Download Pre-Reading Actitvities for LAVC’s teaching of Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree
Hello educators! Last week, we had the exciting opportunity to launch the Literacy Amidst Violent Conflicts (LAVC) program with students at COEC Model Schools in rural Kaduna, Nigeria. Our study text for this program is the powerful young adult novel, Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani. This novel not only captivates readers but also opens the door to meaningful conversations about resilience, conflict, and hope. Let me share a little about the book and how we introduced it to our students!
A Glimpse into Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree
Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree tells the story of Ya Ta, a teenage girl from northern Nigeria whose life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorist group. The novel is divided into four sections, each beginning with an epilogue from Robert Browning’s The Pied Piper of Hamelin, which adds a layer of poetic depth to the narrative.
- Part 1 introduces Ya Ta as a bright, ambitious schoolgirl living in a peaceful village in Borno state. Through diary-like entries and short verses, we learn about her dreams of earning a scholarship, attending university, and becoming a teacher. This section beautifully portrays the harmony between characters of different religious backgrounds and the joy Ya Ta finds in her friendships, her studies, and the natural beauty of the Sambisa Forest—symbolized by the majestic baobab tree. However, this peace is shattered by a sudden, loud “Bang” at the end of Part 1, marking the beginning of Ya Ta’s harrowing journey.
- Part 2 delves into Ya Ta’s life after her kidnapping. Forced into slavery in the Sambisa Forest, she endures unimaginable hardships: changing her name and religion, witnessing the deaths of her friends, and being married off to a Boko Haram fighter. The baobab tree, once a symbol of joy, becomes a grim reminder of loss as her friends are buried beneath it.
- Parts 3 and 4 explore Ya Ta’s life as the wife of a Boko Haram fighter. Despite her circumstances, she clings to her values and dreams. However, she faces further betrayal when her friend Sarah (renamed Zainab) becomes radicalized and dies in a suicide bombing. Though Ya Ta eventually escapes, her journey is far from over. The novel leaves readers wondering: will she ever achieve her dreams of education and becoming a teacher?
Introducing the Novel to Students
We know that tackling heavy topics like armed conflict and terrorism can be challenging in the classroom. That’s why we started the LAVC program with engaging pre-reading activities designed to help students connect the novel’s themes to their prior knowledge. These activities also provided essential context for the complex issues addressed in the book.
Here’s what we did:
- Predictions and Brainstorming: Students shared their thoughts on armed conflict, terrorism, and displacement, setting the stage for deeper discussions.
- Gallery Walks: We created interactive displays with images and quotes related to the novel’s themes, encouraging students to explore and reflect.
- Group Discussions: Students collaborated to discuss what they already knew about the topics and what they hoped to learn from the novel.
These activities sparked students’ curiosity while creating a safe space for them to engage with difficult subjects.
Why Use Novels to Teach Difficult Topics?
Books like Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree offer a unique way to explore challenging themes through the lens of relatable characters and compelling narratives. They encourage empathy, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogue—all while fostering a love for reading.
If you’re thinking about introducing a tough topic to your students, consider using a relevant novel as a starting point. Check out the Pre-Reading Activities below for fun and effective ways to introduce new books to your class!
Download Pre-Reading Actitvities for LAVC’s teaching of Buried of Beneath the Baobab Tree
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
We’d love to hear how you approach tough topics in your classroom. Have you used novels to teach complex issues? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below!
Together, we can support our students through navigating difficult conversations and build a better understanding of the world around them. Happy teaching!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the pictures from our LAVC kickoff—it was an inspiring start to what promises to be a transformative program!
