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Activity 1: Introduction to the Continent of Africa
Let’s embark on a fascinating journey following the story of Tarzan, which will help us get to know the African continent in all its diverse shades.
In this activity (by: Dr. Omri Ruach Midbar), we will learn about the geographical and climatic structure of Africa, identify the jungle regions, get to know the Sahara Desert, and discover how geography influences life and culture in the Sub-Saharan region.
The Activity
Guidelines for Parents
A good way to introduce the continent of Africa is through the story of Tarzan
According to the story published in 1912, Tarzan grew up in the jungle of Africa.
From the time he was a baby, a member of a family of apes, he acquired exceptional physical abilities and embodied sublime human qualities and values.
The story achieved great success among children all over the world, leading to musicals, movies, and television series.
Since there are harsh and violent parts in Tarzan’s story, we recommend telling the children the story in a general way.
Without exposing the children to the fact that the boy’s parents were killed, and the fact that he was abandoned in the jungle, etc.
The children will be able to fill in the “missing” parts through conversation with them and by exercising their imagination.
You can develop a conversation with them regarding Tarzan’s abilities, his connection and communication with the animals, and emphasize his goodness and bravery.
The Activity
After telling the story of Tarzan:
You can ask where the jungles of Africa, where Tarzan lived, are located?
This question will lead to providing the children with a basic orientation in the climate and geography of Africa.
The conversation can be expanded regarding the geographical and climatic characteristics of Africa,
of course, depending on the level of interest shown by the children.
You can show the children that Tarzan’s jungle is in the southern part of Africa.
There, there is a large kingdom of animals: lions, leopards, monkeys, elephants, and more.
To the northern part, where the Sahara Desert is located, Tarzan did not want to go because it is the hottest place in the world.
Arab countries are also located there, including Egypt (see the activities regarding Egypt).
Sometimes he visited near the desert, in the plains region (Sahel), where there is little vegetation, which constitutes the border between Northern and Southern Africa.
You can delve into the different countries, mention their names, and of course locate them on the map.
