Rap is Barry’s favorite type of music. When he became a full-time student teacher in January, he developed VocabuBarry, which uses rap lyrics to introduce sixth graders to new words.
Reading, writing, rhythmatic
Sheridan staff members go out of their way to praise Barry, mentioning his positive energy. His students feel the same way. When it comes to VocabuBarry lessons, Lounsbury said, “kids can’t wait to dive into what the song is really about.”
Even though rap music is often laced with violent and sexual lyrics, Barry insists that his students’ work be clean. They work in groups of two and three, writing and rewriting until they’re satisfied.
Fulfilling dreams
After Barry receives his teacher certification in May, he hopes to find a classroom of his own to lead. When he does, he’ll continue to use rap as a teaching tool whether he’s teaching vocabulary or volleyball.