Hip Hop Speaks to Kids

Who says that  appropriate “rap” music and “hip-hop” dance moves can’t be used as stimuli for creative writing, word imagery and creative expression?

Using this music is a connection and opens doors of communication for learners. The students in Mrs. Wells 4^th grade class at Pershing School have been actively engaged in bringing words to life through writing, art expression, dance and music. These experiences will lead to the creation of a performance piece created by the students that weaves music, dance and their original expressions of rhythmical raps.

Visiting performing artist teacher, U. Citian Diane Davenport, is assisting in working with the students, Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Hume, the Literacy Coach in this collaboration. The students have met two University City Alums, Orlando Watson and Dedrick Mullen who are producers of rap artists. Fidel Muhammad, a University City High School Freshman shared his writing with the students.

Redd Williams, hip-hop choreographer and teacher at COCA is working with the kids on hip-hop moves to use in their performance. He has choreographed for Beyonce, Nelly, Lady Gaga, and many others.

Let’s re-visit the question. Can appropriate “rap” music and “hip-hop” dance moves be used as stimuli and tools in communication arts? observe these Grade Level Expectation:Reading 2B: Identify and/or explain examples of sensory details, sound devices, and figurative language in text along with basic literary techniques.  The answer to the question is “yes.”

The Hip-Hop Speaks to Kids Event will be held at Pershing School on MAY 16^th at 6:00 p.m. in the gym.

Submitted by Diane Davenport
Photos provided by the Communications and Media Services of the School District of University City