HISTORICALLY SPEAKING NIGERA PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Nigeria is located in West Africa. Locate Nigeria on a map and its Capital. Identify the flag and currency. There is a map and flag activity sheets located in the manual.

2. Nigeria is a land of beaches, savannas, waterfalls, mountains, tropical rain forests, mangroves, and grasslands. Choose a terrain and learn more about two animals and plants, trees or flowers of Nigeria. You can have a scavenger hunt in websites or books to assist you. Examples include camels, baboons, leopards, crocodiles, palm trees, Calla Lily, and bird of paradise.

3. There are a large number of languages spoken in Nigeria due to the diverse culture and dialects. Though the official language spoke is English at home families like to speak their traditional language. Choose a language and learn some common words or learn to count in one of the languages. Examples include: Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, and Tiv. There is a language sheet in the back of the manual.

4. The traditional clothing worn at festivals for men is an agbada, gown with matching pants, and a fez, hat. Many women wear a vibrant gown called a boubou. In addition, many different ethnic groups wear different colors or patterns on their clothing. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in clothing, create an accessory, or view traditional clothing through books or the internet. Refer to the “paper dolls” located in the back of this manual

5. Most Nigerians that live in villages reside in huts, made typically of wood and mud. Many families share a house or group of houses with their cousins, parents, and grandparents. At night they sometimes gather and listen to folktales that have been passed down from generation to generation. Many of the stories often have a moral or are acted out with music and dance. Research a folktale or story, write your own story or act out a play, draw a character from a tale or create an art project about folk tales or housing or learn the meaning of a Nigerian proverb. Refer to the “Legends” section in the manual.

6. Nigerians purchase most of their food at outdoor markets and sometimes bargain for the price they will pay. Women learn to carry containers on their heads to carry their goods purchased at the market. A variety of food prepared has hot spices, rice, plantains, beans, and chicken. Try some foods from Nigeria or make a recipe from a cookbook or website ?Refer to the “recipe” section for more information.

7. Nigerians are known for their beautiful sculptures of wood and their blue and white Hausa cloth dying. Other handicrafts include: weaving, carving, embroidery, sewing, jewelry making, pottery, leatherwork, grass weaving, or artistic crafts depicting the traditional patterns. Create a craft or project using a traditional a Nigerian skill OR representing Nigeria OR a holiday craft. Refer to the “Craft” section located in the back of this manual.

8. Gatherings and festivals are always filled with the expression of music and dancing. There are many different forms of dances and songs sung at celebrations. Listen to a song, learn more about the instruments played, try to dance, watch a African musical show, or play or create an instrument. Examples: Bells, worn around ankles, drums, xylophones, flutes, or thumb pianos. Refer to the “Craft” section in the back of the manual.

9. Football, known as soccer in the USA is the most popular sport played in Nigeria. Some other sports that are enjoyed are horseback riding, camel racing, fishing, swimming, running, basketball, boxing, and canoe races. Learn more about an outdoor activity or choose one to enjoy.

10. During Nigerian festivals and celebrations many participants wear colorful clothing and sometimes costumes. There are many celebrations and festivals throughout Nigeria. Some examples include: Fishing Festival, Mannwu or Masquerade, Ala Festival, Sallah, Odo Festival, and New Yam Festival. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of a holiday event OR learn the background of the celebrated holiday or festival. You may also create a drawing or art project, or prepare a food. Refer to the “Craft and Festival ” section on various festivals, holidays and crafts that coincide with them.

11. Children in Nigeria still enjoy many traditional games. A popular board game that is played is called Ayo. Other games and toys include clapping games, jump the bean bag, cornstalk dolls, tops, and Whot card game. Learn more about a game or toy and choose one to enjoy. Refer to the “Recipe” section in the manual.