Storytelling around the Globe

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 09.01.08

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Rationale
  3. Objectives
  4. African Storytelling
  5. The Role of the African Storyteller
  6. Animal Trickster Tales
  7. Animal Tricksters
  8. Strategies
  9. Classroom Activities
  10. Appendix A: Implementing District Standards
  11. Annotated Teacher Bibliography
  12. Annotated Student Bibliography
  13. Filmography
  14. Notes

Keeping the Tradition of African Storytelling Alive

Octavia L. Utley

Published September 2009

Tools for this Unit:

Guide Entry to 09.01.08

This curriculum unit will be implemented in a 3rd-5th grade classroom with students who have diverse learning needs and ways of learning. I intend to enhance students' knowledge and appreciation of African storytelling through West African folktales and film. The literary focus will be on animal trickster tales, which include animal tricksters with human habits, beliefs, and weaknesses. Students will be prompted to further their knowledge of African storytelling by viewing three African films, Abouna, Keita: The Heritage of the Griot, and Wend Kuuni. The three-part lesson framework will be used to teach this unit during the reading period. The three-part lesson framework consists of a mini-lesson, student work period, and sharing. This unit will begin with a series of mini lessons on traditional African storytelling, storytelling in film, and the role of the African storyteller. By analyzing and examining a variety of animal trickster tales, students will recognize the distinctive narrative elements of African folktales. Students will be challenged to think about how to begin a story, how to create powerful characters, and how to quickly move incidents to a satisfying ending. This unit will offer students an opportunity to continue the tradition of African storytelling in the classroom.

(Developed for Reading, grades 3-5; recommended for Reading, grades 3-5)

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