A Long Walk to Water Building Background Knowledge | Sudan & South Sudan History

A Long Walk to Water Building Background Knowledge | Sudan & South Sudan History Timeline

Build the historical background students need to better understand A Long Walk to Water with this no-prep lesson for Grades 6–8.
Students investigate the relationship between Sudan and South Sudan, major periods of conflict, and the events that led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011. They move beyond basic research by analyzing cause and effect, turning points, chronology, and connections between historical events before creating a History Timeline Investigation.

Students Will
- Explore the history of Sudan and South Sudan
- Investigate major conflicts and the path to independence
- Analyze cause → event → effect
- Identify important historical turning points
- Connect earlier and later events
- Compare South Sudan with another recently independent country
- Select and organize at least 5 key historical events
- Plan, create, and present a History Timeline Investigation

Included
- Teacher Directions
- Background Overview & Mini Research Questions
- Group Activity Directions
- Understanding the Past research organizer
- History Is a Chain Reaction analysis
- Turning Point & Connections Across Time activities
- Build Your History Timeline planning page
- Color and printer-friendly black-and-white versions
- Free online research resources

Perfect For
Grades 6–8 • A Long Walk to Water Novel Study • Building Background Knowledge • Historical Context • Sudan & South Sudan • Refugee Studies • ELA & Humanities • Social Studies • Sub Plans
Designed for approximately 1–2 class periods of 45–60 minutes each.

Book Disclaimer
This resource does not include the novel A Long Walk to Water or reproduce text, illustrations, or cover artwork from the book. It is an independently created educational resource designed to build historical background knowledge. It is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by Linda Sue Park, the publisher, or the copyright holder of A Long Walk to Water.