Kingdom of Benin - Outstanding History Unit - 6 Lessons for Grades 4 - 6

This unit will take your students on a journey to West Africa, where they will discover the origins, achievements, and legacy of the Benin Kingdom. They will learn about the culture, religion, art, and trade of the Edo people, as well as the causes and consequences of the kingdom’s destruction by the British. They will also investigate how historians use different sources of evidence to learn about Benin’s past and present.

This unit includes:

• 6 detailed lesson plans with clear learning objectives, success criteria, and differentiation ideas
• 6 informative and interactive PowerPoint presentations with stunning images and animations
• A comprehensive word bank with key vocabulary and definitions
• A range of worksheets and resources to support students’ learning and assessment
• A final project where students write an information text about the Kingdom of Benin

This unit covers the following skills and knowledge:

• Locating Benin on a map and placing it in a chronological framework
• Describing and explaining the features and achievements of the Benin Kingdom
• Comparing and contrasting life in Benin with life in Britain at the same time
• Evaluating the impact of trade and contact with other cultures on Benin
• Explaining the reasons and effects of the British invasion of Benin
• Analysing and interpreting different types of historical sources
• Communicating historical knowledge and understanding using appropriate terminology

This unit is suitable for Grade 4-6 students and can be adapted to suit different abilities and interests. It can be used as a standalone topic or as part of a wider study of African history and culture.