In a world of flashy video games, and the ability to watch a movie in your palm, teachers face some stiff competition; but a Greenville county instructor is using what she learned in the district's technology classes – with a twist. She's added rap to her lesson plans.
Berea Middle School teacher Kathy Hopkins says, "At the beginning of the year, I took a survey and asked them how many liked social studies, and only three said they liked it, and some of the reason they said, well we have to copy notes, questions, so they weren't interested." She knows kids like computers, so she decided to use a blog to interact with them about social studies. She also knows kids like music, so Ms. Hopkins decided to rap to her students about herself and social studies.
“I think it's so cool," says sixth grader Shuntasia Boyd. Alyssa Passmore loves it. She says, "A lot of classes kids want to fall asleep, and not really want to learn and she, Ms. Hopkins… she makes it fun and a way for us to learn faster and quicker."
Ms. Hopkins says students today aren't like the ones she taught 15 years ago who came ready to learn. "You have to compete with everything else in the world to get them focused and once you are connected to their everyday life, with this technology, they're yours," says Hopkins.
Student Devante Lewis says, “I loved socials studies since I was in elementary school. I finally found a teacher who makes it more fun and energetic… It inspires you to study." Boyd says Hopkins is like a second mom to her. "She is a wonderful woman," says Boyd.
While Hopkins leads her lessons dressed as Madea for Halloween, her students would likely tell you every day is like a holiday in Ms. Hopkins class.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement