Explore medieval West Africa through primary sources with this no-prep guided reading activity tailored for middle school. Using Ibn Battuta's travel accounts, students analyze historical perspectives, while building critical thinking and comprehension skills in a fun and engaging way. Giving students a chance to engage with historical texts while honing their analytical and comprehension skills. Perfect for middle school students, this no-prep resource encourages critical thinking as students evaluate the perspectives of travelers and understand the nuances of historical narratives.

What’s Included:

• Primary source excerpts from Ibn Battuta’s Travels (pg. 286-290)
• Guided reading questions (3 steps to analyze the text and author’s perspective)
• Summary writing prompt to consolidate understanding of the source material
• Discussion questions for classroom engagement

Skills Developed Through This Activity:

• Critical thinking and historical analysis
• Understanding bias in historical accounts
• Enhancing comprehension and writing skills
• Perspective-taking and empathy development

How to Use This Activity in Your Classroom:

• Step 1: Have students read the excerpts of Ibn Battuta's Travels and answer guided reading questions.
• Step 2: Discuss the role of primary sources in historical research and their biases.
• Step 3: Use the provided summary writing prompt to help students reflect on what they've learned.
• Step 4: Engage the class in a discussion using the discussion questions, encouraging debate on cultural perspectives.

Curriculum Links:

• Common Core:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content​.

• Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):

  • 8.9.F: Discuss the impact of historical texts like Ibn Battuta’s Travels​.

Australian Curriculum Links and Codes:

• The way of life in Medieval Europe (social, cultural, economic and political features) and the roles and relationships of different groups in society (ACDSEH008)
• Significant developments and/or cultural achievements, such as changing relations between Islam and the West (including the Crusades), architecture, medieval manuscripts and music (ACDSEH050)
• Continuity and change in society in ONE of the following areas: crime and punishment; military and defence systems; towns, cities and commerce (ACDSEH051)

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