Classroom Expectations
Principles of Kwanzaa
How your classroom is set up and the arrangement of students is very important. In acknowledging africentric values, we should incorporate the principles of Kwaanza or the principles of Maat. Every classroom follow a set of classroom expectations. These principles may easily be infused into your set of classroom rules or expectations. Quite simply they are expected human values we are teaching children. Click on the links to find more about these African principles.
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Sankofa Journal
It is a common practice in elementary, for students to do journal writing. This can be where students simply write about their say or respond to a prompt given by the teacher. I have created a Sankofa Journal and compiled these in a Duo-tang scribbler. I will give an African proverb or a quote and have students respond or reflect on what that means to them. If they choose to want to write about their day or week, they may do that after they reflect. Below is the page I have created, feel free to alter as you wish.
sankofa_journal_entry.docx | |
File Size: | 22 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Unity Circle
The circle is a very important symbol in African culture. The circle of the community surrounds the individual and supports him or her in dance—and in successes and failures in life.
As a classroom practice, I have a weekly unity circle as a coming together as all too often, we do not look into the eyes of our classmates. We often sit back to back, not taking time to hear what others have to say. We stand in a circle and pass a talking stick for the speaker, while the others listen with respect. I don;t give the option to pass, as everyone will share something. It doesn't have to be long. As a teacher you may give them a prompt or have the students share whatever they wish. This circle demonstrates value and caring for others. Students of all cultures enjoy this activity.
As a classroom practice, I have a weekly unity circle as a coming together as all too often, we do not look into the eyes of our classmates. We often sit back to back, not taking time to hear what others have to say. We stand in a circle and pass a talking stick for the speaker, while the others listen with respect. I don;t give the option to pass, as everyone will share something. It doesn't have to be long. As a teacher you may give them a prompt or have the students share whatever they wish. This circle demonstrates value and caring for others. Students of all cultures enjoy this activity.