Course Content
Introduction to Rhythm
This unit introduces Ivory and Sage to the rich cultural heritage of Black music, rhythm, and rhyme. Centered around the theme of Hood Hymns, it explores how music and rhythm are woven into the fabric of Black communities, serving as tools for storytelling, expression, and unity. Through interactive activities, the children will learn about the power of hymns and spirituals, the sounds of their environment, and the role of music in community life. This unit culminates in a special visit to the Kennedy Center, where they will experience and participate in the Hood Hymns feature performance, tying together all they have learned.
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In the Hood with Hymns: A Journey Through Rhythm and Rhyme
About Lesson

Activity: Design Your Cap – Be True to You!

 

Objective: To teach PreK children the importance of being true to themselves and that nobody can be “you” like you. Through this creative activity, they will design and color their own cap, symbolizing their unique identity. The activity will conclude with a discussion with their parents to reinforce the lesson.

 

Materials Needed:

  • Plain paper cap templates (one for each child)
  • Be You Video: Van Van ft Heiress Harris
  • Crayons, markers, colored pencils
  • Stickers, glitter, or other decorative materials
  • Mirrors (optional)
  • Large sheet of paper for the group discussion
  • Parent participation during the processing phase

 

Instructions:

1. Introduction:

  • Discuss “Capping” and Being True:
    • Start by explaining to the children that sometimes, people might say things that aren’t true (like “capping” or telling tall tales), to make themselves look better or to fit in. But what’s most important is to always be true to yourself because nobody can be you like you!
    • Emphasize that everyone is special just the way they are, and they don’t need to pretend to be someone else.

 

2. Design Your Own Cap:

  • Cap Creation:
    • Hand out the cap templates to each child. Explain that they’re going to design a cap that represents who they are. It can be any color, any design – whatever they feel represents them best.
    • Encourage them to use colors, symbols, or designs that make them happy or that they feel show who they are inside.
    • Allow the children to decorate their caps with stickers, glitter, or other materials to make them uniquely theirs.

 

3. Reflect and Share:

  • Group Discussion:
    • Once the caps are finished, gather the children in a circle. Ask each child to hold up their cap and share why they chose the colors and designs they did.
    • Use a large sheet of paper to write down some of the words or symbols that children associate with their caps (e.g., “brave,” “happy,” “funny”).

4. Process with Parents:

  • Parent-Child Conversation:
    • Invite the parents to join the activity. Encourage each child to sit with their parent and explain what their cap means to them.
    • Give parents a few guiding questions to help facilitate the conversation:
      • “What do you love most about the cap you designed?”
      • “How does this cap show who you are?”
      • “Why is it important to always be yourself, no matter what?”

5. Wrap-Up and Affirmation:

  • Group Affirmation:
    • End the activity by having each child stand up with their parent and say, “Nobody can be me like me, and I’m proud of who I am!”
    • Encourage everyone to give a round of applause for being true to themselves and creating such amazing, unique caps.

6. Display the Caps:

  • Cap Showcase:
    • If possible, create a display in the classroom or at home where the caps can be showcased. This serves as a reminder for the children to always stay true to themselves.