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Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Curriculum and Instruction
In this follow-up to Cultivating Genius, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad adds a fifth pursuit―joy―to her groundbreaking instructional model. She defines joy as more than celebration and happiness, but also as wellness, beauty, healing, and justice for oneself and across humanity. She shows how teaching from cultural and historical realities can enhance our efforts to cultivate identity, skills, intellect, criticality, and-indeed-joy for all students, giving them a powerful purpose to learn and contribute to the world. Dr. Muhammad's wise implementation advice is paired with model lessons and assessment tools that span subjects and grade levels.
224 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 12, 2023
How much this book impacts a teacher and their practice is undoubtedly dependent on where they teach. I am fortunate to teach in a district that prioritizes equity through district policy. All faculty members regularly participate in CARE (Collaborative Action Research for Racial Equity) learning sessions to analyze their practices, relationships, and interactions with colleagues and students through a racial lens with the goal of recognizing and eliminating both individual and systemic racial biases. Our curriculum, too, is teacher-driven and centers texts from diverse authors.
I could, of course, say more, but my point is that much of what Muhammad lays out in Unearthing Joy is ingrained in the daily workings of my classroom and of the rooms surrounding it. And it should be. But it means that this book ended up being more validating than life-changing. Muhammad highlights the necessity of creating opportunities for students to learn about their own identities, to increase intellect and criticality, and to experience and enjoy beauty, aesthetics, wellness, wholeness, and happiness in the curriculum.
And it's like, well, yeah, of course.
She also takes it as a given that her readers believe that all cultures are worth learning about and that injustices must be disrupted and that there ARE injustices. I admire her frank and unapologetic insistence on this model but also wonder how anyone who hasn't unlearned racism would react to any of this. I guess they just would never pick up this book. And if the people who would pick it up agree with all of this already, who is it for?
Well new teachers, for one. Ten years ago, I thought skills were all that mattered. It was through time and experience and reading and reading and more reading that I became secure enough in my own understandings and in my own pedagogy to see criticality as a primary pursuit of education. And it was through collaboration with compassionate and creative teachers on ideas and lessons that some might deem too "fluffy" (shout out, Steph, heyyy-yo) that I began incorporating identity and joy into my curriculum design. It took time to make a habit out of these practices, and maybe there's no way around the time and experience part of being a good teacher, but perhaps if the right person gives a young teacher this book, it may give them the confidence, and even some know-how, to start working toward these pursuits.
The thing that stood out to me most, though, is that these pursuits should not and cannot be dependent on individual teachers; rather, they should be school-wide policy, built into the curriculum and even the mission of the school district, expected and supported by school leaders. And that, perhaps, is the most significant point she's making because that touches everything from curriculum revision to grading policies to scheduling.
But for my individual practice, the section I am most likely to return to is the huge list of questions, organized by the five pursuits, on pages 127-129. I consistently give my students diagnostic surveys and reflection surveys about their successes and goals, and Muhammad includes dozens of questions I'd love to add into my rotation. As Muhammad says, 'We ask what we value."
I could, of course, say more, but my point is that much of what Muhammad lays out in Unearthing Joy is ingrained in the daily workings of my classroom and of the rooms surrounding it. And it should be. But it means that this book ended up being more validating than life-changing. Muhammad highlights the necessity of creating opportunities for students to learn about their own identities, to increase intellect and criticality, and to experience and enjoy beauty, aesthetics, wellness, wholeness, and happiness in the curriculum.
And it's like, well, yeah, of course.
She also takes it as a given that her readers believe that all cultures are worth learning about and that injustices must be disrupted and that there ARE injustices. I admire her frank and unapologetic insistence on this model but also wonder how anyone who hasn't unlearned racism would react to any of this. I guess they just would never pick up this book. And if the people who would pick it up agree with all of this already, who is it for?
Well new teachers, for one. Ten years ago, I thought skills were all that mattered. It was through time and experience and reading and reading and more reading that I became secure enough in my own understandings and in my own pedagogy to see criticality as a primary pursuit of education. And it was through collaboration with compassionate and creative teachers on ideas and lessons that some might deem too "fluffy" (shout out, Steph, heyyy-yo) that I began incorporating identity and joy into my curriculum design. It took time to make a habit out of these practices, and maybe there's no way around the time and experience part of being a good teacher, but perhaps if the right person gives a young teacher this book, it may give them the confidence, and even some know-how, to start working toward these pursuits.
The thing that stood out to me most, though, is that these pursuits should not and cannot be dependent on individual teachers; rather, they should be school-wide policy, built into the curriculum and even the mission of the school district, expected and supported by school leaders. And that, perhaps, is the most significant point she's making because that touches everything from curriculum revision to grading policies to scheduling.
