Artist Unknown, Yoruba peoples, Gelede helmet mask, 20th century. Wood and polychrome, 15 5/8 x 16 x 14 inches. Collection of the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University.
English Language Arts
Kindergarten
5: The Great Big World
3-4 30-45-minute lessons
narrative writing
How do we use literature and informational texts to learn about the world?
I can retell details about an African folktale.
I can describe details about a work of art.
I can use Kidspiration to brainstorm a story.
I can work with a partner to write a story.
I can create my own African helmet.
Read a variety of African folktales listed above.
Short video clips can also be found by searching on You Tube, like this one done by Sesame Street.
Have the students become familiar with a number of different African folktales.
Discuss the various folktales that the class has been reading:
As a class, write a new folktale. Divide large chart paper into 4-6 sections. Point to each and decide as a class what is going to be written. Construct the story, sharing the pen with the students. Reread, revise, and proofread.
Have students return to their seats and draw a favorite character, or part of the setting, to then attach to the chart paper.
Display reproduction photos of Gelede Helmet Mask, 20th century, Yoruba Peoples.
Discuss artwork using open-ended questions:
Then ask the students to consider the African folktales that the class has read and discussed. How could this object be used in a folktale?
Then explain that students will work with a partner to write their own folktale. This object will need to be a part of the story. Students may make some imaginary changes to object to make it fit into the story. For example, each of the figures could be doing something different or holding different objects.
Students work with partners on a graphic organizer that is divided into 6 sections to organize their folktale. They could also go to the computer lab and do their brainstorming using a program like Kidspiration.
This work may continue for several days.
Final product will be published using a word processor and then shared with the class.
Have students work with partners to create their own helmet similar to Gelede Helmet Mask. This could be the object they envisioned as part of their folktale.
Possible materials: use kid’s construction hats, old toddler bike helmets, fireman hats, Halloween costume masks. They can collect old action figures or Happy Meal figures that adults will help to attach with hot glue. They may be able to attach some using chenille sticks.
Students could then share these objects with the class and retell their stories using them as props.
Beyond Grade Level: Story can be multiple pages with character development. Descriptive language should be used for characters, setting and plot.
At Grade Level: Graphic organizer has at 6 sections so that partners can extend the middle section of their story. Each page/section should have 2-3 sentences. Descriptive language is expected.
Below Grade Level: Use graphic organizer with only three sections for beginning, middle, and end. Write one sentence for each section. Illustrate three page story can be published.
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recycled materials: toy helmets, toy figures, etc.
Africa, folktale, helmet, carved, wooden carving
Artist Unknown, Yoruba peoples, Gelede helmet mask, 20th century. Wood and polychrome, 15 5/8 x 16 x 14 inches (39.7 x 40.6 x 35.6 cm). Collection of the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Edward Last, 1976.20.10.