Mali Unit Study | Geography Curriculum & Hands-On Activities for Kids

Discover Mali with our hands-on, literature-based unit study that includes lessons in geography, language arts, science, music, math, and more.

Students will learn about the legendary Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali, listen to traditional Malian music, create Bògòlanfini-inspired art, explore the Sahara Desert ecosystem, and play traditional West African strategy games like Awalé and Yoté.

✅ What You're Purchasing:

Global Explorers unit studies are literature-based frameworks built around curated books, mapwork, journaling, and cultural activities. Books and some media resources are referenced but not included. Each study provides structured lesson plans and ready-to-use printables, guiding families as they gather materials and explore together.

✅ What's Included:

• Mali Notebooking Page: Students record important facts, color the national flag, document their favorite discoveries, and draw scenes from Mali’s geography, culture, plants, and wildlife.
• Mali Mapwork Activity: Students will locate major cities, geographical features, and cultural landmarks on an outline map and are encouraged to personalize their maps with illustrations, labels, and symbols that reflect what they’ve learned about the country.
• Literature Study: Explore the life and legacy of Mansa Musa in P. James Oliver’s book Mansa Musa and The Empire of Mali: A True Story of Gold and Greatness from Africa.
• The Writing Revolution Resources: Build writing skills with sentence-based exercises that connect directly to what students are learning about Mali.
• Ecosystem of the Sahara Desert: Students will explore how plants and animals are specially adapted to survive in desert environments.
• Musical Explorers: Learn about traditional West African rhythms, instruments, and music with guided listening activities.
• Copywork: Explore proverbs from Africa while strengthening handwriting and comprehension skills.
• Creative Arts: Create Bògòlanfini-inspired artwork while learning about its cultural significance.
• Global Games: Play Awalé and Yoté, two traditional West African strategy games that build critical thinking skills.

✅ Bonus Materials:

• Printable Global Explorers Cookbook Page for Mali
• Discover Mali: Bingo Challenge activity sheet
• Mali Unit Overview Sheet
• Access to our optional digital planning tool in Notion
• Plus, more than a dozen extra printable resources, such as book passports, food chain pyramid templates, and more!

Format: Printable PDF + Optional Digital Access

Best For: Homeschoolers, co-ops, enrichment, Montessori continent studies, and classroom geography units

Why Choose Global Explorers?

At the Global Explorers Club, we believe geography should feel like an adventure. Our flexible, secular unit studies are designed to spark curiosity, celebrate cultural diversity, and connect children to the world around them. Whether you use every activity or choose a few, our unit studies can be easily adapted for different learners and teaching styles.