A ONE-OF-A-KIND SEL CURRICULUM
A CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM GROUNDED IN THE ELEMENTS OF HIP-HOP FOR GRADES 6-12
WDI4TC Theme SongMumu Fresh
OUR PHILOSOPHY
SEL IS HIP-HOP CULTURE
Coined by the impactful work of Dr. James P. Comer; one of the world’s leading child psychiatrists, social-emotional learning is the practice of using specific skills, habits and mindsets needed to foster healthy personal and interpersonal connections. The 5 competencies of SEL include: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Responsible Decision Making and Relationship Skills. Rooted in the African traditions of the grio and the drum, hip-hop began in the South Bronx as a form of personal expression and reaction to the systemically created intolerable socio-economic conditions that African-American and Hispanic people faced in the South Bronx. As an art form of expression, hip-hop embodies the 5 SEL competencies through the 5 elements of hip-hop.
MC'ING (EMCEE)
BREAKING
DJ'ING
GRAFFITI
KNOWLEDGE OF SELF
MC'ING (EMCEE)
The art of MC’ing is a form of self-awareness and social awareness. MCs have the ability to use storytelling as a tool for community building. An MC “moves the crowd” thereby promoting student voice and allows for students to speak their truth unapologetically.
BREAKING
Movement is life. The unique styles that are displayed within the expression of dance and varied forms of movement are critical to creating spaces of freedom and vulnerability for our students. Movement is also present in the way we interact with others and the impact of our presence; try to release any negative emotions through deep breathing or movement as you enter the learning space. Breaking requires self-awareness of mind, body and spirit.
DJ'ING
The DJ creates the rhythm and the vibe within a space where students come together. The DJ uses responsible decision making to ensure that the music being played is aligned with the culture and vibe of the audience. Using music within your learning space sets the tone for the time spent in community.
GRAFFITI
Visual art is a form of a creative signature style. It promotes authenticity, self-expression and pride within our students. Art allows all of the SEL competencies to be integrated in creative ways.
KNOWLEDGE OF SELF
When students know their heritage; their ancestors’ contributions to the world and their personal self-worth, they become adults who confidently walk into their purpose. This fifth element of hip-hop is the most critical for liberating minds. Knowledge of self is synonymous with self-awareness, without this critical element, learning cannot take place.
MC'ING (EMCEE)
The art of MC’ing is a form of self-awareness and social awareness. MCs have the ability to use storytelling as a tool for community building. An MC “moves the crowd” thereby promoting student voice and allows for students to speak their truth unapologetically.
BREAKING
Movement is life. The unique styles that are displayed within the expression of dance and varied forms of movement are critical to creating spaces of freedom and vulnerability for our students. Movement is also present in the way we interact with others and the impact of our presence; try to release any negative emotions through deep breathing or movement as you enter the learning space. Breaking requires self-awareness of mind, body and spirit.
DJ'ING
The DJ creates the rhythm and the vibe within a space where students come together. The DJ uses responsible decision making to ensure that the music being played is aligned with the culture and vibe of the audience. Using music within your learning space sets the tone for the time spent in community.
GRAFFITI
Visual art is a form of a creative signature style. It promotes authenticity, self-expression and pride within our students. Art allows all of the SEL competencies to be integrated in creative ways.
KNOWLEDGE OF SELF
When students know their heritage; their ancestors’ contributions to the world and their personal self-worth, they become adults who confidently walk into their purpose. This fifth element of hip-hop is the most critical for liberating minds. Knowledge of self is synonymous with self-awareness, without this critical element, learning cannot take place.
"
I could not find any culturally relevant SEL curriculum resources that spoke to the experiences of students who looked like me...
So I created one.
- Jamila Sams MA.ED
CEO & FOUNDER
OUR LESSONS
We Do It 4 the Culture™ is specifically designed for schools that understand the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy – teaching that acknowledges, responds to and celebrates fundamental cultures while offering equitable access to education for all students.
Lessons are featured throughout eight sections, and paid subscribers have access to the full lesson library. If you haven’t subscribed, please enjoy a free preview of selected lessons.
KNOW YOURSELF
Lessons in this section promote self-reflection, self-efficacy, identifying personal truths and self-reliance.
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YOUR CHOICE : CHOOSE WISELY
Lessons in this section are based on situational analysis, making decisions and the impact of cause and effect.
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GO HARD OR GO HOME
Lessons in this section are focused on building self-efficacy, perseverance and resiliency.
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DO THE RIGHT THING
Lessons are focused on standing up for what is right; social-justice and empathy.
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ECONOMIC POWER
Lessons in this section focus on financial literacy and entrepreneurship as tools for financial empowerment.
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HEALTH IS WEALTH
Lessons in this section address both mental / physical health and nutrition within an equity lens.
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GOT SKILLS?
Lessons in this section help to foster transferrable skills such as public speaking, time management, organizing, study habits and others.
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COLLEGE & CAREER
Lessons in this section focus on college exploration, building a network and identifying the innate and learned talents which will help to shape their careers.
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