NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

SUMMARY

Nationwide, schools are looking for better ways to connect with students and support their emotional well-being. A Baltimore-based organization called “We Do It 4 the Culture” is using hip-hop and storytelling to help students learn empathy and express themselves. Ali Rogin speaks with founder Jamila Sams to learn more.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Key terms

social emotional learning — the process of gaining the necessary skills to be aware of and manage emotions; develop concern and empathy for others; make responsible and thoughtful decisions; deal with challenging situations and build positive relationships

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Where is the organization We Do It 4 the Culture based out of? How many states use its program?
2. Who was We Do It 4 the Culture designed to support?
3. What role does listening to the music of Kendrick Lamar play in helping students with social and emotional skills, according to Jamila Sams?
4. How does We Do It 4 the Culture include and support the needs of students of color?
5. Why does We Do It 4 the Culture use hip hop to teach SEL, according to Sams?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

1. How would you define social-emotional learning, or SEL, in your own words? Had you heard of SEL before? What social or emotional skills have you used to get through a tough experience?
2. About 61 percent of young people across the country say they do not have a sense of belonging in school and that the U.S. is experiencing its lowest academic levels in three decades. Studies of SEL programs over the years have shown they help improve academic achievement. Why do you think this is?

Media literacy: "And so when you have self-awareness and you know your history, you know who you are, you know who you belong to, then you have the confidence to be able to speak up for yourself. You have the confidence to be able to ask questions. You have the confidence to be able to push back when everyone is telling you that you know you're not worthy," said Jamila Sams.

• How could you find out more about the adversities Black and brown students face in America? Why do you think this information is important?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Watch the video, "Songs in the key of biology: Students write hip-hop to learn science" (see transcript here) and complete the accompanying questions in the Daily News Lesson below, if time allows. Discuss the following questions with a classmate, family member or neighbor:

• Do you think that social-emotional learning (SEL) should play an important role at school? Explain.
• Do you think that SEL should be taught in different subjects, including math and science? Why or why not?

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