Welcome to the Cypher
What’s inside...
Words burn bright in this joyful celebration of rap, creativity, and self-expression. 'Welcome to the cypher! Now huddle up nice and snug. You feel that circle around you? Well, that's a hip hop hug!' Starting with beatboxes and fingersnaps, an exuberant narrator introduces kids in his community to the powerful possibilities of rap, from turning 'a simple phrase/into imagery that soars' to proclaiming, 'this is a voice that represents me!' As Khodi Dill's rhymes heat up, the diverse crew of kids-illustrated in Awuradwoa Afful's bold, energetic style-gain self-confidence and a sense of freedom in this wonderful picture book debut that is perfect for reading aloud.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made each character special in their own way?
How did the characters use their words to express themselves?
What feelings did you experience as we read through the different poems?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better using kind words?
Why do you think it's important to share our thoughts and feelings with others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the emotions depicted in the book with their own feelings. This can help them articulate complex emotions better.
Ask your child to pick their favorite character and explain why they like them. This helps deepen their understanding of the character's motives and actions.
Use the rhythm and rhyme in the book to make reading aloud more engaging and fun, helping your child develop an ear for linguistic patterns.
After reading, work together with your child to create a simple poem. This can foster creativity and reinforce the book's theme of expression through words.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding, highlighting how the characters in the book interact and resolve conflicts. This teaches valuable social skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The story showcases characters from diverse backgrounds coming together through the power of music and hip-hop, highlighting the importance of inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, promoting a more inclusive community in their schools and neighborhoods.
Example Lesson: The power of self-expression
Explanation: The characters in the book express themselves through their lyrics and performances, demonstrating the value of personal expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find and use their own voices, whether through writing, art, or speaking, fostering creativity and confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: As the characters collaborate to create music, the story emphasizes working together and supporting one another, showcasing the strength in unity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of cooperation and can apply it in group activities at school or in sports, enhancing their ability to work effectively with others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: Characters overcome personal and collective obstacles through determination and perseverance, portraying resilience.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that setbacks are a part of growth and that persistence is key to achieving goals, applicable in academic challenges or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for cultural heritage
Explanation: The narrative weaves elements of cultural history and the origins of hip-hop, offering respect for cultural legacies.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore and honor their own cultures as well as those of others, fostering mutual respect and understanding in diverse settings.