Review of Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Teaching and Learning, by Gholdy Muhammad
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14507/er.v33.4383Abstract
Unearthing Joy is Dr. Gholdy Muhammad's latest book about culturally responsive teaching, rooted in joy. Following her 2020 book, Cultivating Genius, this volume brings joy to the forefront of the curriculum and the classroom through art, music, creativity, and culture - elements missing from much of today's pedagogy. From ideas to solid lesson plans and curriculum changes, Muhammad offers feasible pathways to implement these critical changes. Educators of all ages will benefit from an immersive reading of this book, and the lessons resonate deep within educators and students alike, calling for a new kind of pedagogy.
Author Biography
Allie Bellows, University of Colorado–Denver
Allie Bellows is a graduate student at the University of Colorado- Denver and a paraprofessional at Black Rock Elementary School in Erie, Colorado. She holds a B.A. in English from Arizona State University and has taught in both Hawai‘i and Colorado. Her experiences in Hawai‘i deeply influenced her commitment to cultural responsiveness, a practice she strives to honor in her educational spaces. Her current work focuses on teaching for equity, cultural and historical responsiveness, and inclusive classroom practices, with a commitment to amplifying historically silenced voices, including the autism community and other historically marginalized groups. She hopes to create a classroom environment where every learner feels valued, and where curiosity and joy foster meaningful connections.
References
[Book reviewed] Muhammad, G. (2023). Unearthing joy: A guide to culturally and historically responsive reaching and learning. Scholastic.
Emdin, C. (2021). Ratchetdemic: Reimagining academic success. Beacon Press.
Frelazzo, L. (2023, February 1). Gholdy Muhammad champions “unearthing joy” in her new book. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-gholdy-muhammad-champions-unearthing-joy-in-her-new-book/2023/02
Hammond, Z. (2015). Culturally responsive teaching and the brain: Promoting authentic engagement and rigor among culturally and linguistically diverse students. Corwin.
Muhammad, G. (2020). Cultivating genius: An equity framework for culturally and historically responsive literacy. Scholastic.
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