Bringing History to Life

History is more than just reading about the past, it’s about experiencing it! At Astor International School, Year 5 and 6 students dove into the 900 CE unit, where they explored great empires like the Benin, Mayan, and Islamic Empires. While this unit is packed with history, it also connects to other subjects, including music. One of the most exciting activities so far has been the Djembe workshop, where students got to learn about and play this traditional African drum.

The Power of Hands-On Learning

Learning through experience makes history more exciting and easier to remember. Instead of just reading about past cultures, students got to hear, feel, and play a piece of history. The Djembe drum, which dates back to the 12th century, comes from West Africa and has been used for communication, storytelling, and celebrations. Through the workshop, students didn’t just learn facts, they experienced the sounds and rhythms that have been part of African culture for centuries.

Why This Learning Method Works

Playing the Djembe was a fun and interactive way to learn about history. Instead of memorising facts, students got to experience music just as people did in the past. This made the lesson more exciting and meaningful.

When students use their senses, hearing the beats, feeling the drum vibrations, and playing rhythms themselves, they remember the information more easily. Studies show that hands-on learning helps students retain information longer than just reading or listening.

The Djembe workshop was more than just playing music. Students learned about African traditions, storytelling, and celebrations. This helped them connect with history on a personal level, making them appreciate different cultures.

This activity was not just about history; it included music, geography, and social studies. Students learned about where the Djembe came from, its role in African society, and how it has influenced modern music. This kind of learning combines different subjects, making lessons more meaningful.

Playing the Djembe required students to work together, listen to each other, and stay in rhythm. This improved their teamwork skills, boosted their confidence, and showed them how music brings people together, just as it did centuries ago!

At Astor International School, we believe in learning by doing, and this hands-on approach ensures that history is not just a subject but an experience. Who knew that a simple drum could teach us so much about the past?