The Writing Academy · Content Language Support

The Wealth of Mansa Musa

Grade 4 · Cluster 4 · Module 1 (low stamina) · Tap any underlined word to see a picture

Read in Randi Whitney's voice.

A long time ago in West Africa, there was a strong and successful called Mali. One of its most well- known rulers was Mansa Musa. He became in the early 1300s and is often remembered as one of the richest people in history. Mali became wealthy because it controlled important . Traders traveled

across the hot Sahara carrying and , which were very valuable.

Mansa Musa made smart choices that helped his kingdom grow. He made sure traders could move safely, which brought more people and into Mali. As a result, like Timbuktu became busy and important places. Timbuktu was also known for , where people studied subjects like math, science, and .

One of the most famous parts of Mansa Musa’s life was his trip to Mecca, called a . During this journey, he gave away large amounts of gold to people in need. His actions made many people notice how wealthy Mali was.

Because of the choices he made, Mali became known as a powerful and important kingdom. People still talk about Mansa Musa today when they learn about African history and how trade and education helped kingdoms grow.

The highlighted key words in this passage are tappable. Each opens a simple picture, the content language support accommodation for new English language learners.

Take Turns Reading (Fluency)

The teacher reads one sentence and pauses. The student reads the next sentence. Keep taking turns to the end of the passage.

  1. Model. Read each Teacher sentence with clear expression and phrasing, then pause so the student knows it is their turn.
  2. Track. The student points under each word with a finger or pointer, left to right and top to bottom, while you read and while they read.
  3. Praise. Name what went well in the student's reading, such as expression, smooth phrasing, or a tricky word said with accuracy. Reread any tricky word together.

Feedback on rate, accuracy, and prosody: Fluency Feedback Guide, Grade 4

  1. 1.Teacher readsA long time ago in West Africa, there was a strong and successful kingdom called Mali.
  2. 2.Student readsOne of its most well- known rulers was Mansa Musa.
  3. 3.Teacher readsHe became king in the early 1300s and is often remembered as one of the richest people in history.
  4. 4.Student readsMali became wealthy because it controlled important trade routes.
  5. 5.Teacher readsTraders traveled across the hot Sahara Desert carrying gold and salt, which were very valuable.
  6. 6.Student readsMansa Musa made smart choices that helped his kingdom grow.
  7. 7.Teacher readsHe made sure traders could move safely, which brought more people and goods into Mali.
  8. 8.Student readsAs a result, cities like Timbuktu became busy and important places.
  9. 9.Teacher readsTimbuktu was also known for learning, where people studied subjects like math, science, and religion.
  10. 10.Student readsOne of the most famous parts of Mansa Musa’s life was his trip to Mecca, called a pilgrimage.
  11. 11.Teacher readsDuring this journey, he gave away large amounts of gold to people in need.
  12. 12.Student readsHis actions made many people notice how wealthy Mali was.
  13. 13.Teacher readsBecause of the choices he made, Mali became known as a powerful and important kingdom.
  14. 14.Student readsPeople still talk about Mansa Musa today when they learn about African history and how trade and education helped kingdoms grow.
ELPS supported by this routine
  • ELPS 3(H) Read with fluency and prosody and demonstrate comprehension of content-area text.
  • ELPS 3(A) Demonstrate awareness of print concepts and directionality of reading as left to right and top to bottom.
  • ELPS 2(A) Pronounce words, including high-frequency words, cognates, and increasingly complex syllable types, with accuracy.
The Writing Academy · Content Language Support · Grade 4 Cluster 4