These notes, based on three of photographer Ifeoma Onyefulu's African picturebooks, focus on rites of passage ceremonies: naming, marriage and funeral. The teaching suggestions are most suited to pupils in years 2, 3 or 4.

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Welcome Dede Amarlai has a new cousin - and he can't wait for her to be given a name. On the great day, the guests arrive, prayers are said, the corn wine is blessed and a tiny drop of wine is put on the baby's tongue as she is named. Gifts are offered, and the feasting and dancing begins. Everyone is happy, but Amarlai is happiest of all: at last his cousin has a name. Her name is Dede!

Here Comes Our African Bride Ekinadose wants his Uncle Osaere to get married - then he can go to a wedding. One day, he sees people welcomed into his grandfather's house with special kola nuts. After some speeches, the visitors take away a list and when they come back, they are carrying palm wine, alligator poper, yams and envelopes of money. They've come to collect their bride - and Ekinadose will be going not just to one wedding ceremony, but two! The stunning sights and sounds of a Nigerian wedding are vividly brought to life in Ifeoma Onyefulu's new picture book. The different traditions and customs of this African wedding are explored and explained through the eyes of one young spectator. We see the preparations made by the whole community in anticipation of the traditional African ceremony and second religions ceremony.

Saying Goodbye Seen through the eyes of a small boy named Ikenna, here is a very special account of how a small Igbo community in Nigeria traditionally honours the dead. Ifeoma Onyefulu's thoughtful photographs and text offer not only a glimpse into Africa village life, but also a positive introduction to a difficult subject. Ikenna starts to feel different as soon as he puts on his new white clothes. His grown-up relatives keep an all-night wake, dancing and singing for Mama Nkwelle. On the big day a 21 gun salute is fired to begin the celebration. In Mama Nkwelle's nowempty house, her decorated bed is brought into the sitting-room, adorned with her picture. The priest says prayers, then kola nuts are offered and dancing begins to the sound of drums. Ikpuawa (gifts) of cloth are brought, and Ikenna is asked to offer a gift too! Seven days later Ikenna watches as people gather to remember Mama Nkwelle. Finally he plants his own special memorial, knowing that he will never forget her.