In my Intensive Reading Strategies class, I recently found myself at a crossroads. We began with poems by renowned poets, but as I observed my students’ reactions, I realized that something wasn’t quite clicking. The poems were powerful, but they didn’t seem to spark the level of engagement I was hoping for. It was then I decided to pivot—bringing in culturally relevant texts that reflected my students’ lives and experiences. This change transformed the dynamic of the lesson and provided an exciting new way to teach essential reading skills.
Why I Chose Rap Lyrics
I introduced my students to three songs by Rod Wave, including the powerful track “Heart on Ice.” His lyrics convey deep themes of emotional struggle, resilience, and overcoming hardship—concepts my students could relate to in their own ways. Rod Wave’s music bridges the gap between literature and the lived experiences of many young people today. The shift allowed students to see that poetry doesn’t just exist in textbooks; it can also live in the music they listen to every day.
The Lesson Plan: Analyzing Lyrics for Deeper Meaning
During this lesson, my students were asked to practice annotation, highlighting key words and phrases within Rod Wave’s lyrics. We focused on the themes of perseverance, emotional healing, and rising above adversity. We started by analyzing the song “Rags2Riches” to identify clues about success, struggle, and humble beginnings.
As students worked, they began to unpack Rod Wave’s emotional storytelling. We discussed the importance of context—how understanding the artist’s personal journey helps reveal the song’s deeper meaning. In small groups, students compared these themes with those found in the poems we had read earlier, drawing parallels between classic and contemporary literature.
A Culturally Relevant Shift
The beauty of this lesson was in the shift toward something culturally relevant. Many students who had been reluctant to engage earlier now dove into the discussion, excited to talk about lyrics they knew well. “Heart on Ice,” in particular, sparked powerful conversations about emotional pain, mental health, and resilience. One student commented that Rod Wave’s lyrics “say exactly how we feel but don’t know how to express.”
This lesson became more than just a way to teach reading strategies—it opened the door for conversations about life experiences, emotions, and personal growth. By relating literature to the real world, students were able to see that reading and critical thinking aren’t just academic exercises; they are tools for understanding life and finding their voice.
Results and Reflections
The use of Rod Wave’s music not only deepened student engagement but also enhanced their ability to identify key ideas, themes, and supporting details within a text. As they highlighted important phrases and discussed the meaning behind them, they practiced essential skills like inference, context analysis, and thematic interpretation—skills they can apply to any kind of text.
This experience reinforced the importance of meeting students where they are. When they see themselves reflected in the material, they connect with it on a deeper level. The students weren’t just passively reading—they were actively engaging, sharing, and analyzing in ways that were meaningful to them.
Takeaways for Educators
If you’re looking for ways to enhance engagement in your classroom, consider incorporating culturally relevant texts—whether through music, film, or other media that your students relate to. Here are a few tips from my experience:
1. Identify relevant content: Find songs, poems, or stories that reflect themes your students can connect with emotionally or culturally.
2. Use annotation to promote critical thinking: Encourage students to mark up the text by highlighting key ideas and phrases, helping them engage deeply with the material.
3. Create space for discussion: Allow time for students to share their thoughts and make personal connections to the themes.
4. Draw connections to traditional texts: Introduce comparisons between contemporary and classic literature to show how the themes transcend time.
Ultimately, the goal is to foster a love for reading and critical thinking while showing students that literature is alive, dynamic, and reflective of their world. This lesson was a reminder for me that sometimes, the best way to reach students is through material they are already passionate about. And in those moments, real learning happens—not just about reading, but about life.
What culturally relevant materials have you used in your classroom? Feel free to share your ideas and experiences in the comments below!
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