SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

That’s a Rap: Using Hip-Hop as a Tool for Learning

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2024 Issue

By Paul Weatherford

Rap written by Paul Weatherford in answer to the question "Why in the world do you teach?"

The Hook

I, among other things, define myself as a rapper, and it’s a fact of which my students are all too aware—“Is he really rapping on the first day of school?” I use raps to hook my readers (did it work?), to bring literary characters to life, to commemorate momentous occasions, and, most of all, to inject the world inside and outside of the classroom with a bit of the extraordinary.

Each day that I teach at South High School, I walk into a building that the state department of education deems “failing,” and yet within those walls, I encounter many moments that sing of success, especially in my Creative Writing class. A recent activity that I came up with helped bring hope, community, confidence, and critical thinking to the students. I turned to my good ol’ friend hip-hop to accompany me on this journey and, as it always does, hip-hop brought us together, enhanced our own unique voices, and allowed us to have some fun.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Paul Weatherford has taught at all levels from 7–12 over the past 10 years. In addition to completing a Master’s degree in English Literature, he recently won Teacher of the Year for Laramie County School District #1, and was a TOY finalist for the state of Wyoming. Inspiring students to see the magic of words is his life’s work, second only to being a husband and father.

Education News

Cradles to Crayons® to Provide 250,000 Free Backpacks with School Supplies

C2C’s “Ready for Learning” initiative prepares children from head to toe, including clothing and backpacks in the Massachusetts, Chicagoland, and Philadelphia Tri-State regions.

Supporting New Pathways Into the Classroom

Flexible online certification programs are helping aspiring educators teach, lead, and make a difference.

PPC Members Inspire the Next Generation Through 2025 TICCIT Program

This year, the Paperboard Packaging Council reached over 7,500 students and planted more than 8,000 saplings across North America.

Introducing a New STEM Resource for Girls: The WISE Girls Toolkit

The toolkit is a practical, research-informed resource designed to foster STEM confidence in girls by blending identity work, mentorship, and hands-on STEM engagement.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Paul Weatherford
Paul Weatherford
Paul Weatherford has taught at all levels from 7–12 over the past 10 years. In addition to completing a Master’s degree in English Literature, he recently won Teacher of the Year for Laramie County School District #1, and was a TOY finalist for the state of Wyoming. Inspiring students to see the magic of words is his life’s work, second only to being a husband and father.

Advertisement

Read More

Breathe, Focus, and Learn: 3 Simple Exercises That Prepare Students for Academic Success

When practiced regularly, breathing techniques can become powerful self-regulation tools that serve students throughout their academic lives and beyond.

Cradles to Crayons® to Provide 250,000 Free Backpacks with School Supplies

C2C’s “Ready for Learning” initiative prepares children from head to toe, including clothing and backpacks in the Massachusetts, Chicagoland, and Philadelphia Tri-State regions.

Supporting New Pathways Into the Classroom

Flexible online certification programs are helping aspiring educators teach, lead, and make a difference.

Stories from the Stage: How Drama Education Shapes Global Citizens

Drama is far more than a performance-based art. It is a dynamic educational tool that improves students’ capacity to understand perspectives far removed from their own.

5 Essentials to Unwind This Summer

From cool beverages to portable must-haves and screen-free entertainment, these practical picks are here to help you relax and return to the classroom feeling refreshed.

PPC Members Inspire the Next Generation Through 2025 TICCIT Program

This year, the Paperboard Packaging Council reached over 7,500 students and planted more than 8,000 saplings across North America.
cô vợ mẫu mực tập 1 | kqxs30 | royal cash slot | slots animal | lich v league 2024 | nhà cái casino uy tín | slots nghĩa là gì | robin slot | appointment slots | casino action | web casino truc tuyen | casino tilbud | mobil casino oyunları | game slot tặng code | tao nick dot kich | casino nam hội an tuyển dụng | green yellow casino | casino advent calendar | chumba casino app | irish casino sites | chat zalo me trên điện thoại | cô dâu gán nợ tập 1 | betway live casino | doraemon tap dai | vtv16 | mhw slots | xổ số kiến thiết có tạm ngưng không | slots lv sign up bonus | betwin | boss slots online | gem slot | mobile casino | soi cầu xsvl tài lộc | dự đoán xsmb xổ số me | money game slot | gw2 enrichment slot | trangchu24h | giải vô địch thổ nhĩ kỳ | cởi áo | code oze | xổ số ngày 9 tháng 2 năm 2023 | casino slot oyna | xổ số ngày 27 tháng 6 | stt chất | thống kê tần suất | gtx 1060 pci slot | dafu casino hack | casino online slot | thống kê giải đặc biệt hai số cuối | pink elephant slot | gladiator slot | atp world tour finals | sex kynu net | bally slot machines | quy lộ tập 6 | casino queen |