This no-prep, editable lesson engages students in close-read activities about the 3 West African trading kingdoms: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. After a mini- lecture and short video, students read a passage summarizing the topic. Next, they work in pairs, scaffolding a comparison activity. There is a modified student handout for struggling learners and a homework assignment, too! The resource includes all lesson components: slides with a warm-up and short lecture, brief video, student handout, and