Ben Okri believes that storytelling is one of the oldest ways we understand and make sense of the world. He discusses how stories make scientific ideas understandable, shape our reality, and help us communicate knowledge. I think stories play a crucial role in learning, helping children understand abstract ideas and shaping their worldview. By sharing stories about African people and African ways of knowing, I can help my students understand the rich diversity across Africa and recognize African people as knowledgeable, capable, and curious by keeping people and their stories at the center of our learning.  In past years, we’ve studied the geographic regions and climates across Africa. This year, we’re continuing that learning with a greater focus on the people who live in these places and the ways they interact with the environment. For example, last week we investigated how people in Madagascar use baobab trees, highlighting their understanding of local natural resources and how to use them to meet their needs.