Story, tradition and invention
English-language edition | October 2026 | bernard.ink
Story, tradition and invention
Use the back matter of Rise of the Green Flame. It discusses Twi, Oware, kola nuts and Adinkra. Nkonyaa School and its flying Oware pieces belong to this fantasy story.
- Find one cultural reference in the back matter. Record its page and what the book says.
- Find a magical change the story makes. Why is it important to call this fiction?
- What question would you ask an author, Ghanaian storyteller or museum educator?
Cultural reference / source page / magical invention
Invent your own creature. Label it: my original fantasy design.
Teacher notes Story and tradition
Purpose and preparation
Use the book's Learn More section and a museum source. Do not generalise one tradition to all Ghanaians or all of Africa.
Suggested responses
- Oware is discussed as a real game; floating pieces are a fantasy change.
- Sesa Wo Suban is named in the book as a symbol of change. Attribute this interpretation to the book.
- Respect living traditions. A child's invented creature is not an authentic Ghanaian traditional being.
Support and stretch
Read aloud; invite pointing, drawings or dictation. Extend by asking for a page or picture clue.
Teaching links
Suggested England English: discussing reading and explaining ideas. US literacy links apply only to the stated school age group, not automatically to babies. Adapt to the learner; these materials are not an accredited curriculum.