Description:
This interactive workshop invites educators to rethink and reframe the traditional poetry unit of the English curriculum by mirroring it with the artform of rap—a modern, culturally relevant tool for teaching literary devices, storytelling, and empowering student self-expression. Participants will explore hands-on strategies to engage students through rhythm and poetry (RAP), making English more accessible and meaningful. The session also highlights the importance of public speaking programs to help students build confidence and communication skills—essential for independent thinking in today’s social media-driven world.
Presenter Bio:
Stian Macshane is a TEDx speaker and professional freestyle rapper with over a decade of experience performing nationally and internationally. He leads workshops on rap and public speaking at Hale School, offering a unique twist on the poetry unit to build student confidence, creativity, and communication skills. A dedicated neurodiversity advocate, Stian promotes inclusive education through culturally relevant and expressive learning.