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Classroom Guide for
Vanishing Cultures: Sahara

by Jan Reynolds

Far North

Vocabulary
Skim the book for words that may be unfamiliar to students or that are used in unfamiliar ways. Discuss word meaning and use, then work with students to investigate information about the words. For example:

veil    Point out that it has a homophone—vale.
caravan    Discuss its origin, from the Persian word karwan
thorny    Identify the base word, thorn, and the suffix –y.
washes    Point out that this word is a homograph for a verb form of wash.
handwoven    Identify the two words that make up this compound.
porridge    Remind students what Goldilocks ate.


After Reading
Discussion Questions
Use these or similar questions to generate discussion and deepen/extend understanding. Encourage students to refer back to the text and photographs to support their responses.

  1. Why do you think the people of the desert wear robes and cover their faces?
  2. How do the people in a Tuareg village work together?
  3. How do people get water in the Sahara?
  4. What are some things the Tuareg are proud of?
  5. What are some things Manda does that you do not do?

Writing Activities
You may wish to assign one or more of these activities for students to complete. Set aside time for them to share and present their work.

  1. Suppose you are Manda. Write a journal entry describing a day in the desert.
  2. Choose a photograph in the book that shows one or more camels. Write what you imagine the camel(s) is thinking.
  3. You and your family are going to visit the Tuareg. Make a list of things you will pack for your trip to the Sahara. Explain your choices.

Interdisciplinary Activities
You may wish to use some of the following activities to help students integrate their reading experiences with other curriculum areas.

Social Studies
Have students identify the continent on which the Sahara lies. What countries does this desert cover? In what country are the Hoggar Mountains?

Science
Have students do research to learn why the camel is so well adapted to the desert. Students might create diagrams to show how the body of a camel is adapted to this environment. Have students identify whether the camels used by the Tuareg are Bactrian or Arabian.

Art
Suggest that students create posters to advertise the camel festival that Manda and his family attend.

Vanishing Cultures Classroom Guide

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