Charlene Howard

Howard's "Journey" project engages seventh and eighth graders in a two-year curriculum that focuses on African roots and the African-American presence in the United States. Students learn about the history of ancient Africa, African and African-American contributions to the world, and the African presence in America prior to the days of Columbus. Several movies, games, books, archival documents and field trips are used to teach each topic, and the classroom is coated in African fabric, posters and other cultural items to help reflect an African setting. Students also keep journals and experience different elements of the African culture through activities such as storytelling, cooking, art, music and dance. At the culmination of the project, students share their acquired knowledge and perspective about the African and African-American cultures in an open forum for both their peers and the public.