Unlocking the Power of Ubuntu: How Play, Movement, and Culturally Relevant SEL Can Transform Your Classroom

When BRICK Educational Network, a group of charter schools in Newark, New Jersey, asked me to help develop an African and Indigenous-centered Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, I knew I was stepping into an exciting challenge. The goal was to integrate the principles of Ubuntu—the African philosophy of interconnectedness—into a comprehensive SEL program for 2nd-3rd grade students, using the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa) as a framework to teach self-pride, collective responsibility, and personal growth.

A Unique Challenge: Creating a Culturally Relevant SEL Curriculum

The challenge was clear: BRICK Educational Network wanted a curriculum that would not only teach students emotional intelligence and self-awareness but also do so in a way that felt relevant and deeply connected to their cultural roots. With a focus on addressing the needs of underserved students, we wanted to break through the barriers many students face in traditional education, where SEL is often presented in a way that doesn't always feel personal or culturally resonant.

The Solution: Play, Movement, and Trauma-Informed Pedagogy

In response to these needs, we developed a SEL curriculum that fused Ubuntu principles with play-based learning, music, and movement. These approaches helped bring SEL concepts to life in ways that would be memorable and meaningful for students, especially those in elementary grades who needed more than just traditional worksheets and lectures.

While many SEL curriculums rely heavily on discussion and reflection, I wanted to cater to the kinetic energy of younger learners. We introduced activities that helped students internalize SEL principles through movement. For instance, clean-up relays taught the importance of responsibility (Ujima), and African forgiveness circles offered a safe space to embody conflict resolution. We also incorporated music and movement activities, such as balancing books on students’ heads to mimic how West African villagers carry loads, in addition to writing songs about unity (Umoja) and performing them through familiar nursery rhyme melodies.

Additionally, project-based learning (PBL) allowed students to explore SEL principles in a collaborative and creative environment. Students constructed paper rockets to reinforce teamwork, designed group problem-solving challenges, and participated in leadership role-playing exercises. These activities gave students a chance to actively engage in SEL principles, while also giving them the freedom to choose which approach best suited their learning style.

The Results: Empowering Students and Building Collective Responsibility

The results were incredibly inspiring. The lessons were fully engaging, exploring SEL principles in a way that will build student confidence and resilience. The BRICK team, including Shantala Thompson, the Ubuntu SEL Project Manager, expressed immense satisfaction with the lessons, praising the engaging activities and the depth of cultural relevance.

Shantala shared, “You did great with these lessons. So many engaging activities. Thank you so much!” The curriculum, rich with music, movement, and African-centered principles, provided a safe and creative space where students could build self-awareness and leadership, ultimately paving the way for stronger community bonds and collective responsibility.

Why Ubuntu SEL Works

The power of Ubuntu in SEL is its emphasis on interconnectedness and community. By addressing the holistic needs of each learner and weaving together project-based learning with culturally relevant pedagogy, this curriculum supports both emotional growth and academic success. Students are learning about themselves while also being empowered to understand their role in the larger community, building collective responsibility through group work and leadership.

If you're an educator or school leader looking to bring SEL into your classrooms in a way that is engaging and transformative, I’d love to help you. Let’s talk about how we can create a learning environment that inspires your students to embrace their full potential—individually and as part of a community. Reach out to me today and let’s create something extraordinary for your school!