A Congo global studies unit for homeschool, worldschool or for fun.
We mostly focused on the Congo this week with a few other Central African countries thrown into the mix. The rainforest and it's animals are easy fodder for little ones and older learners that can handle more difficult material can learn about the region's troubled history.
Printables
Here's this week's info, all wrapped up into an easy-to-read printable. Click here for the full color copy and click here for a low-ink black and white version.
On the Dining Room Wall
A map of Africa, the tear-out page of our Who HQ book, a few facts about both the DRC and the Republic of the Congo.
Books
One from each category plus an assortment of picture books is usually just perfect.
Not all book series are as good as the next. Get the scoop on some of our favorites here.
Library Haul
Not all of these books will get read. Most library systems allow you to browse online and put books on hold. They'll round them up and deliver them to your local branch. It's a big time saver!
Base Non-Fiction Books:
Read every word or simply flip through and reach what catches your eye.
Top Pick:
Where is the Congo? (Who HQ Book) I love Who HQ books and this one is no exception. It's worth noting that just like the Congo's history, this book contains a lot of hardship and death that might be too much for younger learners.
Other Ideas:
Unforgotten: The Wild Life of Dian Fossey and Her Relentless Quest to Save Mountain Gorillas Focusing more on Gorillas and less on atrocities and civil unrest, this book might be more appealing to younger learners. Trigger Warning: She does get murdered at the end. I also omitted some things about alcoholism.
Mountain Gorillas: Powerful Forest Mammals This Wicked History book might appeal to older kids who are interested in villains.
True Story/Fiction Chapter Book:
Some of these books are part of a series but all of them work as standalone books.
Younger Learners:
Good Morning, Gorillas (Magic Treehouse #26) Jack and Annie venture to African's rainforest and encounter a family of Gorillas.
Older Learners:
Her Own Two Feet My girls were absolutely riveted by this true account of a young Rwandan girl's journey to the United States for treatment and surgery of her feet. Initially, I wasn't entirely confident that we'd get through this long book it but we finished it in record time because at the end of each chapter, my girls begged me to read more.
Other Notable Books
Have more time? Try these too.
Can You Survive Deadly Rainforest Encounters (You Choose Book) I love ending the week with a You Choose book and was happy to find that this one includes a storyline in the Congo Rainforest! Be warned, you'll die in about half of these endings.
Picture Books
Library inventories vary so much with picture books. Rather than wasting time tracking down specific ones, I like to do keyword searches and just grab what's available.
Search these keywords: Congo, Central Africa, Rwanda, Congo River, Gorillas, Congo Rainforest.
We liked these books:
Gervelie's Journey: A Refugee Diary This young girl's true story is told in a way that's accessible to young readers.
He Leads: Mountain Gorilla, the Gentle Giant A nice picture book about mountain gorillas with extra facts on each page.
Rain School Schoolchildren in Chad are eager for school to start but first they have to build the school.
Things to Listen to/Watch*
My YouTube Playlist for the Week
This BBC Documentary has some great footage of the Congo River. Episodes 1 and 4 are great for anyone but a big warning that some of the other 3-minute episodes might not be suitable for everyone.
*Always vet material before watching it with your kids, especially if they are sensitive viewers. I try to note any potential issues but everyone has different parenting thresholds of what they consider appropriate.
What I Read/Watched this Week
Sometimes I read a book, watch a documentary or watch a non-kids movie to go along with the week.
The Poisonwood Bible This book might not be for everyone but I really liked it.
King Leopold's Ghost This nonfiction book read like a novel and told the story of King Leopold and other key players in colonial history of the Congo.
Interactive Learning: Crafts, Food, Activities
Eat at a Congolese restaurant.
Visit some African jungle animals at your local zoo.
Go on a nature trek; discuss differences and similarities to the Congo Rainforest.
Charitable Giving Suggestions*
*I have not done much research on charities listed on this blog. I personally liked the idea of teaching our kids to be charitable and thought it might be helpful to list a few ideas here. Please do your own due diligence it you have high expectations of charities.
End of Week Movie Night Ideas
Tarzan (G, 1999) After a week of learning about Africa's mountain gorillas, this movie seemed perfect.
Segue Ideas... Serengeti Week, Amazon Week
Wrap Up
Congo week had some pretty serious content but we tempered it with some amazing animals and good food. All in all, the week was really successful and would make an excellent Congo global studies homeschool unit. Here are my gorilla pancakes. The eyes are deconstructed mini Oreos.
Final Moment
I've never been to the region but Andy has been to Brazzaville a few times. He's not much of shutterbug but I did manage to find one picture he's taken.
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