Curricula & Guides
Developed with educators and students, the Museum’s free curriculum resources and exploration guides provide images, background information on artists, and a variety of lesson plans and activities to help teachers bring folk art into the classroom.
More information or to obtain a copy for your classroom, e-mail education@folkartmuseum.org.
Unnamed Figures: Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North
Grades 9–12
This teacher’s resource is designed for grades 9-12 in conjunction with the exhibition Unnamed Figures: Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North. Lesson plans focus on select artworks in the exhibition, offering historical context and ideas for framing classroom questions and discussion. It was written by senior AFAM educator Nicole Haroutunian, and Sadé Ayorinde, exhibition co-curator and Terra Foundation Predoctoral Fellow in American Art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Mystery and Benevolence
Grades K–12
This teacher’s resource is organized in conjunction with the exhibition Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Lesson plans focus on select artworks in the exhibition and include background information on the object, historical context, ideas for classroom questions and discussion, and suggestions for related activities. Includes a glossary of Masonic symbols and a list of resources.
When the Curtain Never Comes Down
Middle and High School
A teacher’s guide that introduces key themes of the exhibition When the Curtain Never Comes Down. Each lesson plan focuses on an artist in the exhibition, with accompanying background information, artwork, and resources. Each contains questions to spark discussion as well as suggestions for related activities and projects for students meant to extend their learning. Includes a glossary and a bibliography.
Ralph Fasanella
Grades 9–12
Designed for educators to use as a resource in the classroom before and after a museum visit, this Teacher’s Guide is developed in conjunction with the presentation of Ralph Fasanella: Lest We Forget at the American Folk Art Museum, offers topics for classroom discussion, writing activities, and art projects that introduce key ideas of the exhibition. Includes collection images, lesson plans, a glossary, and a bibliography. Texts about the artworks in this Guide are an amalgam of information developed by the Smithsonian American Art Museum for the exhibition and by the Learning and Engagement department at the American Folk Art Museum.
Self-Taught Genius
Grades K–12
A Curriculum Guide for teachers developed in conjunction with the traveling exhibition Self-Taught Genius: Treasures from the American Folk Art Museum. It presents information about selected artists and artworks from the exhibition and offers topics for classroom discussion, writing activities, and art projects that introduce the key ideas of the exhibition. Includes collection images, lesson plans, a glossary, and a bibliography.
Quilts
Grades K–12
An educators’ resource that explores aspects of the Museum’s quilt collection. Includes collection images, lesson plans, a glossary, and a bibliography.
Compass: Folk Art in Four Directions
Grades K–12
A curriculum resource organized in conjunction with the Museum’s 2012 presentation of the exhibition Compass: Folk Art in Four Directions at the South Street Seaport Museum. It is structured around four themes: Exploration; Social Networking; Shopping; and Wind, Water, and Weather. Includes collection images, lesson plans, and a bibliography.
Folk Art Revealed
Grades PreK–5 & Grades 6–12
A curriculum resource for teaching American history and culture through folk art. Includes collection images, lesson plans, a glossary, and a bibliography.
Download the PDF (PreK–Grade 5)
Download the PDF (Grades 6–12)
In the Realms of Henry Darger
Grades 9–12
A curriculum resource that explores important themes in the work of 20th-century self-taught artist Henry Darger. Includes selections from Darger’s writings, collection images, lesson plans, and a bibliography.
Design a Professional Development Workshop
Create a workshop specifically for your staff at the grade, school, or regional level. Museum educators will work with you to develop a program that meets the needs of your specific group.
Info: 212. 265. 1040, ext. 381, or grouptours@folkartmuseum.org.
Educator Evenings
Explore ways the American Folk Art Museum can help support your teaching and enhance classroom learning. Join the Museum’s Learning and Engagement Staff and fellow educators from around the city for private tours of current exhibitions, free educational materials and classroom takeaways, and light refreshments. Come mingle with other professionals and discover—for yourself and for your students—the world of folk art!