Young Scholars

Literature-based, artist-focused lesson plans that are part of our Young Masters Collection. Learning the basics—color, line, shape, space, form, value & texture—inspired by famous artists opens up a child’s capacity to actualize their imaginations. Art opens us up to new worlds of possibilities. Learn about each artist over the course of a month, explore a piece of their work and activities to apply their techniques. Each monthly unit also includes a book and an element inspired by their work.

Learn about Titus Kaphar with activities like making a whitewash activity, creating a human cutout, and painting a self portrait. Then learn about Jean-Michel Basquiat with activities like are making a layered collage, creating a personal symbol, and taking a virtual tour of the 2019 exhibition of Basquiat’s work at the Brant Foundation in New York City.

Anansi stories originated in Ghana, passed on through storytelling. Though early versions depict him in various forms as different animals or even a man, Anansi is best known in contemporary literature as a spider. He is a “trickster,” and Anansi uses his experience with a moss-covered rock to trick many forest animals out of their food supply. But have no fear! Look closely, for as Anansi is tricking animals, Little Bush Deer is watching and plotting to help her friends get their food back.

Some of the activities in this unit are drawing the flag of Ghana, learning about the anatomy of a spider, and making a toy djembe drum.

“We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity, representing our liberty.“ —George Washington, attributed

The United States of America celebrates its birthday annually on the fourth of July. Although not as well known or widely celebrated, Flag Day specifically honors the American Flag. Find out more about this holiday and its origins with fun resources and activities for the whole family.

The focus of the Mummies, Myths, and Mortals Summer Collection is rooted in ancient history. We spend a month in each culture:

Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Each month, children will be exposed to the well-known pieces of each empire while also meeting some of the lesser known royalty and hearingsome of the lesser known stories.