Sankofa, Sankofa Pre-K-12th Grade Culturally Responsive Curriculum

Sankofa, Sankofa Pre-K-12th Grade Culturally Responsive Curriculum
US$55.00

Enjoy this curriculum as it celebrates diverse cultures and embraces the uniqueness of every learner.   Purchase through the website listed below.

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In-depth analysis of the curriculum across content and grade levels.

The Sankofa Curriculum: Research-Based Overview

 

The Sankofa Curriculum, named after the Akan symbol that represents the importance of learning from the past to build a better future, stands out with its unique approach of integrating African Diasporic traditional and cultural principles across various content areas, from preschool through high school. This curriculum framework emphasizes the STEAMS approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies) to create engaging, joyful, and educational activities that foster a sense of self, family, and community.

 

Sankofa Curriculum Key Features:

 

Cultural Integration:

  • The curriculum weaves African and African American cultural heritage and traditions into everyday learning, providing students with a deep understanding and appreciation of their cultural roots.
  • Activities celebrate the richness and diversity of African cultures, incorporating stories, values, and practices into everyday learning.

STEAMS Approach:

  • Science: Encourages inquiry and exploration of natural phenomena through culturally relevant contexts and examples.
  • Technology: Integrates modern and traditional technologies, focusing on the innovative spirit present in past and present African societies.
  • Engineering promotes problem-solving and creative thinking through projects that reflect African Diasporic engineering and inventions, such as the ancient Egyptian pyramids or the innovative agricultural techniques developed by African communities. Arts use visual and performing arts to express cultural identity, history, and community values.
  • Mathematics: Teaches mathematical concepts through culturally significant activities and patterns found in African art and design.
  • Social Studies examines the social structures, histories, and roles of individuals and communities within African Diasporic societies.

Holistic Development:

  • The curriculum supports students' cognitive, emotional, and social development by connecting academic content with their cultural heritage and background.
  • Activities are crafted to build a strong sense of identity, community, and belonging.

Inclusive and Diverse:

  • The Sankofa Curriculum acknowledges and respects students' diverse backgrounds, providing adaptable activities that recognize and celebrate the unique cultural heritage of different communities and learners. It promotes equity and inclusion by ensuring all students see themselves and their experiences reflected in their learning materials.

Community and Family Engagement:

  • Actively encourages the participation of families and community members in the educational process.
  • Activities often involve collaborative projects that strengthen family ties and community bonds.

Joyful Learning:

  • The Sankofa Curriculum is designed to make learning a joyful and engaging experience, inspiring educators to foster a love for education in their students. Hands-on, creative, and playful activities ensure students find joy in their learning experiences and foster a passion for teaching.

Research-Based Foundations:

  • Grounded in Gholdy Muhammad's Historically Responsive Literacy (HRL) framework, focusing on identity, skills, intellect, criticality, and joy.
  • Aligned with Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, which emphasizes the role of culture and social interaction in learning.
  • Incorporates Funds of Knowledge (Moll et al., 1992). This concept refers to the wealth of knowledge and skills that students and families bring from their cultural backgrounds, drawing on these assets to enrich the learning experience. Applies Project-Based and Inquiry-Based Learning strategies to support creativity, collaboration, and authentic engagement.
  • Embeds Afrofuturism and Black Joy as movements of imagination, resistance, and cultural healing.

Special Modifications for Diverse Learners:

  • Multiple Intelligences: Activities are designed to support linguistic, spatial-artistic, kinesthetic, interpersonal, musical, logical-mathematical, audio, naturalistic, and intrapersonal strengths, ensuring all students can access and express their learning.
  • Learning Styles: Lessons incorporate visual, auditory, and tactile strategies, enabling students to engage in ways that align with their learning styles.
  • Dual Language Strategies: This strategy incorporates home language support, culturally relevant texts in multiple languages, and visual aids to ensure language access for bilingual and English Language Learner (ELL) students.
  • Modifications for Students with Special Needs: Aligned with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, the curriculum offers flexible pathways to learning, including:
    • Multiple means of representation (e.g., audiobooks, pictorial instructions)
    • Multiple means of expression (e.g., drawing, oral storytelling, digital tools)
    • Multiple means of engagement (e.g., collaborative play, interest-based learning centers)
    • Sensory supports and adapted pacing to ensure accessibility for neurodivergent learners and students with IEPs or 504 Plans.

Writing Across the Curriculum:

  • Students engage in culturally connected writing tasks across disciplines, from preschool scribbling to high school persuasive essays.
  • Writing prompts are embedded in science journals, math reflections, personal narratives, historical analysis, place-based poetry, and art critiques.
  • Encourages all students to see writing as a tool for self-expression, cultural preservation, and academic success.

Digital Learning Integration:

  • Incorporates free and accessible digital tools to expand student creativity, collaboration, and accessibility:
    • Book Creator for storytelling and publishing
    • Prezi for dynamic visual presentations
    • Canva for art-infused literacy and project design
    • Padlet for collaborative thinking and digital portfolios
    • Flip (formerly Flipgrid) for student voice and video reflections
    • Speech-to-text tools for language access and differentiation
    • Interactive timelines for historical context and multimodal expression
    • Podcasts and audio recordings to explore oral traditions, media literacy, and content creation
    • Jamboard for virtual group brainstorming
    • Google Workspace for Education (Docs, Slides, Forms) to facilitate inquiry and shared learning

These digital strategies support student voice, differentiated access, and creative learning while honoring the cultural foundations and joy at the heart of the Sankofa Curriculum.

Benefits of the Sankofa Curriculum: "CEHCE"

  • Cultural Affirmation: Helps students connect with and take pride in their heritage, promoting a positive self-identity.
  • Enhanced Engagement: Integrating S.T.E.A.M.S with cultural elements makes learning more relevant and exciting for students.
  • Holistic Education: Addresses multiple aspects of student development, preparing them for academic success and personal growth.
  • Community Building: Strengthens connections between students, families, and communities through shared cultural learning experiences.
  • Equitable Learning: All students can access a curriculum that respects and celebrates their cultural backgrounds.

The Sankofa Curriculum affirms that education should inform and transform. It invites students to see themselves as visionaries, creators, and leaders of their narratives and futures.