McQuail, L. (2002). The Masai of Africa. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Company. ISBN:0-8225-4855-0.
Genres: Non-fiction
Grade Level: 1-4
Summary: This book covers information about the Masai people in Africa. The Masai live in Kenya and Tanzania, and number over 377,000, although recent censuses put the number much higher. They are a seminomadic people, meaning that they travel across the Kenya-Tanzania border, following migration patterns of animals. The book focuses on various aspects of their lives— from their diet to the influence of tourism on their culture. The extensive pictures in the book allow students to learn a lot about this group of people who represent a part of Africa.
Activity: Every two pages in this book, there is a new heading, and the the heading sums up what information is on those two pages. Because this book is meant to provide a lot of broad information about the Masai, some information is overlooked. As an activity, have students choose one of the headings and create a poster covering more information than what is provided in the book. This allows them to select from the following topics:
-Who Are the Masai?
-A Land of Contrasts
-The Plants of East Africa
-The Animals of East Africa
-Preserving the Wildlife
-People of the Nile
-Early Inhabitants
-European and African Rule
-How Are Your Cattle Today?
-Tourism in Masailand
-The Masai Household
-The Masai Village
-Life as a Masai Child
-Coming of Age
-Girls Become Women
-Masai Elders
-Arts, Crafts, and Clothing
-Men’s Adornments
-Words and Music
-One God, Two Faces
-Celebrations and Cermonies
After they create the poster, have them present it to the class.
Activity inspired by McQuail, L. (2002). The Masai of Africa. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Company.
Genres: Non-fiction
Grade Level: 1-4
Summary: This book covers information about the Masai people in Africa. The Masai live in Kenya and Tanzania, and number over 377,000, although recent censuses put the number much higher. They are a seminomadic people, meaning that they travel across the Kenya-Tanzania border, following migration patterns of animals. The book focuses on various aspects of their lives— from their diet to the influence of tourism on their culture. The extensive pictures in the book allow students to learn a lot about this group of people who represent a part of Africa.
Activity: Every two pages in this book, there is a new heading, and the the heading sums up what information is on those two pages. Because this book is meant to provide a lot of broad information about the Masai, some information is overlooked. As an activity, have students choose one of the headings and create a poster covering more information than what is provided in the book. This allows them to select from the following topics:
-Who Are the Masai?
-A Land of Contrasts
-The Plants of East Africa
-The Animals of East Africa
-Preserving the Wildlife
-People of the Nile
-Early Inhabitants
-European and African Rule
-How Are Your Cattle Today?
-Tourism in Masailand
-The Masai Household
-The Masai Village
-Life as a Masai Child
-Coming of Age
-Girls Become Women
-Masai Elders
-Arts, Crafts, and Clothing
-Men’s Adornments
-Words and Music
-One God, Two Faces
-Celebrations and Cermonies
After they create the poster, have them present it to the class.
Activity inspired by McQuail, L. (2002). The Masai of Africa. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Company.