Ribbin' Jivin' and Playin' The Dozens: The Persistent Dilemma in our Schools

Here is an excerpt from a letter that I sent to Dr. Foster:Dear Dr. Foster:I would like to tell you that Ribbin', Jivin', and Playin' the Dozens has been more helpful to me than all of my graduate and undergraduate studies combined, and I am looking forward to reading the second edition. Whether or not I follow through on my plan to teach in the Chicago Public Schools remains to be seen; no matter what I decide, though, your book has helped me to view my experiences with a fresh perspective.

Herbert Foster's "Jivin' and Playin' the Dozens is a must read for all teachers, not just urban or inner city teachers. He does a great job of explaining black male street corner language and behavior and how it is played out in the classroom. This is of particular importance for the teacher who has never experienced this language and behavior first-hand. If more teachers would read "Ribbin'", and implement some of the ideas suggested, I believe fewer black children, males in particular, would be referred to special education or suspended from school. By way of 99 realities, Foster describes, explains, and discusses black male street corner language and behavior as it is played out in the classroom. This provided me with insight that I had not had before. However, the book is more than that. Indeed, he even has a chapter on dress and grooming for teachers. He argues that too many teachers dress slovenly when teaching black children. While many teachers think that this is a way of relating to black children, Foster argues that it is a sign of unconscious teacher racism. An excellent point he makes very well. This book is also helpful to understand the black street corner language and behavior that appears to have permeated every aspect of American, if not international life. In addition to teachers, his book should be read by anyone concerned with or interested in comtemporary life.

This book illustrates successful teaching & gives insight into inner city school children, their language & ways of learning. The teacher must be flexible & enter the world of his/her students. Students differ & teaching methods must be flexible enough to accomodate these differences. This book illustrates that there needs to be more than one way of teaching for different students.