Nigeria, Around the World

The folktale recounted in this unit is titled The Right Way to Ride a Donkey. It tells of a boy and his father, the journey they take, and the lessons they learn about people, their opinions and common sense. The cute artwork and clever story line are sure to hold your students' attention, as they begin their education in Nigerian culture and family life. Complete follow up instructions and suggestions focus on traditional Nigerian clothing and food, and life in various Nigerian villages. They also help students produce their own picture book of the story. Cut-out characters and a story mat are included.This unit also helps children learn subjects as varied as language, math, crafts, and art. Activities are tied to a variety of Nigerian cultural subjects, Choosing Tribes, about the three main tribes in Nigeria; Painting Tribal Markings, a face painting activity; Making Headwraps for Girls; Making Hats for Boys; Vegetable Printing with Fabric Paint; Celebrating the New Yam Festival; Creating a Marketplace, including activities such as making bead jewelry and calabashes, and learning about Nigerian money; Learning How to to Bargain, which introduces a dialect used in the markets; Cooking Dodo (fried plantain); a counting game; a dancing game; a counting chart; and a picture of a Nigerian City. There are also pages devoted to the Flag of Nigeria, Maps of Nigeria and Africa, and a glossary of terms. Activities are always begun with a paragraph of Cultural Background and a Preparation list, followed by complete, step-by-step instructions. All pages are reproducible and perforated for easy removal.