Author: Fidelia Nimmons

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published: 2013-08-27

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 9781492258131

Primary History Kingdom of Benin (Not to be confused with former Dahomey) has been written to support teachers to meet the requirements of the new National Curriculum Framework for history at Key Stage 2: a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history. It covers all historical aspects of the great kingdom which was at its height between the 14th and 16 centuries. This book is divided into three sections. The first section covers study of palace life; the second section covers growing up experiences of the kingdom's children and of ordinary people. The third section provides numerous and varied historical enquiries activities to improve pupils' knowledge and understanding of historical facts of the great kingdom and help to develop their enquiries skills. This section includes comparison of medieval British and Benin kings. This book incorporates historical sources including African oral traditions of storytelling, wood and terracotta sculptures and reading and analysis of the Benin bronze plaques through which the kings and elders of the kingdom chose to record their history. To keep up with technological advancement and opportunities, a dedicated website has been set up to provide further activities and up to date knowledge and information on the kingdom. A virtual classroom has also been created through which the author can clarify and provide additional support to teachers and pupils as necessary. Details of these websites are below. There are many more resources on the website including videos and photographs with cross curricular activities including ideas for developing writing and word work through drama and role play. This method of learning makes this unit an exciting topic for pupils to study. The kingdom, founded around 40Bc was at its height between the 14th and 16th century when it conquered neighbouring countries on the West African Coast and traded far afield with Europeans and traders from the East. It was sacked by the British in 1897 though the crown was restored in 1914, the king's authority and influence was highly diminished. However, the people's traditions and customs continue to this day. Fidelia Nimmons has a track record of achieving outstanding results with a variety of learners and has written many teaching and learning support books to this aim. Website: www.kingdomofbenin.weebly.com Virtual classroom: http: //kidblog.org/nimmonsvclass/ Twitter page: https: //twitter.com/PrincessIyomon Enquiries and contact: www.ifitmatter.weebly.com