Hip Hop Poetry
When I student taught at Carpenter Elementary in Ann Arbor I designed my own poetry writing unit. This project based unit lasted about 6 weeks and encompassed the balanced literacy framework including writing workshop, word work, and guided reading. I chose to teach the students poetry through Hip Hop. Our work was oriented around the essential question, "How can I change the world with hip hop?" The students learned that their voice is powerful, and they can use their literacy to send a meaningful positive message to the world. This project was amplified when I began to collaborate with the school's art teacher, the students created album artwork and their own screen printed teach shirts for the most exciting part of the project, the field trip! I organized a capstone field trip where students visited a professional recording studio on UofM's campus and they would have the experience of recording their hip hip poetry. Connecting with local audio engineers and the university gave students a glimpse of excited possibilities with music. This project was a wonderful example of student collaboration and creativity, please take a listen to their track below!