Anansi, the Spider: Using the Power of Stories to Bridge the Attainment Gap

Few characters are as cunning, clever, and culturally significant as Anansi the Spider. Originating from West African folktales and wisdom teachings, Anansi is a trickster god whose stories have traversed oceans, embedding themselves into the hearts and minds of the African Diaspora. These tales, passed down through generations, are not just entertaining narratives; they carry the weight of history, resilience, and wisdom. As educators grapple with the challenge of bridging the attainment gap that disproportionately affects Black Caribbean students in the UK and the US, the potential of Anansi's stories in the classroom is both a novel and a culturally significant tool that can be used in the classroom to enhance the learning of low attaining students.

The Roots of Anansi's Tales

Anansi's journey from the shores of West Africa to the Caribbean islands and the Americas is a testament to the enduring strength of African folk culture and the unbreakable spirit of the people who carried these stories in their hearts through the darkest times. In the Caribbean, Anansi became more than a folk hero; he became a symbol of resistance, intelligence, and the ability to outsmart and overcome. These stories, rich with lessons on perseverance, wisdom, and the clever use of one's wits to face challenges, are a treasure trove of cultural heritage that has the power to inspire and teach.

Why Representation in Curriculum Matters

The discussion about the attainment gap in education is complex and multifaceted. However, one of the critical elements in addressing this issue is the relevance and inclusivity of the curriculum. Studies have shown that students engage more deeply and perform better when they see their cultural backgrounds and experiences reflected in their learning materials. For Black Caribbean and African American students, whose stories and histories are often marginalised, the inclusion of Anansi tales in the English curriculum could serve as a mirror that reflects their heritage and as a window into the power of storytelling which can be used to inspire and motivate pupils to achieve.

Anansi in the Classroom: Bridging Theory and Practice

The integration of Anansi stories into the UK and US English curriculum can be approached in various innovative ways. Teachers can introduce these tales as part of the literature syllabus, exploring themes, narrative structures, and the rich oral tradition from which they spring. Students can engage in creative writing assignments that allow them to draw from Anansi's wisdom and cunning to craft their own stories. Comparative analysis with trickster tales from other cultures can broaden students' literary horizons and enhance their analytical skills. Through these activities, Anansi's stories become a vehicle for learning, engagement, and cultural pride. Moreover, incorporating Anansi stories and other West African folktales into the curriculum will serve to broaden students’ cultural capital, exposing them to other ways of thinking and perceiving the world. The concept of myths as a reflection of the human psyche or as Freud would put it, “the collective unconscious” would empower students’ to see Anansi as an aspect of their own personality.

Real-World Success Stories

Incorporating Anansi's tales into the curriculum is not without its challenges. However, educators who have navigated these waters report significant improvements in student engagement and achievement. Case studies from schools that have embraced Anansi stories highlight increased participation, heightened interest in literature, and a deeper understanding of cultural heritage among Black Caribbean students. These successes underscore the potential of culturally relevant pedagogy to make a tangible difference in closing the attainment gap. Anansi stories become a bridge into West African culture and a window into African Philosophy, which is often ignored in favour of Greek and Eastern philosophies. Exploring Anansi’s past can open debate into the Yoruba pantheon, which will then lead teachers and students into the wisdom teachings of West Africa. These wisdom teachings can positively shape the cognitive development of students.

Methodologies and Practical Applications

Incorporating Anansi folktales into the English, Religious and Humanities curriculum is effortless once teachers are provided with the necessary resources to introduce the topic to students. Such lessons involve an exploration of West African history, culture, geography and mythology. Literary approaches such as Postcolonial Theory, Magical Realism, Postmodernism etc., are approaches college lecturers can explore with more advanced students. Philosophical approaches such as Moral and Memetic philosophy can add an ethical dimension to students’ studies and the Curriculum planning can focus on themes such as how these archetypical narratives originated and to what extent they explain the cosmology of the Akan, Ashanti and other African cultures. Further studies conducted can embark upon a comparative mythological exploration, drawing from other cultures on the continent of Africa, from regions such as North East Africa and South Africa. Teachers can go further afield and explore folktales from the Far East etc..

Moving Forward

As we look to the future, the call for a more inclusive and representative curriculum is louder than ever. Anansi the Spider, with his cunning and wisdom, offers a pathway to engage students, enrich their learning experience, and bridge the attainment gap. By weaving these tales into the fabric of education, we not only honour the cultural heritage of Black Caribbean students but also underscore the universal power of stories to educate, inspire, and transform.

Finally, Anansi's stories are much more than folklore; they are a tool for education, a symbol of resilience, and a bridge to greater academic achievement for Black students. As educators and policymakers strive to create a more equitable educational landscape, the lessons of Anansi the Spider light the way forward, reminding us that in the power of stories lies the potential to change lives.