Magic Tree House Society: African History + Culture Exploration

Magic Tree House Society: African History + Culture Exploration

Age Range: 5-11 years

Class Time (EST): 11am-12pm EST

Class Days: Tuesdays 

Date Range: January 28 - March 4, 2025

Instructor Name: Mwalimu Saarah

Instructor Email: [email protected]

Instructor cell phone: 2177222931

Class Description

Welcome to the "Magic Tree House Society: African History + Culture Exploration" course! In this 10-week journey, we will delve into the world of African history and culture through Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Tree House series. Our readings and creative projects will focus on books set in Africa, providing an opportunity to connect with our continent's rich heritage, historical events, and diverse traditions.

Join us on this immersive journey through the Magic Tree House series, where African history and culture come to life through literature and creativity.

Class Skills Development 

African History and Culture: Explore African history, geography, and culture as portrayed in the Magic Tree House books.

Literary Analysis: Enhance their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical skills through the study of these captivating narratives.

Cultural Appreciation: Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultural diversity of Africa, including its myths, folklore, and traditions.

Creative Expression: Engage in creative projects that draw inspiration from the stories to further connect with the diversity spread throughout our African cultures.

Class Materials 

E-book link provided below, physical books are also encouraged.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XYWo1TiW-0FREg059iAG6hPKiIZ4xc6J1YKYUplw238/edit?usp=sharing

"Lions at Lunchtime" by Mary Pope Osborne (Book 11)

"Buffalo Before Breakfast" by Mary Pope Osborne (Book 18)

"Tigers at Twilight" by Mary Pope Osborne (Book 19)

"Dingoes at Dinnertime" by Mary Pope Osborne (Book 20)

“Mummies in the Morning” by Mary Pope Osborne (Book 3)

Google Classroom Access: to be provided

Arts/Craft Materials (weekly session)

Class Norms 

-Respect for ourselves and others.

-Willingness to be challenged, make mistakes, learn, and GROW. 

-Have FUN

About the Instructor 

Saarah Na'Allah is a proud Black/African centered elementary educator and consultant with 5 years of experience served in both Peoria Public Schools, Chicago Public Schools and today serving students nationwide + internationally with her e-learning platform, Mwalimu Saarah's Learning Lab. She received her B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and M.A. in Teaching + Elementary Education from the University of Chicago, Urban Teacher Education Program. As an educator, Saarah recognizes the importance of instruction that is both rigorous and relevant. Our children deserve encounters that speak to their curiosity, intelligence, and cultural wealth. Saarah does not teach towards a world as it. Her commitment is to teach towards a world as it should be. Her ultimate goal is for students to recognize that what they learn is not meant to sit in their mind, but rather, be applied towards the uplifting and building of their communities. 

Where does the name 'Mwalimu' come from? Saarah wears the title Mwalimu一 meaning teacher, according to the Kiswahili language一as a tribute to her African heritage. By entering spaces as Mwalimu Saarah, she hopes to inspire her students to enter the world just as culturally empowered as they are academically fulfilled.

In her free time, Saarah loves to cook new recipes, and start DIY projects for interior renovation and design. On the weekends, Saarah and her husband go bike riding and explore the attractions of their city. Saarah's goal is to learn how to sew her own skirts, dresses, and baby clothes for her son.