The informational article, “Kenya’s Long Dry Season”, by Nellie Gonzalez Cutler, describes the hardship felt during the 2009 drought in that country.
Student Activities for Kenya’s Long Dry Season
![Cause and Effect in "Kenya’s Long Dry Season" Storyboard](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/1018844/cell-row-0-col-0-w400.png "Cause and Effect in "Kenya’s Long Dry Season"")
![Compare and Contrast in "Kenya's Long Dry Season" Storyboard](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/1018850/cell-row-0-col-0-w400.png "Compare and Contrast in "Kenya's Long Dry Season"")
Essential Questions for "Kenya’s Long Dry Season"
- What effects do droughts have on a community?
- Should people help those in other countries? Why or why not?
A Quick Synopsis of "Kenya’s Long Dry Season"
“Kenya’s Long Dry Season” begins by identifying the problem: the East African nation of Kenya is experiencing a severe drought, resulting in the loss of crops and a struggle by animals and people to survive. Kids are being taken out of school to work for their families, though schools that provide food have a lower dropout rate. In order to help feed families and to keep kids in school, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) asks for $230 million in donations.
How Tos about Kenya’s Long Dry Season by Nellie Gonzalez Cutler
Engage students in an empathy-building activity about drought effects
Guide students to imagine life during a drought by discussing daily challenges faced by families, such as water scarcity and missed school. Encourage them to share how they might feel and what changes they would experience. This fosters understanding and compassion for others.
Connect the story to students’ local environment
Ask students to compare Kenya’s drought with weather patterns or water issues in their own community. Highlight similarities and differences to make the topic relatable and show global connections.
Facilitate a classroom discussion on helping others globally
Lead a conversation about the importance of supporting people in other countries during crises. Encourage respectful debate and explore reasons for and against global aid, building critical thinking and social awareness.
Guide students to create a ‘Water Conservation’ poster
Invite students to design posters showing ways to save water at home or school. Use facts from the article to inspire ideas and promote actionable steps for their community.
Support students in researching real-world drought solutions
Assign small groups to investigate how communities worldwide tackle drought. Share findings with the class and discuss which solutions might work locally, connecting global learning to everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kenya’s Long Dry Season by Nellie Gonzalez Cutler
What is 'Kenya’s Long Dry Season' about?
Kenya’s Long Dry Season describes the severe drought Kenya faced in 2009, highlighting its impact on crops, animals, families, and education. The article explains how communities struggled and the efforts made by organizations like the United Nations World Food Program to provide aid.
How did the 2009 drought affect children and schools in Kenya?
The drought forced many children out of school to help their families survive. However, schools offering food programs saw lower dropout rates, showing the importance of school-based support during tough times.
What are the main effects of droughts on communities?
Droughts cause food shortages, loss of crops, and livestock deaths. They also disrupt education, increase poverty, and force families to make difficult choices for survival.
Why is international aid important during droughts in countries like Kenya?
International aid provides resources for food, education, and health during crises. Organizations like the UN World Food Program help keep children in school and support families when local resources aren’t enough.
How can teachers use 'Kenya’s Long Dry Season' in lesson plans?
Teachers can use the article to discuss drought impacts, global citizenship, and critical thinking. Activities might include exploring solutions, debating international aid, and connecting to science or social studies topics.
Introductory School Offer
ONLY$500
- 1 School
- 5 Teachers for One Year
- 1 Hour of Virtual PD
30 Day Money Back Guarantee • New Customers Only • Full Price After Introductory Offer • Access is for 1 Calendar Year
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office