Lesson 1: Overview ( Jamaica’s Geography)
Students will enjoy Jamaica’s jewels of geographical features.
- Students will identify Jamaica on a map of the Caribbean islands.
- Students will identify neighboring countries of Jamaica.
- Students will identify the lakes, rivers, and mountains of Jamaica.
Students will explore Jamaica’s landform regions.
- Students will define the terms Caribbean, mountain, and valley.
- Students will identify the regions of Jamaica.
- eastern mountains
- central valleys and plateaus
- coastal plains
- Students will identify the location of each region and which land features are unique to the region.
Lesson 2: Overview (Jamaica’s History)
Jamaican National Symbols
- Students will identify the meaning of Jamaica’s flag (colors and shape).
- Students will learn about Jamaica’s national symbols (coat of arms, motto, etc.).
Jamaican Historical Review
- Students will explore Jamaica’s pre-colonization history.
- Students will learn about Jamaica’s regions.
- Students will focus on Jamaica’s Maroon culture.
- Follow up on how the Maroon culture connects to Jamaica today.
- Students will focus on Jamaica’s Rastafari history and culture.
- Follow up on how the Rastafari culture connects to Jamaica today.
- Students will learn about Jamaica’s status as an independent country.
Jamaica’s Indigenous People and Native Heroes
- Students will explore the Taino people.
- Follow up on how Taino people and culture is relevant to Jamaica today.
- Students will explore the people in the coastal cities as well as in the mountains.
- Students will learn about Jamaican native key figures.
- Marcus Garvey
- Sir Alexander Bustamante
Jamaica Today
- Students will learn a few phrases in Jamaican patois.
- Students will look at Jamaica’s current events.
- Students will look at the current environmental, social, and economical concerns of Jamaica.
Lesson 3: Overview (Jamaican Culture, Art, and Music)
Jamaica’s Social Traditions
- Students will see customs with Jamaican farming.
- Students will learn about Jamaica’s festivals.
- Students will learn about the foods of Jamaica (peas and rice, ackee, and saltfish).
Jamaican Artist
- Students will explore the art forms seen in Jamaican art festivals.
- Students will consider Jamaican-born artists.
Jamaican Musicians
- Students will review traditional Jamaican musical instruments.
- Students will learn the significance of Reggae music.
- Students will explore the music of Jamaican folk music.
Jamaican Athletes
- Students will review popular sports and games in Jamaica
- Students will learn about Jamaican athletes such as Usain Bolt.