But for my individual practice, the section I am most likely to return to is the huge list of questions, organized by the five pursuits, on pages 127-129. I consistently give my students diagnostic surveys and reflection surveys about their successes and goals, and Muhammad includes dozens of questions I'd love to add into my rotation. As Muhammad says, 'We ask what we value."
March 12, 2023
Joy encompasses so much. Joy is feeling special. Joy is celebration and collaboration. Joy is learning in unique ways. Joy is confidence. Joy is love.
This sequel, of sorts, to Cultivating Genius gives readers the next steps to begin utilizing the HILL model in schools and classrooms, and there’s a variety of ways to do so. She shares her pursuits again, but adds a fifth one: joy.
Muhammad proves the need for joy in the classroom, and how teachers can embrace it. We educators must “unearth” ourselves first—get to know, understand, and believe in our responsibilities—before we can put Muhammad’s genius into practice. That “teacher education” involves studying ourselves and humanity, as well as the history of BIPOC education and the need for joy and self-care. There’s also a need for “leader education,” for a whole school community will only jump onboard if these five pursuits are embraced by our leaders. As Muhammad says, “It is easy to be ignorant. It takes work to maintain genius” (178).
From there, she takes us on a journey. One that teaches us how to reimagine and redesign curriculum, and ways to use the five pursuits beyond the classroom, like creating our own literary societies. Her plant metaphor is woven in beautifully throughout, reminding us the need to plant seeds for future generations. See how she weaves in joy, from her words, to the coloring pages, to the Spotify playlists. You’ll love it all.
I’ve been waiting to read Gholdy Muhammad’s Unearthing Joy for SO long, and it did not disappoint! I’ve grown as a person, student, and teacher for reading it, and I know I can make great use of it so my students—our learning community—can thrive in genius and joy. Both Cultivating Genius and Unearthing Joy should be mandatory reading for anyone going into education, as well as those who are already there.
This sequel, of sorts, to Cultivating Genius gives readers the next steps to begin utilizing the HILL model in schools and classrooms, and there’s a variety of ways to do so. She shares her pursuits again, but adds a fifth one: joy.
Muhammad proves the need for joy in the classroom, and how teachers can embrace it. We educators must “unearth” ourselves first—get to know, understand, and believe in our responsibilities—before we can put Muhammad’s genius into practice. That “teacher education” involves studying ourselves and humanity, as well as the history of BIPOC education and the need for joy and self-care. There’s also a need for “leader education,” for a whole school community will only jump onboard if these five pursuits are embraced by our leaders. As Muhammad says, “It is easy to be ignorant. It takes work to maintain genius” (178).
From there, she takes us on a journey. One that teaches us how to reimagine and redesign curriculum, and ways to use the five pursuits beyond the classroom, like creating our own literary societies. Her plant metaphor is woven in beautifully throughout, reminding us the need to plant seeds for future generations. See how she weaves in joy, from her words, to the coloring pages, to the Spotify playlists. You’ll love it all.
I’ve been waiting to read Gholdy Muhammad’s Unearthing Joy for SO long, and it did not disappoint! I’ve grown as a person, student, and teacher for reading it, and I know I can make great use of it so my students—our learning community—can thrive in genius and joy. Both Cultivating Genius and Unearthing Joy should be mandatory reading for anyone going into education, as well as those who are already there.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 30, 2024DNF - p. 88 / 39% - I may circle back to Unearthing Joy in the future, but I found myself heavily skimming the pages I read, and I lacked motivation to continue. Joy is something I am certain a majority of people who go into teaching want their students to experience. However, our joy-sucking school system makes that easier believed than done. I was expecting this book to center the pursuit of joy exclusively. What I felt like I was getting was a repeat of Cultivating Genius with more mindfulness activities thrown in (color this page, listen to this playlist, etc.). The message was, if you follow the other 4 pursuits, you will increase joy. To some extent, there is some interconnectedness there, but then why write a whole new book about it? I would recommend Unearthing Joy to someone who is familiar with the framework and has not yet read Cultivating Genius.
December 2, 2023
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this Gouldy Mohammed book - I’ll admit it was my first of her books, it felt a bit like cheating and jumping straight to the fifth pursuit - JOY! But I was able to get a good grasp on the first 4 pursuits (presented in her first book Cultivating Genius) through her constant references to them.
I will go back and read book 1 soon, but I don’t regret starting with the joy!
I will go back and read book 1 soon, but I don’t regret starting with the joy!
