🌍 Middle School Curriculum: "Writes of Passage through Character & Culture"
A comprehensive three-year curriculum designed to deepen students' Ifa-inspired values, writing skills, and literacy mastery, moving from foundation to analysis to mastery & leadership.
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📘 Year 1 : Foundations of Self & Story
Virtue Focus
Inúrere (Care), Ìkónimọ́ra (Diversity), Ẹ̀tọ́-Òrìṣà (Justice), Òtító (Truthfulness), Òdodo (Honesty)
Cultural & Character Development
  • Learn respect and care for others (Inúrere, Ìkónimọ́ra).
  • Explore fairness, truth, and honesty in self and community (Ẹ̀tọ́-Òrìṣà, Òtító, Òdodo).
  • Build identity through storytelling and cultural proverbs.
Language Arts / Literacy Integration
  • Word origins & affixes (linked to African languages).
  • Narrative structure & character development: personal folktale writing.
  • Cause & effect essays tied to justice themes.
  • Main idea & supporting details practice using cultural texts.
  • Introduction to textual evidence through African proverbs & short stories.
Sample Projects
  • "Ancestor's Council" narrative (imagining advice from elders).
  • Justice & Truth journal entries.
  • Class blog reflections on cultural proverbs.
📗 Year 2: Voices in Action & Community Responsibility
Virtue Focus
Òye (Understanding), Ọgbọ́n (Wisdom), Ìgbójú (Courage), Iṣẹ́ (Work)
Cultural & Character Development
  • Understand destiny and passion (Òye).
  • Practice wisdom and resilience (Ọgbọ́n).
  • Explore courage in times of uncertainty (Ìgbójú).
  • Develop holistic living and work ethic (Iṣẹ́).
Language Arts / Literacy Integration
  • Context clues & point of view analysis.
  • Themes & narrative development from African epics.
  • Transitional words & organizational patterns in essays.
  • Analyze multiple sources: author's viewpoint & purpose.
  • Literary synthesis: weaving tradition and modern issues.
Sample Projects
  • Persuasive essay: "Why Courage Builds Communities."
  • Work ethic portfolio: journaling habits and progress.
  • Oral storytelling presentations on wisdom traditions.
  • Blog post series: "My Journey, My Voice."
📙 Year 3 : Mastery, Leadership, & Service
Virtue Focus
Ẹni Rere (Relationships), Aṣùwàdà Ènìyàn (Community Service)
Character Development
  • Deepening relationships & spiritual alliances (Ẹni Rere).
  • Practicing collective responsibility & service (Aṣùwàdà Ènìyàn).
  • Preparing for leadership roles in school and community.
Literacy Integration
  • Figurative language in African oral traditions.
  • Compare & contrast essays (e.g., African Diaspora stories vs. modern narratives).
  • Fact vs. opinion & implied information in news/media.
  • Scholar test: evaluating author's qualifications & cultural impact.
  • Critical accuracy: analyzing details for reliability.
Sample Projects
  • Service-learning capstone project (research + action + reflection).
  • Poetry anthology on relationships & alliances.
  • Compare/contrast essay on global African voices.
  • Class anthology publication: "Writes of Passage: Voices of a New Generation."
🔑 Continuous Elements (All Three Years)
Grammar & Literacy Embedded
Each theme/session integrates explicit grammar lessons (sentence structure, usage, mechanics) tied to cultural readings and writing.
Reading Strategies
Magnificent 7 Reading Strategies woven into all texts.
Writing Portfolios
Yearly portfolios with narrative, persuasive, expository, and informational pieces.
Community Blog
Scholars publish and peer-review reflections.
Cultural Anchoring
Yoruba proverbs, folktales, and Ifa teachings used as primary texts and writing prompts.
✨ Program Outcomes
This design ensures that by the end of middle school, scholars are not only skilled writers but also grounded in character, culture, and service, fully prepared for high school and beyond.
Additional Resources Available

Student Materials

(b) Student Worksheets tied to each virtue + writing skill combo (Coming Soon)!!!
Instructor: Mama Yemoja Kemi Craddock
Length: 3 Years (Grades 6–8)
Core Approach: Each year deepens students' Ifa-inspired values, writing skills, and literacy mastery.