Africa is the second largest continent and it covers one-fifth of the Earth’s land surface. However, it only contains about a tenth of the Earth’s population.
The equator runs through Africa, cutting it almost equally in two. The northern half is mainly covered in desert, while the central and southern area have savannah plains and dense rainforest.
Teach your children about Africa using our handy topic guide!
Teaching Ideas
- Use Michael Morpugo’s book The Butterfly Lion as the starting point for learning in your classroom with our free teaching ideas and activities.
- Use these lesson plans to help children understand some of the challenges facing children and schools in Africa.
- Try to create some of these African crafts.
- Create some African inspired art work.
- Get children moving with African Animal yoga.
- Learn some African dance moves with these easy to follow steps.
Resources
- Look at this map of Africa that children can colour. How many African countries can they identify?
- Ask your children to label the countries on a map of Africa with this resource.
- Explore life in Africa with these free teaching resources from ActionAid (KS1 – KS4).
- Use these free printable maps of Africa to make display boards in your classroom.
Africa Facts
- Africa is the world’s second largest and second most populous continent. There are 54 countries in Africa.
- Africa is the world’s oldest populated area. Archaeologists have found evidence that the human species has lived on the content for roughly 7 million years.
- In Africa, you will find some of the largest mammals on this planet. Among them are the largest land mammal, the African elephant, the tallest mammal, the giraffe, and the fastest mammal, the cheetah.
- The longest river in the world, the Nile (4,132 miles), is located in Africa.
- The most widely spoken language is Arabic.
Videos
Come explore Africa
Which continent is the oldest in the world? How many countries make up Africa? Come explore with Lonely Planet Kids!
Running time: 1:02
Africa | Destination World
Experience the hottest of the seven continents on this episode of “Destination World.” Africa is home to some of the most famous animals in the world—here’s your chance to meet them.
Running time: 2:50
Safari in East Africa
It’s an amazing feeling when you get close to the wildlife in East Africa and discover the world of safari with your senses wide open. Have a look!
Running time: 2:27
Books
We All Went on Safari
Join Arusha, Mosi, Tumpe and their Maasai friends as they set out on a counting journey through the grasslands of Tanzania.
One Plastic Bag
The inspiring true story of how one African woman began a movement to recycle the plastic bags that were polluting her community.
The Herd Boy
Malusi is a herd boy. It is a big job for a small boy, yet he does it well, no matter the danger. But he also dreams of being more than a herd boy someday: Malusi wants to be president.
Handa's Surprise
In this picture book classic, a delightful surprise colourfully unfolds when a little girl called Handa puts seven delicious fruits in a basket to take to her friend.
Long Walk to Freedom
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela is the amazing story of a true hero of our times; his famous biography has been specially adapted for children in a beautiful illustrated picture book format.
Introducing Africa
Where is the Sahara Desert? What is Africa’s highest mountain? This book answers these questions and more as it introduces readers to the continent of Africa through maps, engaging photographs, and simple text.
Roar! 100 Fun Facts About African Animals
Explore the amazing animals of Africa! Travel through the savanna, jungle, and desert to meet lions, elephants, giraffes, and more animals in this leveled reader about the most popular African safari animals that’s perfect for advanced readers.
Links
- Explore this great range of African related images.
- Take a look at this full list of Africa related books.
- Check out these 50 interesting facts about Africa.
- Teach your children about the cultures of Africa with this helpful list of Native African Tribes.
Are you teaching your children about other topics? Explore our full collection of guides!