August 15, 2023
If you are in the field of education please take the time to read this book. I swear all the thoughts in my head were written in this book and I’m ready to take what I learned into my career.
December 4, 2023
4.5
This has a lot of great questions and would make an excellent group read to be able to discuss so much! This one is going to stick with me for a while…
This has a lot of great questions and would make an excellent group read to be able to discuss so much! This one is going to stick with me for a while…
July 25, 2024
Life changing! The content is invaluable and for those like me who struggle with dense non-fiction books, this is full of activities, playlists, coloring pages that will keep you engaged
September 24, 2024
Truly one of the best books for educators of all kinds.❤️ I highly highly recommend 🌍🫶🏼
August 25, 2023
I started listening to this book right after the school year ended on audible. I listen to it on my way to work for summer school and I'm on my way home so roughly 80 minutes a day. I have to admit it this was not the kind of book I could fold laundry or go for a walk and listen to it. It was honestly kind of where I was so intent I'm listening and then I wouldn't have to stop and make notes about it but I would get home. I am a teacher and What's I loved about this book Is that this book re-inspired me. It was so good that I actually went to my union about it. I recommended it to administrators. This book is about not just teaching But finding our joy in our jobs teaching kids. After an incredibly difficult pass 3 years where I endured a strike And other working conditions that can only go into . category of unbelievable and inconceivable , This book A game changer for me and started to change my mental state. I was burned out from everything that I have is experience at home and at school. This book give me a rebirth. This book helped me center myself to remember why I chose to get indoors in history and world language. More over I loved the most is about how this book focused on including everyone and excluding no 1. As someone who faced a lot of exclusive growing up from hers, this book meant everything to me. I hope to use lessons from this To start making changes in my own classroom That will help me change the climate and culture of my school.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
As someone who isn't an educator, I am not the intended audience of this book.
I found some of the content repetitive (for example the questions and content for administrators and school board members are often the same, but are stated as separate sections), but you could skim over repetitions or non-applicable content if reading and not listening.
I enjoyed the content and found there are many good takeaways for even those working in a corporate desk job, as you can apply the principles without being a teacher. Spreading joy through intentional and smart DEI content, and using the questions and processes outlined in the book can help guide ways to better connect with and support coworkers, particularly when training or mentoring.
I do wish the book spent more time on principles and content for high school, college, and post-school learning, but I understand why the book focuses so heavily on K-5 education as this is when these principles will have the most impact for students. Mostly the non-grade school suggestions feel like an afterthought rather than part of the original content.
I enjoyed the book and think it would make a good reference book. It's not as engaging as an audiobook since there are so many supplemental materials mixed in (lists of questions for students, suggested reading lists, etc). It's something most definitely for educators to keep on the shelf and use regularly as a guide while implementing and reviewing the effectiveness of CHRE curriculum.
I found some of the content repetitive (for example the questions and content for administrators and school board members are often the same, but are stated as separate sections), but you could skim over repetitions or non-applicable content if reading and not listening.
I enjoyed the content and found there are many good takeaways for even those working in a corporate desk job, as you can apply the principles without being a teacher. Spreading joy through intentional and smart DEI content, and using the questions and processes outlined in the book can help guide ways to better connect with and support coworkers, particularly when training or mentoring.
I do wish the book spent more time on principles and content for high school, college, and post-school learning, but I understand why the book focuses so heavily on K-5 education as this is when these principles will have the most impact for students. Mostly the non-grade school suggestions feel like an afterthought rather than part of the original content.
I enjoyed the book and think it would make a good reference book. It's not as engaging as an audiobook since there are so many supplemental materials mixed in (lists of questions for students, suggested reading lists, etc). It's something most definitely for educators to keep on the shelf and use regularly as a guide while implementing and reviewing the effectiveness of CHRE curriculum.
November 12, 2023
If I could make these five stars shimmer, I would. This book shimmers from cover to cover, brightly and joyously. Reading this text felt more like an experience filled with deep dreaming and truth-telling about the critical work of humanizing teaching practices. I played Gholdy Muhammad’s carefully crafted musical playlists while devouring each chapter’s poetry, visual art, space to create my own art, reflection questions, and examples of teaching artistry. She reminds us that the work of educating starts with love and encourages us to approach designing curriculum artfully, more connected to the earth in order to nourish our children through the study of and infusion of identity, skills, intellect, criticality, and joy. I felt nourished by reading this beautiful book, and I look forward to rereading it over and over and over again...
“Teaching made me feel whole and motivated. My mind, energy, and spirit were elevated... I always strive to feel beauty, wholeness, wellness, and happiness. This is joy” (61).
