JFK Library Teaching and Learning Tuesdays

Spring 2023 Education Series

From the Library's Department of Education and Public Programs

April 11, 2023

Welcome Spring! Spotlighting the Arts and the Environment

Explore activities and programs featuring the power of the arts and highlighting the relationship between society and the environment.

Ready-To-Go Resources

Activity

A Night to Remember: The Kennedys Honor the Governor of Puerto Rico with an Historic Concert

Grades 2-5

This interactive picture book uses photographs and documents to tell the story of the historic White House concert during which world renowned cellist Pablo Casals performed in honor of Governor Luis Muñoz Marín of Puerto Rico. The story demonstrates the importance of the arts in the Kennedy White House and the power of music to strengthen commitments to peace and freedom.

Learn More

Image Credit: Hood Museum, Dartmouth College

Activity

Art as a Civic Language: Analyzing a Jacob Lawrence Painting

Grades 8-12

Throughout history, the experiences of those who have struggled against oppression have been interpreted by artists. These works of art can aid historical understanding, heighten historical empathy, and enhance critical thinking skills. In this activity, students examine a Jacob Lawrence painting to explore the experiences of the participants in the civil rights struggle during the 1950s and 60s.

Learn More

Forum Spotlight

Climate Change, Survival, and Deepening Our Humanity

November 17, 2020

Award-winning musician and Emerson College artist-in-residence Toshi Reagon and the Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, founding pastor of the New Roots AME Church and fellow with the Green Justice Coalition, discussed how the belief systems that define and maintain our societies impact the planet and influence our survival with Porsha Olayiwola, the City of Boston's Poet Laureate. Co-presented in association with Parable Path Boston, ArtsEmerson, New Roots AME Church and the Boston Public Library.

Learn More

Upcoming Celebrate! Program

Triveni Indian Dance Ensemble - Rhythms of India

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Saturday, May 6, 2023

10:30 -11:30 AM

Learn about many fascinating Hindu deities— from stories of Ganesha, the playful elephant-headed God, to the dances to rhythms of drums by Nataraja, a depiction of Shiva as the Lord of Dance — in a stunning performance with beautiful costumes and traditional dance styles from India.

Learn More

Activity of the Month

Presidential Portrait Collage

President Kennedy received unique gifts from ordinary citizens who created one-of-a-kind works of art, including handmade portraits of him made from found materials. Students can use outlines of presidents and first ladies to make their own presidential portrait collage. Students can get creative with materials and make a unique piece of presidential art!

Learn More

More to Explore

Environmental Case Study: Hetch Hetchy Valley

Grades 7-12

In this activity, students analyze documents related to the environmental debate about developing a dam for a steady water supply for the residents of San Francisco in the Hetch Hetchy Valley. They analyze petitions, resolutions, and telegrams sent to the United States Senate. Students study the Hetch Hetchy debate with primary sources from the records of Congress.

Learn More

Massachusetts DESE Civics Teaching and Learning Grant

This is a competitive grant opportunity to support civics teaching and learning, including but not limited to implementation of student-led, non-partisan civics projects. Local Education Agencies may apply for up to $60,000 in funding to help further civic education for their students. Funds may be used toward purchasing and implementing curriculum, professional development and/or collaborative planning, implementation of civics projects, or civics learning experiences for students (e.g. field trips, civics showcases).

Applications are due on May 12, 2023.

Learn More