The African American Dance Ensemble
http://www.africanamericandanceensemble.org/
The
following list of resources was compiled by Kelly Lambeth and Brenda Wheat, to be
used in conjunction with the African American Dance Ensemble performance.
African & African
American Resources for Teachers
Folk Stories
Oh, Kojo! How Could You!
By Verna Aardema and Illustrated by Marc Brown
A story about a magical young man named Kojo. Retelling of a humorous Ashanti folktale relating how a young man named Kojo finally gets the better of the tricky Anansi.
Misoso: Once Upon a Time Tales From Africa
Retold by Verna Aardema and Illustrated by Reynold Ruffins
Verna Aardema retells 12 tales of justice and revenge, greed and generosity, sly trickery, and off-the-wall silliness with her trademark humor and flair. Nearly 50 illustrations vibrantly reflect the spirit of these read-aloud delights, while a map of Africa, story source information, and a personal note from the author make this a rich volume for folk-tale lovers of all ages.
African Folktales
Retold by A. Ceni
A book of African folktales that portrays different aspects of African culture and the legends of Africa.
Api and the Boy Stranger
By Patricia Roddy and Illustrated by Lynne Russell
In this Ivory Coast legend, Api and her family are repaid for their kindness to a stranger with a mysterious warning to leave their village and go to the other side of the river Amman.
Teacher’s Read Aloud Anthology
By Margaret H. Lippert (Anthologist)
Experts of African American folk tales.
Zomo the Rabbit: A Trickster
Tale from West Africa
By Gerald McDermott
In search of wisdom, Zomo must complete three impossible tasks assigned by Sky God.
Anansi the Spider: A Tale from
the Ashanti
By Gerald McDermott
A trickster tale that explores the way the moon was placed in the sky.
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears
Retold By Verna Aardema; Pictures by Leo and Dianne Dillon
A wonderful cumulative book.
Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain
Retold By Verna Aardema; Illustrated by Beatriz Vidal
A traditional tale from Kenya, told in a cumulative format.
The Elephant’s Child
Retold By Rudyard Kipling
The story of an overly curious elephant.
Funga Alafia
Kye Kye Kule
Sansa Kroma
Sorida
Books
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
By James Weldon Johnson and Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist
Written by civil rights leader and poet
James Weldon Johnson in 1899, Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing is sung in
schools and churches throughout America. The popular, timeless song is
recognized as a testimonial to the struggle and achievements of
African-American people past, present, and future.
How Sweet the Sound: African –American Songs for Children
By Wade and Cheryl Hudson and Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Rousing renditions of nine songs from Wade and Cheryl Hudson's acclaimed collection are introduced by brief narratives that set each song in its historical context. From songs of the motherland to work songs of slaves, from spirituals and gospel to jazz, 23 songs are included in a full-color picture book containing lyrics, music and background.
Carousel: Dance to the Music
By Curriculum Associates, Inc.
An instructional guide to African dancing. Incorporates musical instruments, background information, and the meaning of the dances.
CD: African and Afro-American
Drums
By Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Websites/Webquest
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-africa/amythu/index.html
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-africa/chrbra%20folder/index.html
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-africa/chrbra%20folder/background.html
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/freetodance/lessonplans.html
http://www.mamalisa.com/?t=e_cont&c=13
http://www.sedl.org/afterschool/lessonplans/index.cgi?show_record=38
Background Information
Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A photographic Journey around the
World
By Maya Ajmera & Anna Rhesa Versola
Meet children all over the world and learn about their home countries in this unique alphabet book. Young readers will be thrilled to discover what games children play in Nigeria, what houses look like in Turkey, and what people's favorite sport is in Russia. Newly revised with updated facts and population figures, this is one trip you won't want to miss!
A Faith Like Mine: A Celebration of the World’s Religions Through the
Eyes of Children
By Laura Buller
A Faith Like Mine uses revealing photography and detailed personal accounts to give unique insight into the diversity of religious faith as experienced through the lives of children across the world.
Websites/Webquest
http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/africaunit1.html
http://www.asij.ac.jp/middle/ac/lass/webquests/africa_wq04/res_wb1.htm
http://pbskids.org/africa/myworld/index.html
http://www.proteacher.com/090062.shtml
Cultural Connections/Poetry
Mirandy and Brother Wind
By Patricia C. McKissack and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkey
Tar Beach
By Faith Ringgold
Harlem
By Walter Dean Myers and Illustrated Christopher Myers
Langston Hughes,
Countee Cullen, and James Baldwin have sung their songs about Harlem. Now
Newbery Honor author Walter Dean Myers joins their chorus in calling to life
the deep, rich and hope-filled history of this community. Christopher Myers'
boldly assembled art resonates with feeling and tells a tale all its own. The
words and pictures together connect readers of all ages to the spirit of Harlem
in its music, art, literature, and everyday life.
Pass It On: African-American Poetry for Children
By Wade Hudson and Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Pass It On is a beautiful picture book of some of BlackAmerica's best poems for children. Here the reader will find examplesof the wonderful works of Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Countee Cullen, and about thirteen others. From the Harlem Rennaisance to the present day lovely thought-provoking poems are presented to the American child. The illustrations are muted but descriptive renderings that are melded together to present a picture of black life at its best.
Voices: Poetry and Art From Around the World
By Barbara Brenner
Barbara Brenner has paired beautiful international poetry with carefully selected paintings, folk art, historical artifacts, and photographs to magically evoke the flavor of each place. Some of the poets and artists are children, some are Nobel Prize winners, some are unknown voices from the past. All speak eloquently of the places and scenes they call home.
Websites/Webquest
http://www.tenafly.k12.nj.us/~teisenberg2/worldcultures/