"When the Beat Was Born" Substitute Manual

This comprehensive substitute manual introduces upper elementary and middle grade students to hip hop culture through hands-on, technology-free activities. Students explore the historical roots of hip hop while developing creative writing skills through a rap composition exercise. The manual includes a structured lesson plan, discussion prompts, and guided activities where students gain appreciation for hip hop as an art form while practicing rhythm, rhyme schemes, and lyrical storytelling. 

Book Summary: When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop is about DJ Kool Herc, who is known as the founder of hip hop. He noticed people loved dancing to the best parts of songs, called “breaks.” Using two record players, he made those parts play longer so people could dance more. His parties brought people together to dance, rap, and have fun. The book shows how hip hop began with creativity, music, and community.