“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” - Khalil Gibran, page 206
** This is essential reading for anyone who teaches children (of any age), teaches teachers, works in schools (including school leaders), or writes education policies and mandates. "Joy must always be the work of education. It must be our work." (215)
“Teaching made me feel whole and motivated. My mind, energy, and spirit were elevated... I always strive to feel beauty, wholeness, wellness, and happiness. This is joy” (61).
“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” - Khalil Gibran, page 206
** This is essential reading for anyone who teaches children (of any age), teaches teachers, works in schools (including school leaders), or writes education policies and mandates. "Joy must always be the work of education. It must be our work." (215)
May 10, 2024
read this for work and it was very interesting! I have never been a teacher have never built curriculum so tbh this didn't reaaaallly apply to me but it did make me think about my education growing up and made me wonder how different my life would be if I have more culturally responsive curriculum. Would I be better at school would I have enjoyed school more would I be more confident in my skills? Admittedly initially this book felt a little woo-woo to me because she talks about cultivating Joy in students and teachers so much but honestly I appreciated it because it made me question why I was so pessimistic initially and why I felt like Joy was such a woo-woo concept. I liked how thorough this book was like she really gave so many examples of how to build curriculum around the 5 pursuits - Identity, Skills, Intellect, Criticality, and Joy. I recommend this to all my educator friends and hope that we as a society can implement curriculum like this nationwide (we need a big cultural/political shift first, but a girl can hope!!)
May 31, 2024
A good number of theoretically solid ideas which require significant shift in everything we know and think and believe about education. There are points in the book that I fall so in line with all that she is proposing and saying, I'm ready to throw all of the protocols and assessments and data binders out the window. And then I remember that there is so much more to "education" .... It is so complex and learning is truly so multi-leveled. I have no doubt that implementing many of these ideas will create more caring, engaged, motivated and higher performing students who then become adults; however, Muhammad **almost** makes it seem too easy. Like "just" implementing her suggestions will change everything.... but then I wonder.... what if it will.....
It's a never ending loop of thought. In the meantime, I can become more intentional with my planning and I can look more critically at the lessons I'm implementing and ask myself some good questions about the who and why.
It's a never ending loop of thought. In the meantime, I can become more intentional with my planning and I can look more critically at the lessons I'm implementing and ask myself some good questions about the who and why.
July 15, 2023
I would hope that most of this is obvious to teachers, but I am told that it is not. While I am uncomfortable with the language of joy and ancestors because I am a grumpy old white man, I don't disagree with anything that Mohammad says. We need to be grounding our curriculum in the culture of our audience as well as exposing them to the cultures of others. Learning needs to be relevant, so students can engage with it and the world around them breaking down the four walls of the classroom.
Finally, students need to be able to celebrate their excellence and the excellence of their ancestors. If one of the goals of public education is to pass on the culture, then find joy in the knoweldge and skills of those that have come before us is vital and limiting that to a cadre of white guys and sidebars for everyone else is a discredit to the excellence of our culture.
Finally, students need to be able to celebrate their excellence and the excellence of their ancestors. If one of the goals of public education is to pass on the culture, then find joy in the knoweldge and skills of those that have come before us is vital and limiting that to a cadre of white guys and sidebars for everyone else is a discredit to the excellence of our culture.
April 30, 2023
The perfect continuation of very necessary conversations. Unearthing Joy could easily help reshape the teaching profession. Remembering your purpose and having strategies for reconnecting with your purpose when you are pulled away from it are keys to restoring the “career educator”. Our society is in desperate need of intelligent, hardworking, and compassionate educators. We are long overdue for a system that respects these people, pays them well, and honors them by not overworking them or requiring them to be martyrs. This book speaks to the heart and should be read by everyone. To fully reach the goals explained in the book, we need a system that respects the work teachers do.
This is the guide we’ve been waiting for.
This is the guide we’ve been waiting for.
August 13, 2024
A creative text to help teachers who need to understand and apply practical steps with regard to the importance of a culturally AND historically relevant classroom. I am surprised CHRE is not a more popular term or concept that is utilized. Many people only look at culture and forget the history behind the culture, as well as how we can make history moving forward. I will definitely use some of the resources and ideas. Administrators and district leaders need to read this, because it starts with leadership. Teachers cannot do this work without authority to do so. I have been grateful enough to have flexibility in the classroom, so as a black woman, this is confirmation that my teaching philosophy and practices are in line with what the world needs.
