Finally, the Christmas break is here! It's that wonderful time of year when there are lights, laughter, and a ton of free time. If you're a parent, you are familiar with the routine: the initial excitement eventually gives way to the unavoidable "I'm bored." Let's face it, nobody wants to do homework over the holidays, even if you want to keep their minds active. You need something fast, fun, and meaningful.
We have the perfect solution if you've been wondering how to teach African history to children over the Christmas season without making it feel like a lecture. During Christmas break, quick African history games for kids are the secret weapon you didn't know you needed. They are an excellent way to bond while learning about the continent's kings, queens, and innovators. They are also low-prep and high-energy. Here's how to fit some history in between marathons of movies and cookie decorating.
Why History Games Work
Are there quick African trivia activities that actually stick? The answer is definitely yes. When history is gamified, the dynamic shifts from "study time" to "play time."
Memory
Children's brains retain historical information much better when they link it to an emotion, such as the joy of winning a race or the laughter of a clever charades guess. Students can take advantage of this by using names and dates as keys to unlock a win in quick African history learning games.
Engagement
Although textbooks are excellent, they typically don't make your heart race. Playing games requires active engagement. Your children are interacting with the content both mentally and physically, whether they are racing to match cards or acting out a scene. It changes African history from something that occurred "a long time ago" to something current and relevant.
7 Quick African History Games
We concentrated on simple African trivia games for kids during the holidays that require little to no setup because we understand how busy you are. The stories in the collection of Our Ancestories books can be used to play many of these!
Trivia & Mental Challenges
1. The "Who Am I?" Sticky Note Challenge
This is a traditional party game with a touch of history.
- How to play: Write the name of a well-known African historical figure (such as Queen Ranavalona, Mansa Musa, or Queen Amina) on a sticky note, then stick it to your child's brow. They don't know who they are, but everyone else does. You can read more about African historical figures here: 10-amazing-african-heroes-and-heroines-you-should-teach-your-kids-about,Â
- The objective is for them to guess who they are by asking yes/no questions like "Am I a warrior?" "Did I live in West Africa?" and "Was I rich?"
- Pro Tip: Make use of the characters from your Our Ancestories books so the children are already acquainted with their names!
2. Red Light, Green Light: Empire Edition
A playground classic with a physical twist.
- How to play: One person is the "Pharaoh" (or King/Queen). When they turn their back, the other players run toward them.
- The twist is that to advance, players must yell out a single fact about an African empire, such as "Mali had lots of gold!" or "Benin made bronze statues!" If they can't think of a fact, they freeze until the next round.
3. Quick-Fire True or False
Ideal for waiting for dinner or for the drive to grandma's house.
- How to play: The parent makes a list. "Africa's only pyramid is the Great Pyramid." (False! There are more pyramids in Sudan than in Egypt.
- The Goal: The first kid to shout the correct answer gets a point.
- Resource: You can read more on interesting facts here: discovering-africa-10-fun-and-fascinating-facts-for-kids, discovering-the-maasai-10-fascinating-and-little-known-facts, 10-fun-facts-about-cape-verde-islands
Matching & Creative Play
4. Adinkra Symbol Memory Match
- How to play: Make two of each of the basic Adinkra symbols, such as Gye Nyame, on index cards. Play a typical memory-matching game after flipping them over.
- The Learning: Each time a match is made, the player has to say what the symbol stands for (e.g., "This means bravery!"). More info on ancient African symbols here: african-rock-art-ancient-drawings-on-stone-walls
5. The 20-Second Story Relay
- How to play: Grab a copy of Our Ancestories book or any African history storybook for kids. Read the first page aloud. Then, close the book.
- The Goal: Going around the circle, each person has 20 seconds to retell a part of the story or predict what happened next based on history. It’s hilarious to see where the story ends up!
6. Map Dash
- How to play: Tape a map of Africa to the wall (or open one on a tablet).
- The Goal: Shout out a historical location or modern country ("Where was the Kingdom of Kush?" or "Find Ghana!"). The first child to touch the spot on the map wins.
7. Ancient Invention Pictionary
- How to play: On slips of paper, list African inventions or accomplishments (such as coffee, mathematics, iron smelting, or the pyramids).Â
- The goal is for one child to sketch the object while the others make guesses. No talking allowed! This is a great answer to what African history games are good for kids who are visual learners.
Holiday Break Tips
These games can be played without a complete classroom setup.
Timing is Everything
When the children are hungry or exhausted, don't try to force a history lesson. It is best to use these games as "brain breaks." Play a round of "Who Am I?" while the cookies are baking, or do a "Map Dash" to release some energy before bed. Don't spend more than 15 minutes.
Taking Age Groups into Account
- For young children (ages 3-6): Pay attention to images. The best method is to act out animal movements from African folktales or use the Adinkra Memory Match.
- For the Older Kids (Ages 7+): For this age group, the Map Dash and Trivia games are excellent. They can even read Our Ancestories books and come up with "stump the parent" questions to ask you.
Conclusion
Give your kids the gift of heritage this holiday season. You're not just passing the time when you play these short African history games for kids over Christmas break; you're also boosting their self-esteem and introducing them to a rich, influential world history.
And keep in mind that hosting these games doesn't require you to be an expert in history. Get a bundle of Our Ancestories story and activity books if you need some assistance with the facts or stories. They are made to make learning simple, engaging, and enjoyable for the whole family.
Happy playing and happy holidays!
