Ancient Mali Learning Guide (3rd) Home:School Connections Unit Overview Did you know that Mali was a wealthy trading empire before Columbus sailed to America? Your students will learn this and other interesting facts during this unit! This will be the second African civilization explored at school (ancient Egypt in second grade). The examination of a civilization includes learning its location, its climate, how the people adapted to their environment, and some of its culture. The Mali people, for example, depended upon the salt for life in the desert. Because of the resources available in Mali, people mostly farmed, traded, and mined. Cultural exposure will include learning about the great city of Timbuktu as a center for learning, the tradition of storytelling and the impact of the rich kings of Mali on the people. Key Terms and Concepts Your student may come home using some new vocabulary. Here are just a few so you can continue the conversation: 
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griot 
mansa characteristics Home Support There are a number of ways you can support your student during this unit. These are just a few suggestions:  Tell a family story that was passed on to you. Discuss the importance of passing down information this way through the generations.  Make your own mud cloth at home and discuss with your child that these were made in Mali because of the available resources. Check out this site for directions: http://fun.familyeducation.com/crafts/childrens‐art‐
activities/29575.html .  Take a look at the food labels in your pantry and discuss the sodium content and why salt is valuable to our nutrition. This will help your child see why salt was so valuable in Mali.  Research the modern country of Mali and compare what you find to what your student has learned about ancient Mali. You all will discover how much the region has changed. Books and Websites Here are some books you can read to your child.  Mali: Land of Gold and Glory by Joy Massoff 
Mansa Musa: The Lion of Mali by Khephra Burns 
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Sundiata: Lion King of Mali by David Wisniewski My Baby by Jeanette Winters The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa by Patricia McKissack There are many kid‐friendly websites to explore the past (far too many to list). Here are a few worth checking out:  Ancient Africa for Kids [http://www.africa.mrdonn.org/mali.html]  Kids Past: The Kingdom of Mali [http://www.kidspast.com/world‐history/0100‐kingdom‐mali.php]  National Geographic: Mali Guide [http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/mali‐guide/]  Mali: Ancient Crossroads of Africa [http://mali.pwnet.org/index.htm]