April 8, 2023
Dr Gholdy Muhammad is very practical and provides lots of examples for implementing Culturally and Historically Responsive Education (CHRE). She encourages participation of families and communities in a student's learning, and advocates for a very wholistic method of teaching. I wonder about assesment methods, especially when evalutaing criteria such as identity and joy. I can imagine we could be prone to discrimination when giving a mark for these pursuits in particular. I'm not sure I fully agree with Dr Gholdy Muhammad's understanding of joy, but I would love for it to be pursued in the classroom.
October 27, 2023
Muhammad's perspective of rooting ourselves in our genius and centering joy in everything we do in education is profound and this book not only dives into the importance and cultural/historical necessity of this pedagogy, it also provides the practice with a wide variety of exemplary activities and personal reflections. My only advice would be to get a physical copy! I listened to the audiobook and felt like I was missing a lot because the book is filled with a variety of activities, artwork, and so on.
April 12, 2024
Dr. Gholdy Muhammad has wrote a book on the importance in finding joy in teaching and learning! Not only did she list why it was important, she made it accessible to educators to make it a reality. Throughout the book, Dr. Muhammad explains Culturally and Historically Responsive Education (CHRE) and provides examples of how it can be used at the classroom and district level. She always connects it to joy and emphasizes how it our duty to teach this way for our students. Every educator should read this book as this way of teaching should/will be the future of education!
April 22, 2024
Muhammad includes sample lessons and exemplars for educators (classroom artists) working with children from PreK - 12th grade, in subjects such as math, ELA, and PE. Each chapter has a clear focus with a playlist and art (poetry, drawings) to inspire and ground the reader. I am glad I read Cultivating Genius first, as it goes more into the idea of historically responsive literacy, but Unearthing Joy is more effective for applying the HILL model with confidence. I would recommend this for teachers at all points in their careers, and for any subject.
July 9, 2024
I was fortunate to hear Dr. Muhammad speak locally this spring while reading this text for a book study with my leadership fellowship cohort. It was powerful to hear Dr. Muhammad's perspective and intention with this text and it informed how I read this work. I particularly appreciated the later parts of this book, where she showed how the five pursuits could be applied to curriculum writing and unit planning.
July 6, 2023
Muhammad's follow-up book to Cultivating Genius (which profoundly changed my beliefs as a teacher and instruction). This book add the pillar of JOY! (original pillars: identity, skills and strategies, knowledge, criticality) Teaching and learning should be filled with genius and joy. A welcome chance to dig into the pillar of JOY! Filled with practical ideas and lesson plans.
October 8, 2023
I'll start with I'm very glad this book exists. I think I would rate this higher if:
1) I didn't try reading on audiobook. It's very confusing on audiobook because it's meant to be interactive. Didn't work for me.
2) I was currently teaching. I love that there are practical, actionable tips. I just thought it was going to be more theoretical.
Maybe I'll try again later.
1) I didn't try reading on audiobook. It's very confusing on audiobook because it's meant to be interactive. Didn't work for me.
2) I was currently teaching. I love that there are practical, actionable tips. I just thought it was going to be more theoretical.
Maybe I'll try again later.
December 10, 2023
Very interesting book. As an educator the one question always remains where will I find the time to implement the ideas in this book. I also listened to it which I would not necessarily recommend. There are too many ideas that you would want the print book in front of you. It sparks your fire and encourages you to be better for sure.
March 29, 2024
Dr. Muhammad continues to inspire teachers to purposefully incorporate joy into how and what we teach. It isn't enough to teach skills, we must equip our students with the ability to critique, assess, and soar. Her superb research gives us genius examples from history to inspire us to do better by our students.
April 17, 2024
I read this book for a book club and we broke up up into 4 parts. The chapters had a lot of good ideas for bringing joy and culturally and historically responsive teaching to your practice. There are 5 pursuits to help with planning. Overall it is a good framework for uplifting our teaching practice for us and for our students.
May 5, 2024
I was assigned this book for a Teaching Reading class and, while I do not think this book was right for that particular class, I think the book has a lot of merit and I believe there is a lot of good ideas in this book. I have actually used some of them in my lesson planning.
You should read CULTIVATING GENIUS before this to fully understand the methodology being taught.
You should read CULTIVATING GENIUS before this to fully understand the methodology being taught.
June 12, 2023
“Unearthing Joy” addresses many of the lingering questions I had after reading “Cultivating Genius.” After reading both books, I am feeling encouraged and excited to work toward designing curriculum that centers the pursuits of identity, skills, intellect, criticality, and joy.
August 12, 2023
I enjoyed reading this text because it gave a thoughtful extension of her first work with the focus on joy. There were also lots of examples of ways to put this model into practice, and the whole book was modeled on what she was advocating for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews