Explore:
During the pandemic, we gathered some links and information for our community to enjoy. We continue to add items here that we think will be of educational interest to families in the neighborhood.
Celebrate Black History Month this February by checking out these resources:
Local Philadelphia History: Learn about Philadelphia Civil rights icon and groundbreaking contralto Marian Anderson via online resources from the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society As the first Black woman to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1955, Marian Anderson became an iconic figure in the struggle for civil rights. The Marian Anderson Historical Residence Museum is the Center for the Life and Legacy of Marian Anderson.
Check out this online exhibition: The African American Experience in Philadelphia challenges users to participate in piecing together the historical experience of African Americans in Philadelphia through five defining themes: Creating Community, At Work, Leisure Time, Twentieth Century Political Life, and Moving Beyond Caricature.
Visit the Harriet Tubman statue at City Hall - until March 31, 2022 - and learn about her legacy through special programs:
The city is hosting Harriet Tubman – The Journey to Freedom by Wofford Sculpture Studio in Philadelphia from January 11 through March 31, 2022. Philadelphia will be home to the sculpture for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday. The traveling monument represents Harriet Tubman’s travels to free hundreds of enslaved people.Coinciding with the installation of the sculpture in Philadelphia, there is a schedule of more than 30 programs in partnership with local cultural organizations that will celebrate the legacy of Harriet Tubman. These virtual and in-person programs will happen throughout Philadelphia and will reflect the themes of activism, role models, heroes, human rights, freedom, resilience, determination, contributions of strong women, equality, and more. https://www.creativephl.org/programs/harriet-tubman/
30th Annual African American Children's Book Fair at the PA Convention Center, 12th & Arch
Live and in-person - February 26, 2022, 1 - 4 pm - FREE
Hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project, the book fair is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for children's books in the country. Games, prizes and promotional give-aways will highlight the afternoon. A wide selection of affordable Black children’s books will be available for purchase. Come meet the creators of the best children’s books of our generation. Authors and illustrators will make presentations and autograph their books. Masks are required at all times and Covid-19 protocols in place. https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
Note: Virtual Preview of the fair - Join the book fair virtually for a preview on Saturday, February 5, 2022 – 1 - 3 pm – Face book Live. Get an inside look at the stellar line up of some of the best and the brightest from the children’s literary community. https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
Teacher-recommended videos about Black History: The past two years have certainly been unprecedented ones—a pandemic, civil unrest, political turmoil, and more. Through it all, racial injustice has taken center stage. At times, we’ve all navigated uncomfortable conversations, but it’s more important than ever to dig deep and be the leader our communities deserve. Here’s a list of Black History videos for students in every grade level. ttps://www.weareteachers.com/black-history-videos/
Eight Black Inventors Who Made Daily Life Easier
Black innovators changed the way we live through their contributions, from the traffic light to the ironing board.
https://www.history.com/.amp/news/8-black-inventors-african-american
Book resources: Each winter, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The committee that selects the awards is part of the American Library Association. The author or illustrator must live in the United States or maintain dual residency/citizenship, and the book must have been published in the preceding year. Check out our list, with the 2022 winners and honor books at the top. And for more excellent picks, try these Award-Winning African American Books.
Coloring Book Pages to download of African-Americans (Grades 2-6)
Students will enjoy learning about famous black figures from the past while they color – each page features a short blurb about the person's accomplishment. Included are Dr. Mae Jemison, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, George Washington Carver, and more.
https://www.teachervision.com/african-american-history/coloring-book-african-americans-slideshow
Vocabulary, Crosswords, and other printable activities for children:
https://www.thoughtco.com/black-history-month-printables-1832842
Printable Black scientist posters:
Ward’s Science and professional book illustrator Kim Holt created these original works of art.
https://www.weareteachers.com/black-scientist-posters/
Check out Philadelphia Magazine's list of cultural events (both in-person and online)
Celebrate Women's History Month this March by checking out these resources:
WHYY, the Fresh Air Archive Interviews
The immensely popular daily national radio show, created in Philadelphia, with host Terry Gross has a special collection for Women’s History Month, called “She Leads: Trailblazers of the Past, Present and Future.” It contains 20 different interviews spanning four decades, covering a huge range of topics, from DC Comics to queer identity politics.
Explore the National Women's Hall of Fame
https://www.womenofthehall.org/women-of-the-hall/
Explore the National Women's History Museum
https://www.womenshistory.org/students-and-educators/biographies
Activities and Books for Kids
Go Science Girls Browse inspiring STEM activities and experiments that you can try at home, sorted into age ranges.
Women's History Worksheets and Printable activities to try at home, sortable by age/grade level.
A Mighty Girl reading list "Telling Her Story: New Mighty Girl Books for Women's History Month 2021"
WHYY, the Fresh Air Archive Interviews
The immensely popular daily national radio show, created in Philadelphia, with host Terry Gross has a special collection for Women’s History Month, called “She Leads: Trailblazers of the Past, Present and Future.” It contains 20 different interviews spanning four decades, covering a huge range of topics, from DC Comics to queer identity politics.
Explore the National Women's Hall of Fame
https://www.womenofthehall.org/women-of-the-hall/
Explore the National Women's History Museum
https://www.womenshistory.org/students-and-educators/biographies
Activities and Books for Kids
Go Science Girls Browse inspiring STEM activities and experiments that you can try at home, sorted into age ranges.
Women's History Worksheets and Printable activities to try at home, sortable by age/grade level.
A Mighty Girl reading list "Telling Her Story: New Mighty Girl Books for Women's History Month 2021"