I think I just learned something here too. As an educator figuring out new and creative ways to engage your students is a task. As for Rockdale County, Georgia teacher, David Yancey, he may have figured out the formula. Mad & Losing. In the latest case of teachers going viral for their method of engaging with their students, David Yancey is seen here rapping over Migos’ hit record ‘Bad & Boujee’. Now this isn’t your normal rendition of the hit record as Mr. Yancey puts his own spin on the song for his 8th grade History class.
“My troops are mad and losing”. Looking to make learning about Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address and more as fun as possible, it appears his method is working. Throughout the 4 minute rap video his kids seem to be enjoying as they dance and sing along.
Looking to connect with his students, this method of relevancy to the youth in this day and age is important. Hip-Hop culture further proves to be just as useful and informative as other genres of music. In many cases David Yancey’s use of popular hip-hop songs comes at the end of his lessons as a refresher to make what the students just learned a fun activity. If you can find a way to meet students half way they’ll be more focus and attentive in class, the eagerness to hear a new rap from your teacher has to be exciting for a kid. If you have experience working with students you’ll know in many instances, whether your young or old, kids respond to what they can relate to.
David Yancey’s method is a breath of fresh air in the many attempts to keep the youth interested but informed using fun and engaging activities. He has gone on to release a few more of his history raps, as we should call them and those can be checked out here on YouTube.
