A Hip-Hop Approach to Addressing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Trauma in Schools
In the curriculum Like Music to My Ears: A Hip-Hop Approach to Addressing Social Emotional Learning & Trauma in Schools, Dwayne D. Williams reveals proven strategies that educators can use to get students to say “Yes!” to developing SEL competencies and “Yes!” to dealing with stress and trauma in schools. Not only does Williams share how to adapt SEL and trauma-informed curricula for students who love hip-hop—but also he details exactly how to get your students to help you do it.
Order your copy today, and learn how to create hip-hop SEL and trauma-informed groups that students describe as relevant, meaningful, and stimulating!
About the Curriculum
These SEL competencies have been effective at increasing academic engagement and decreasing suspension rates among students who completed the program. Additionally, Williams provides evidence-based strategies practitioners can use to help students process traumatic events—and he shares stress reduction strategies that all students can use at any time.
About the Author
Dwayne D. Williams is a school psychologist, author, and educational consultant who provides training to school districts on how to create culturally responsive social emotional learning and trauma-informed programs. Dwayne’s work with trauma did not begin as a school psychologist; it began at the age of eight, when he experienced life as a homeless child. Now, as a school psychologist and interventionist, He uses his story and success to inspire children and youth who come from traumatic backgrounds. He uses his story to provide hope and to share the message that all students can become successful—no matter their background, no matter their skin color, no matter their experiences.
Dwayne is the CEO of Tier 1 Educational Coaching, an organization that helps districts adapt instructional practices to meet the cultural needs of culturally diverse learners. He is the author of 7 books, including “An RTI Guide to Improving Performance of African American Students.” He has used his curriculum, “Like Music to My Ears: A Hip-Hop Approach to Addressing Social Emotional Learning and Trauma in Schools” with hundreds of students—and coaches practitioners through the process of creating groups that integrate SEL, cognitive behavioral therapy principles, and hip-hop culture. Dwayne is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he studies curriculum and instruction.
Evidence of Effectiveness
- become self-aware
- manage emotions when frustrated and distressed
- identify resources within their school and community to help meet goals
- develop and maintain relationships with teachers and administrators they disliked—and
- make responsible decisions at school and within their communities.
Additionally, students who refused to share their narratives around trauma became receptive to processing traumatic events and learned stress-reduction strategies to calm themselves when anxious, afraid, and stressed. Students also demonstrated academic growth in the classroom.
What’s Included?
Step-by-step Guide
18 Engaging Lessons
List of Rap Song Ideas
Culturally Responsive
Progress Monitoring Tool
18 Action-item Agendas
Testimonials
The Curriculum in Action
Rap Cypher
This is America
Processing Traumatic Events
Curriculum Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Curriculum Written For?
What Makes this Curriculum Different from Previous Editions?
What is the Best Approach to Implement This Curriculum?
Are There any Videos that Practitioners Can View to Learn How to Implement Activities from this Curriculum?
Definitely. Practitioners are encouraged to join the Like Music to My Ears Community, where they can access free resources, including how-to videos, recommendations from the author Dwayne D. Williams, and short articles about the curriculum. Practitioners can join the community here. Within the community, members will have an opportunity to learn how other practitioners are using the curriculum and how students from across the country are responding to the activities. Community members are encouraged to share successes and roadblocks they are experiencing with their groups—and to enter the community ready to learn strategies from Dwayne D. Williams on how to remove barriers in order to enhance the group process.
What Theoretical Framework Does the Curriculum Draw From?
Do I Have to be Familiar With Hip-Hop Culture to Implement this Curriculum?
