Africa is the cradle of civilization, yet its rich history and culture is undertaught--especially in elementary P-5 classrooms. In this article, we share Adinkra symbols from West Africa which can be used for interdisciplinary instruction and classroom management. We offer Adinkra symbols as an organizing theme for teaching in the spirit of not…

This research study is a case study of the development of an African-centered school over a 20-year period. The study describes how the kindergarten-through-eighth-grade institution was established. Interview questions focused on: 1. Establishment of an African-centered institution 2. Challenges of setting up an African-centered institution 3.…

In this article, the author describes a unit she implemented on Batik designs. This unit helped second-graders gain an understanding of the batik process while learning about mask designs and the Senegalese culture. Batik has origins in many areas around the world, including Indonesia and West Africa. This fabric-resist process involves the…

Discusses the importance for teachers to question personal paradigms by changing their beliefs about teaching practices. Explains that instead of having second-grade students use bright colors to create African masks, students can develop their shading skills instead. Provides instructions for a lesson where students use pencil shading when…

The unit focuses on the lifestyles of two social groups in East Africa: the traditional nomadic Masai and the traditional agrarian Kikuyu. The activities engage students in an exploration of the dynamic interactions between these people and the animals that share the same land. Activities include: (1) "Houses"; (2) "Elephants";…

WORKS FOR CHILDREN WHICH PRESENT NEGROES AS POSITIVE CENTRAL CHARACTERS WHO SHOW SELF-ESTEEM, DIGNITY, AND SELF-RESPECT ARE LISTED IN THIS ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY. OTHER CRITERIA FOR A BOOK'S INCLUSION ARE THE PRESENCE OF NONSTEREOTYPED CHARACTERS, SPEECH PATTERNS, OR ILLUSTRATIONS, AND AN ATTRACTIVE FORMAT. THE BOOKLIST HAS A SECTION ON AMERICAN…

Concerned specifically with the "Hausa" family, this third resource unit designed for grade two is one of a series on the theme of Families Around the World. In a cross cultural approach students examine the concepts of culture, cultural diversity, social organization, social process, and geography. Teaching techniques focus on activity…