9/30/15 Bell Ringer1. What was your favorite story as a

child?2. Why was this your favorite story?3. How was it told to you?

Visual Pun

Objective and Standard• I can analyze various forms of written and oral

traditions in African culture and how they affect the culture of Africa and the world today.

• 7.15 Examine the importance of written and oral traditions in the transmission of African history and culture.

The Griots• The griots were the storytellers in the ancient kingdom of Ghana. After

dinner, villagers might hear the sound of a drum or a rattle announcing a story was soon to be told. They collected around a central fire and settled down to listen.

- The storytellers told many stories - stories about the many gods and goddesses worshiped by these early people. They told tales of war and battle and heroes and leaders and kings. Stories were often accompanied with music and dancing and song. There was no written language. Stories kept their history alive. Stories were also entirely fictional.

What kind of stories were told?

• Anyone could tell a story, but there was only one official Griot per village. If a village tried to steal or entice away a griot from another village, war could break out! The griots were very important. The griots did not work in the fields. Their job was to tell stories.

• Let’s read one story that is still a popular one in Africa!!

10 minutes

End

A) CLOSE READING

• Read the article closely

• Answer the questions in your composition book

Anansi, the little spider

Anansi, the little spider1. Why did Anansi decide not to wait at

Rabbit's house until the greens were done cooking?

2. How did Anansi save himself from being pulled into pieces?

3. What is the moral of this story?

Modern Day Griots!• Let’s listen to some modern day griots tell

their stories!!• Salif Keita and Ali Farke Toure

African Proverbs• What is a proverb? (p. 397)• Let’s look at a few and see if we can figure out

what they mean…– “Talking doesn’t fill the basket in the farm”– “If you don't stand for something, you will fall for

something”– “A man who pays respect to the great paves the way

for his own greatness”– “Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped”

Close out• Write a rap/cheer/song about

today’s lesson