African Empires

Grade 10 · History

Semester 2 | Period 4 | Week 22

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Subject: History

Semester: 2

Period: 4

Week: 22

School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: History
Grade Level: Grade 10
Date: Week 22
Lesson Duration: 4 periods × 45 minutes
Week & Term: Week 22, Period 4
Topic: African Empires
Sub-topic: Early occupation of the Songhai People, Government of Songhai, Annexation of Gao

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Discuss the origin and early settlement of the Songhai people.
  2. Describe the government and administrative structure of early Songhai.
  3. Explain the annexation of Gao and its significance to Songhai’s growth.

 

Previous Knowledge

Students already know:

  • Mali Empire’s expansion, administration, and decline
  • Trade and political structures of West African empires

 

Instructional Materials

Textbook: History textbook on African Empires
Teaching aids: Map of Songhai Empire, chart of government hierarchy, images of Gao, timeline of Songhai rulers
Students' notebooks and writing materials

 

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)

Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity:

  • Ask students:
    • Where do you think the Songhai people first settled?
    • Why is Gao an important city in West African history?
    • How might early governance influence empire-building?

Teacher’s Role: Record answers, clarify misconceptions, and link prior knowledge from Mali Empire to Songhai Empire’s emergence.

Learner’s Role:

  • Share ideas about early settlements and governance
  • Participate in discussion and brainstorm examples

 

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Teacher’s Role:

  1. Early occupation of the Songhai People:
    • Origin: Settled along the Niger River in present-day Niger and Mali
    • Early livelihood: Fishing, farming, and small-scale trade
    • Clan and social organization
  2. Government of Songhai:
    • King (Askia or ruler) as supreme authority
    • Council of advisers and provincial governors
    • Taxation, military, and justice system
  3. Annexation of Gao by Songhai:
    • Strategic location along Niger River
    • Integration into Songhai political and economic system
    • Boosted trade and resource access

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):

  • Map activity: Identify early Songhai settlements and Gao
  • Group discussion: Compare governance with Mali Empire
  • Role-play: Assign students as king, governors, and council to simulate administrative decisions

Assessment Checks:

  • Identify where the Songhai people settled initially
  • Name one administrative position in Songhai government
  • Explain the importance of annexing Gao

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):

  • Origin: Along Niger River, clans united under strong leadership
  • Government: King-led hierarchy, provincial governors, council of advisers, justice system
  • Gao Annexation: Strategic for trade, political control, and territorial expansion

 

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Summary:

  • Recall early settlement, governance, and annexation of Gao
  • Discuss why early administrative and political structures were crucial for Songhai’s growth

Evaluation Method (Expanded):

  • Exit slip/quiz:
  1. Where did the Songhai people originally settle?
  2. Name one administrative role in Songhai government
  3. Why was Gao annexed and why was it important?

Assignment (Expanded):

  1. Draw a map showing early Songhai settlements and Gao
  2. Write a paragraph describing the government structure and why it was effective

Follow-up Activity:

  • Prepare for Week 23: Expansion, administration, rise and fall, international relations, and importance of Songhai

 

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies

  • Struggling Learners: Provide simplified maps and labeled charts
  • Advanced Learners: Research additional details on early Songhai clans and leadership
  • Students with Disabilities: Allow oral presentations or pictorial representation of settlements and governance

 

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)

  • What worked well? ________________________________________
  • What needs improvement? __________________________________
  • Students’ engagement level: ☐ High ☐ Medium ☐ Low
  • Next steps: Expand to Songhai administration, rise, fall, and historical significance in Week 23