The Adventure
Students accompany Time Trackers as they travel across the vast and varied landscapes of the African continent. They read about the predominant cultures that flourished in ancient Africa, including the traditions, government, and influences of these cultures on modern life. Students gain knowledge and respect for this great land as they encounter a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. Delving into a rich array of content-related reading selections, students' comprehension skills soar.
Life Along the Nile
An exciting adventure awaits as students track their lost friends who mysteriously disappear from a wildlife park. Following their friends into a time warp, fifth-graders immerse themselves in the rich oral traditions of Africa and read for detail from a variety of engaging texts. They write for a purpose to create original folktales and work collaboratively to build Tukl huts. Students enhance critical thinking skills by considering the role geography plays in the growth of cultures in the ancient land.
West African Kingdoms
Rich artistic styles of West Africa form the backdrop in week 2 when students use context clues to read about Benin sculptures and create good luck amulets. They respond to reading by making sculptures representing "kings" of modern society. The time travelers encounter mysterious languages along the way and learn to make inferences as they decipher and create Meroitic messages. Instructional reading lessons provide daily opportunities for students to analyze words and improve fluency.
The Royalty of Africa
Continuing on their travels, students study the lifestyles and commerce of regal Africa. They study African artistry and learn to follow directions when they weave Kente cloth. Students create an original system of trade and experience the concept of cause and effect. Sequencing skills are enhanced as learners discover the significance of color and patterns on priceless Ndbele bracelets. Teacher-directed challenge lessons emphasize comprehension, word study, and language structure.
The Ashanti and the Great Zimbabwe
Nearing the end of their great adventure, students develop summaries to reinforce the major ideas of each culture studied. They use graphic sources to compare and contrast their knowledge of the African continent. They write and present Anansi stories and work in small groups to create African masks, honing their abilities to read for detail. The splendid rain forests and the majestic herds of the grasslands provide the backdrop for students to write persuasive narratives and preserve the uniqueness of Africa for all times.
Skills and Strategies
- Comprehension of text
- Word recognition
- Use of graphic sources
- Reading for pleasure and information
- Writing to communicate ideas
Benefits
- Improves reading performance
- Aligns with state and national standards
- Improves reading comprehension strategies
- Refines word-attack skills
- Includes relevant, high-interest content and concepts
- Provides ongoing student assessment
- Allows teachers to focus on the quality of instruction with explicit daily lesson plans
- Engages and motivates teachers and students
Each Classroom Receives
- Comprehensive Curriculum Guide with daily lesson plans
- Content-related instructional materials
- Built-in assessment tools
- Suggestions for parent and community involvement
- Voyager Adventure Books
Parent Connection
- Parent Guides (English or Spanish)
Model
- Single grade-level program for grade 5
- Up to 4 hours of learning adventures per day for 4 weeks , total of 80 hours
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