- Focus on why we are teaching this topic at KS2, often for the first time. Why was this civilization quite so special?
- Compare with society in Britain at the time, i.e. Saxons and Vikings. This is one of the most important reasons for these 3 being chosen.
- The present is not an echo of the past. Focus on the ‘otherness’s of these societies.
- Use images of artefacts and lots of close–ups of art and architecture so pupils come to admire the civilization and how advanced they were. Killer activity Call MY Bluff serves to surprise pupils with how sophisticated its material culture was, compared to Britain’s at the time.
- Get pupils involved in activities which encourage them to want to protect the riches of their chosen civilization e.g. Killer activity Curator’s Dilemma.
- It is sensible to extend your study beyond the stated period especially with Benin.
