Lesson Plan: The Kingdom of Benin
Subject
History
Grade
Year 6
Duration
30 minutes
Objective
Students will learn about the Kingdom of Benin, its historical significance, culture, and contributions to art and trade in West Africa.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (optional)
- Printed handouts with maps and images
- Art supplies (coloured pencils, paper)
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Hook: Start with a question: "What do you know about African kingdoms?"
- Brief discussion to activate prior knowledge.
- Introduce the topic of the Kingdom of Benin and its location in present-day Nigeria.
Background of the Kingdom of Benin (10 minutes)
- Lecture Points:
- The Kingdom of Benin existed from the 11th to the 19th century.
- Describe its political structure, including the role of the Oba (king).
- Discuss its capital, Benin City, known for its impressive walls and moats.
- Mention significant events such as the Benin Expedition of 1897, which resulted in the looting of artefacts.
Culture and Society (10 minutes)
- Key Points:
- Discuss the unique culture including language (Edo), traditional ceremonies, and social structure.
- Highlight the importance of art in Benin, especially bronze sculptures and ivory carvings.
- Explain Benin's role in trade, particularly with Portuguese and later European traders, focusing on items like pepper, ivory, and textiles.
Group Activity (5 minutes)
- Activity Instructions:
- Divide the class into small groups.
- Each group will create a small poster illustrating one aspect of the Kingdom of Benin (e.g., its art, trade, daily life).
- Encourage creativity with their drawings and brief textual explanations.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Recap key points: Summarise the political importance, cultural richness, and trade influences of the Kingdom of Benin.
- Questions for Reflection:
- What did you find most interesting about Benin?
- How do you think the legacy of Benin affects present-day Nigeria?
Assessment
- Assess students' posters for understanding of the topics discussed.
- Participation in the group activity and discussions will also be considered for assessment.
Homework (Optional)
- Ask students to write a short paragraph about what they learned about the Kingdom of Benin and how it compares to another historical kingdom they have studied.
Additional Resources
- Provide a list of books and online resources for students interested in learning more about Benin and its rich history.