Leaders Who Help Us

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Year 1 pupils to important historical figures from African history who helped shape life and culture in their time: Queen of Sheba, King Musa Keita, Queen Aminatu, King Sonni Ali, and the Songhai Empire. This fits into the UK National Curriculum for History by focusing on “Changes within living memory” and “Significant historical figures” to help children understand how people from the past contribute to a better life today.

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National Curriculum Links (England)

History

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Recognise and describe significant individuals from the past who have contributed to national and global history
  • Develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time
  • Understand role of historical figures in shaping the world

English (speaking and listening)

• Articulate ideas clearly
• Listen and respond appropriately

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• We are learning to name and talk about important historical leaders from Africa.
• We are learning to understand how these leaders helped improve life for people.
• We are learning to speak clearly when sharing facts and acting out a dialogue.

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Success Criteria

• I can name at least two important leaders and say one thing they did.
• I can explain simply how one leader helped their people.
• I can take part in a short role-play with my classmates.

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Resources

• Illustrated story cards for each leader (Queen of Sheba, King Musa Keita, Queen Aminatu, King Sonni Ali) with simple facts and colour pictures
• Large wall map showing places like Sheba, Mali, Songhai Empire, and Hausa land
• Role-play props (crowns, robes, paper sceptres)
• Whiteboard and marker
• Dyslexia-friendly printed fact sheets (clear font, spacing, coloured background)
• Quiz cards with simple questions and answers
• Illustrated timeline strip showing long ago → now

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Gather children in a circle and show the large illustrated map.
• Briefly introduce the lesson WALT and use simple, clear language:
  “Today we are going to meet some amazing leaders from Africa who helped their people live better lives long ago!”
• Show colourful image cards of each leader with bullet-point facts:
  • Queen of Sheba: She was a wise queen who brought gifts and knowledge.
  • King Musa Keita: Rich ruler of Mali who made his kingdom famous for trade and learning.
  • Queen Aminatu: A fierce queen who protected her kingdom with bravery.
  • King Sonni Ali: A strong leader who helped grow the Songhai Empire.
• Use the illustrated timeline strip to place when they lived (long ago).
• Ask quick questions: “Who can say the name of one queen?” “Which king was very rich?”

2. Story & Discussion (10 minutes)

• Tell a simple story about how these leaders helped their people (e.g., Queen of Sheba bringing gifts and wisdom from afar, King Musa Keita supporting schools). Use lively voice and show the illustration.
• Pause for questions, e.g.,
  • “Why do you think the people liked these leaders?”
  • “What can we learn from the Queen of Sheba?”
• Include dyslexia-friendly handouts with simple sentences, clear fonts and pictures for children to look at while listening.

3. Role-Play Activity (15 minutes)

• Each child chooses (or is given) a character card with a photo and one interesting fact.
• In pairs or small groups, children practice a short dialogue such as:
  • Queen of Sheba: “Hello King Musa! I have brought books and gifts to share knowledge.”
  • King Musa Keita: “Thank you, Queen Sheba! Knowledge makes our people strong.”
• Encourage children to speak loudly and clearly while wearing simple props (crowns, scarves).
• Support less confident or shy children by pairing with stronger speakers or using visual cues.
• Use praise and encourage children to listen carefully to their partner.

4. Quiz and Assessment (8 minutes)

• Gather children back and conduct a quiz using illustrated cards with simple questions:
  • “Who was the Queen that brought gifts?” (Answer: Queen of Sheba)
  • “Which king was very rich and helped schools?” (Answer: King Musa Keita)
  • “Who was brave Queen Aminatu?” (Answer: A fierce queen who protected her land.)
• Use thumbs up/down or coloured cards for children to show answers quickly.
• Offer rewards like stickers for participation and correct answers.

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Differentiation

Group	Strategy
Less confident learners	Provide role cards with key words or picture prompts. Pair with a ‘buddy’ for support. Use gestures and shorter sentences in role-play.
Visual learners	Use colourful pictures, maps, props, and dyslexia-friendly printed materials with clear fonts and spacing.
Advanced learners	Challenge to add one new question to the quiz or suggest what the leaders might say if they met today.

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Extension Activities

• Draw your own picture and write one sentence about your favourite leader.
• Create a simple “Time travel diary” as if they met one of the leaders (with adult support).
• Make a classroom display of all leaders with facts and drawings.

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Assessment Questions Examples

1. Can you name two leaders we learnt about today?
2. What did King Musa Keita help people do?
3. Who was Queen Aminatu and what was she brave about?
4. Why do you think the Songhai Empire is important?
5. How does learning about these people help us today?

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Dyslexia-Friendly Tips

• Use dyslexia-friendly fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic or Comic Sans).
• Provide printed materials with coloured backgrounds (e.g., pastel yellow or blue).
• Use images alongside all text.
• Break text into small chunks and use bullet points.
• Read aloud all text and repeat instructions clearly.

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Illustration Suggestion (To be prepared by teacher or artist)

A colourful scene showing all five leaders together on a lush green landscape next to a river:

• Queen of Sheba wearing traditional robes and holding a gift box.
• King Musa Keita dressed in rich gold robes with a necklace of beads.
• Queen Aminatu holding a spear and shield, looking confident.
• King Sonni Ali wearing a crown and pointing to a map.
• Background showing the flow of the Niger River and tents representing the Songhai Empire.

This illustration can be used on the story cards, map, and role-play cards to engage children visually.

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This detailed, engaging, and curriculum-compliant lesson plan not only develops historical awareness but also nurtures speaking, listening, and social skills in Year 1 pupils while celebrating important African leaders.