Literature & History Study: Mansa Musa (Ages 10-13)
Have you ever heard of Mansa Musa – the Mali emperor whose wealth exceeded that of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos combined? In this Charlotte Mason-style unit study, we will explore the life and times of Mansa Musa while building ELA skills.
What's included
8 live meetings
5 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. All homework is optional and parents decide which components the student will complete. As a part of the course tuition, parents will have access to a pdf document that includes questions, copy work, and extension activities.Assessment
Optional quizzes and answers will be available for parents to administer at home.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
Have you ever heard of Mansa Musa – the Mali emperor whose wealth exceeded that of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos combined? Join me as I read aloud about the rich cultural history and adventures of Mansa Musa, the richest man who ever lived! In this course, we will read Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali: A True Story of Gold and Greatness from Africa. Then we will discuss what we learn. I will provide a student packet with comprehension questions, exercises, extension ideas, map activities, and quizzes. I will also provide parents with the answer key so they can grade their student’s work. Parents will also have access to recordings of me reading the book aloud so students can reread as they listen independently. Students are encouraged to share their completed projects and activities with the class. During class, I will spend approximately 15-20 minutes reading, pausing after each chapter to allow a student to summarize (narrate) what happened. Then we will have a dictation exercise that takes about 5 minutes. The remaining class time will be spent on student sharing and discussion. Depending on student participation, the class may finish before the allotted time.
Learning Goals
This Charlotte Mason-inspired unit study aims to increase attention, memory, and narration skills. Group discussions and independent activities will help students retain what they learn about history. Dictation and copy work exercises will improve writing mechanics.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum8 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Medieval Africa: Chapters 1-2
I will introduce students to Medieval Africa and the historical context of the book. We will do an inspectional reading and then read the Preface and Chapters 1-2. We will learn how to identify the beginning, middle, and end of a narrative and practice oral narration. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapters 3-5
After I read the chapters aloud, students will have an opportunity to narrate. We will complete a dictation exercise, and then students will have an opportunity to share their work and discuss the chapters. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 6-7
After I read the chapters aloud, students will have an opportunity to narrate. We will complete a dictation exercise, and then students will have an opportunity to share their work and discuss the chapters. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 8-9
After I read the chapters aloud, students will have an opportunity to narrate. We will complete a dictation exercise, and then students will have an opportunity to share their work and discuss the chapters. 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The book "Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali" includes references to Islam, Paganism, Christianity, and Judaism in the historical context of Mansa Musa's life and travels.
Supply List
Book: Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali (ISBN 978-1468053548) $5.25 on Amazon
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Texas State University
I have a Bachelor of English Literature. I have worked as a classical English teacher; before that, I led book discussions as a homeschool mom. I also host adult book club discussions.
I completed curriculum and instruction college coursework at Texas State University including "Adolescents and Society" and "Secondary Teaching: Curriculum and Technology." In these courses, I learned how to teach and present lessons objectively. The courses focused on diversity and inclusion and the effects of learning environments on the developing identities of students. All literature includes cultural and/or religious elements. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to present all literature in an unbiased way. Religion and culture will not be taught beyond the scope of the material presented in "Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali."
As a multi-racial ethnic minority, I grew up exposed to many different cultures. In addition, my interracial family also included my younger brother with Down Syndrome. As someone who experienced a unique upbringing, I'm sensitive to the unique lived experiences of others.Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $80 for 8 classes2x per week, 4 weeks
40 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
3-9 learners per class
