-cartouches/
Day 11

• In your notebook, write 10 qualities of a great pharaoh or leader. Name at

least one person you who embodies those qualities.
• Copy this African proverb and briefly explain its meaning in your
Ourstory notebook: One brain cannot hold all the wisdom.
• Define these vocabulary words: omnipresence, pharaoh, duality, unity.

Day 12
• Read Chapter 4 in The Dual Role of the King in Classical Africa.
• Answer the questions in your notebook.
• On your timeline, include important dates and people from the chapter.

Day 13
• Reflect on this quote on duality in life: I am strong because I have been
weak. I am fearless because I have been afraid. I am wise because I
have been foolish.
• Learn about the Adinkra Symbol Gye
Nyame. http://obrunithroughghana.blogspot.com/2010/09/akan-
symbols.html

Day 14

• Where is Egypt? Why do some scientists and historians want you to

believe it is in the “Middle East?”
• Do Black people have issues with skin color today? Explain in your
notebook.
• Copy this African proverb and briefly explain its meaning in your
Ourstory notebook: Just because a child is taller than her parent does
not mean she is wiser.
• Define these vocabulary words: indigenous, descendant, complexion.

Day 15
• Read Chapter 5 in Kemet, The Black Land in Classical Africa.
• Answer the questions in your notebook.
• On your timeline, include important dates and people from the chapter.

Day 16
• Write a brief narrative on the coming of the Arabs from Arabia to Kemet.
Tell the date they arrived and the religion they brought with them.
• Watch this preview of the documentary, Dark Girls. Write your thoughts
in your notebook. https://vimeo.com/24155797

Day 17

• Why is religion or spirituality so important for a people and culture?

• Is it ok for the vast majority of Afrikans around the world to worship the
gods of other cultures? Why or why not?
• Copy this African proverb and briefly explain its meaning in your
Ourstory notebook: If you want to speak to the creator, speak to the
wind.
• Define these vocabulary words: eternal, caste, noble, myth.

Day 18
• Read Chapter 6 in Egyptain Culture & Religion in Classical Africa.
• Answer the questions in your notebook.
• On your timeline, include important dates and people from the chapter.

Day 19
• Read the story of Osiris and Isis (Ausar and Auset) and write down the
most memorable elements. Share your thoughts and writing with your
parent or instructor. http://www.egyptianmyths.net/mythisis.htm

Day 20
• Watch this short documentary that covers the Horus and his connection
with Jesus. https://youtu.be/O6CKTqC0-4M

Day 21

• Where do we go when we die? Can we be reincarnated? Explain your

answers.
• Why have our Afrikan ancestors who were mummified been stolen for
Afrika? Is it right to disturb the dead?
• Copy this African proverb and briefly explain its meaning in your
Ourstory notebook: Birth is not the beginning and death is not the
end.
• Define these vocabulary words: mummy, afterlife, reincarnation, tomb,
corpse, embalm,
Day 22
• Read Chapter 7 in The End of the Cycle: Death in Classical Africa.
• Answer the questions in your notebook.
• On your timeline, include important dates and people from the chapter.

Day 23
• Do this mummification activity. Use these instructions.

Day 24
• Without book or notes, take 10 minutes and write down everything you
remember about the first Unit.
• Review the first Unit of Classical Africa using your notes and projects
done.
Reflection: Why is it beneficial for you to study Afrikan civilization? For
yourself, make a list of reasons why you think it is important for all Afrikan
people to study Afrika. What else do you want to learn about Afrika?