Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat by Nikki Giovanni

Giovanni, Nikki. 2008. HIP HOP SPEAKS TO CHILDREN: A CELEBRATION OF POETRY WITH A BEAT. Ill. By Kristin Balouch, Michele Noiset, Jeremy Tugeau, Alicia Vergel deDios and Damian Ward. Naperville, Illinois: Source Books Inc. ISBN: 9781402210488

This colorful collection of poetry is stuffed with content from a variety of notable poets, performers and historical figures. Even though the book represents various styles of poetry, all are meant to encourage the reader to read with a rhythm. The addition of an audio CD features performances by the authors of a few choice pieces.  Beautifully colored illustrations accompanying each poem increases the appeal and delights the reader with a visual connection as they clap, snap and hop to the beat!

The collection of the book was developed by notable poet Nikki Giovanni. Her introduction at the beginning of the book discusses the idea that hip hop is the same as opera from a few hundred years ago. Grimes traces the roots of Hip Hop, from early story telling in The African American culture to what it has developed into currently. The description of using drums to communicate to other tribes as well as the practice of ‘hamboning’ adds to the reader’s knowledge, that the contents of the book will involve some locomotion. The accompanying CD contains 29 performances of the 51 written selections. Recited by their authors, several also include additional information where the poet speaks about his/her poem.

Not to go unnoticed is the work of five different styles of illustrations keeping the reader engaged as they admire the fresh look of each picture accompanying the poems.

While not every piece of work is hip hop or rhythmical, the collection as a whole is a wonderful piece of African American history.

The poem below I chose from the book would be a great starter activity for introducing a poetry unit to a group of elementary students in the beginning grades. The rhyme of the poem is easy to remember and can include locomotion such as snapping, clapping or patting. The poem can also be read with the teacher leading and the students repeating each line after.

Things

By Eloise Greenfield

Went to the corner
Walked in the store
Bought me some candy
Ain’t got it no more
Ain’t got it no more

Went to the beach
Played on the shore
Built me a sandhouse
Ain’t got it no more
Ain’t got it no more

Went to the kitchen
Lay down on the floor
Made me a poem
Still got it
Still got it

After the poem is shared several times I would have the students add their own verses to the poem and post them, along with the poem, around the classroom.

Here are some examples received from a few third graders.

Went to Nana’s house

Made chocolate chip cookies

Ain’t got it no more
Ain’t got it no more

Went to the birthday party

Ate chocolate cake

Ain’t got it no more
Ain’t got it no more

For older grades this poem would also make a wonderful introduction to Poetry Month activities as well as a great beginner to a lesson derived from A Poem In Your Pocket. This nationally celebrated day falls in the month of April (which coincides with poetry month) and is an activity that encourages people to place a poem in their pocket during poetry month and share it with everyone during that time. One day during the month is chosen as Poem In Your Pocket Day and activities can be planned accordingly. The website has a plethora of ideas for kicking off the event.

http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/406