The Story of Eweka

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Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 students (Adaptable activities for smaller group settings)
Unit: Exploring Ancient Benin (Lesson 5 of 6)
Topic: Oral Traditions of the Benin Kingdom – Story of Eweka
Age Group: KS2 (9–11 years)
Subject: History

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• LO1: Explain who Eweka was and his significance as the first Oba of Benin.
• LO2: Identify and compare different versions of the oral story of Eweka.
• LO3: Understand the role and importance of oral traditions in preserving historical and cultural knowledge.
• LO4: Appreciate how history can be transmitted through storytelling and identify the strengths and limitations of oral history.

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National Curriculum Links (History KS2, England)

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history
  • note connections, contrasts and trends over time
  • understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources
• Key Stage 2 Historical Enquiry:
  • Use sources of information to make inferences about the past
  • Offer some reasons for different versions of events

Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Developing speaking, listening, and comprehension through storytelling and discussion
• PSHE: Respecting different cultures and traditions

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Resources

• Printed copies of two or three simplified versions of the story of Eweka (written transcripts, adapted for KS2)
• Large story map template (printed or projected)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Audio storytelling recording of the Eweka story (optional)
• Small group discussion cards with questions
• Paper, coloured pencils, and sticky notes

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Lesson Structure

1. Engage & Connect (10 minutes)

• Begin with a quick warm-up question on oral storytelling:
  “Who in your family shares stories or tales? Why do you think they do that?”
• Briefly introduce the Benin Kingdom (context) and that today they will explore how stories have kept its history alive, focusing on how Eweka became the first Oba.
• Show a colourful illustrated map or image representing Ancient Benin to spark curiosity.

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2. Explore Different Stories (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students. Each group receives 1 version of the Eweka story (3 different versions in total).
• In their groups, students read and discuss the story. Prompt them to:
  • Identify the main events in their story
  • Think about the tone — is it a legend, a simple account, or a moral tale?
• Optional: Play an audio version of one story to highlight oral performance elements such as intonation and rhythm.

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3. Compare & Contrast (15 minutes)

• Groups share key points of their story with the whole class. As a teacher, record similarities and differences on the board or interactive whiteboard. Consider themes such as how Eweka is portrayed, his origins, and key events.
• Use a story map to visualise the common plot points and differences.
• Discuss:
  • Why might stories change over time or between storytellers?
  • How do these stories help keep the culture alive?

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4. Critical Thinking – The Role of Oral Tradition (15 minutes)

• Facilitate a whole-class discussion or a “Think-Pair-Share” activity:
  • What are the benefits of oral history? (Examples: making history engaging, accessible, passed down through generations)
  • What are the challenges or limitations? (Examples: changes over time, memory errors, bias)
• Connect to modern times: Ask pupils how stories or family histories are passed down today and if technology has changed it.

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5. Creative Reflection (5 minutes)

• Ask pupils to jot down a short “new ending” or “morals” for the story of Eweka on sticky notes. How would they tell the story to make it memorable?
• Option to collect some to share in the next lesson or display on a class “Ancient Benin” board.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Teacher observes group discussions for understanding and engagement.
• Check pupils’ notes during story comparison and reflection.
• Collect sticky notes or written new endings as informal formative assessment.

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Differentiation

Group Type	Strategies
Lower Ability	Use simplified story versions with pictures; allow oral sharing
Higher Ability	Challenge by asking to identify bias or missing information
EAL Students	Pre-teach key vocabulary (Oba, kingdom, oral tradition), use visuals
SEN Students	Provide audio versions and one-to-one support during group work

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Extension Ideas

• Research artefacts from the Benin Kingdom linked to the Obas – how do objects tell stories?
• Create a digital storytelling project where pupils perform or record their version of the Eweka story.

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Teacher Notes

• Emphasising multiple perspectives nurtures critical historical thinking early on.
• Oral history connects well with literacy skills and cultural empathy.
• Adapt activities for smaller tutorial groups by increasing student talk time and personal feedback.
• Aim to inspire curiosity about African history beyond stereotypical narratives.

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This lesson enacts the vision of History teaching within the UK, fostering enquiry-driven and culturally responsive education. It strengthens pupils' ability to discern historical narratives’ complexity while celebrating rich oral traditions.