Learning to Speak the Same Language

How can we communicate if we do not speak the same language? As an older Millennial who identifies more with Generation X, I have a difficult time relating to Generation Z. Yes, various life experiences grant me a bit of wisdom, however I believe there are core cultural values that many African American youth in my community have not been taught. Maybe this trend is cross-cultural, however I can only speak on the ones whom I serve. In which case, I am constantly seeking solutions to improve my students’ morality and misguided academic mediocrity.

Before learning can occur in the classroom, I must first learn how to connect and build relationships with my students. Language is one of the primary methods of communication. To effectively connect with my students, I need to know how and when to speak their language. 

Because most of my students are immersed in the Hip-Hop culture, rap music has become a way for us to communicate. I have learned so much about my pupils by knowing their top five!

Someone’s top five reveals a lot about who they are. Since we become what we consume, the lyrics we buy into, become us. They shape our thought patterns and how we perceive ourselves in this world; this is a fundamental goal of Social Sciences! I am obligated to equip my students with the tools to successfully master their environment. However, to properly prepare for their future, they must comprehend the complexities of their past. I am looking forward to teaching my Hip-Hop History unit later in the Spring, however over the next few weeks, I will be exploring how the poetry of rap produces the necessary lexicon by which students can digest healthy portions of history, whereby holistically developing themselves. Through rap, they will learn how to recognize the roles of their authentic self and their double consciousness.

My resources for this week are inspired by the following rap songs. Let me know which one(s) you like and how many lessons you can count within each song. I have a feeling, you will be surprised by how much content is shared within a couple of minutes. I am talking entire course curriculums synthesized within three to four minutes!

Please note, that the strong and explicit lyrics are intentional and once we begin to look at more contemporary songs, the connection between the narratives will become clearer.

Dead Prez. Politriks. [YouTube]. 4 May 2009.

Frank, Walin. WOKIKSUYE. [YouTube]. 08 Oct. 2018.

Killer Mike. Reagan. [YouTube] 31 Jan. 2015.

Lupe Fiasco. American Terrorist . [YouTube]. 28 Aug. 2015.

Tupac Shakur. Changes. [YouTube]. 19 Oct. 2018.

 

Let's Chat!

Salut

Yndia here! After a decade working as a Compliance Analyst, I chose to trade in my cubicle for a classroom. As a new Social Studies Teacher, I am able to leverage my years of legal research and writing and developing process improvement plans to create an impactful curriculum for students to learn the history of various systems and their role in shaping their identities.

My goal is to help restore the integrity of my community by reviving human dignity. In order to accomplish this, students must first learn who they are. Social Studies is a discipline dedicated to teaching people how to master their identity. Once we remember who we are, we can begin to truly add value!

My pedagogy is highly influenced by Hip-Hop culture, and through this blog, I hope to share how lyricism can actualize history and engage the listener, often the youth, to do and be better.

Next time we connect, I will be breaking down my inquiry work a bit more. Until then, check out this cool conversation with Nas and Harvard Professor Elsa New as they discuss some of his lyrics in “It Ain’t Hard to Tell”.

CONTENT COMING SOON!