Young people stage a performance/re-enactment of the March on Washington. Students will conduct historical research at the library and play the roles of major civil rights figures including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Essay contest – After viewing and discussing the exhibition, students are challenged to write an essay focused on, “My Role in Creating a More Just World.”
Role play – After viewing and discussion the exhibition, challenge young people to consider what it was like to be a child or teen in 1863/1963, particularly if you were African American.
Teen discussion group – Teens watch a video of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, then read and discuss a biography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
An art contest for teens and children. After viewing the exhibition, young people will illustrate what freedom and civil rights means to them. Display works at an exhibition closing reception.
Help young people to develop their speech preparation and presentation skills. Invite students to consider what a speech like “I Have a Dream” might look like today.
Set-up small 1800s and 1960s library areas in the children’s room.
Invite students to host a march/sit-in/rally/teach-in to address an important current social concern.
Plan a program showing middle grades how to use primary sources in historical research.
Hold story time sessions for young people using books about Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. and their contemporaries (see book list for younger readers for ideas).
Develop a teen poetry slam. Teens write and perform poems that creatively express thoughts and raise awareness of issues related to freedom.
Engage young people in hands-on activities during their exhibition visit. For example, allow young people to touch and discuss reproductions of artifacts. Invite them to write a postcard to Abraham Lincoln or Martin Luther King, Jr.—on the reverse side of the postcard, have young people draw or collage a historical event. With permission, put completed postcards on display in your library.
Enlist a Teen Advisory Board to help plan and promote Changing America programs for young adults.
Partner with a local children’s museum on programs about exhibit-related themes.
Create a documentary shorts contest. Teach youth video production software and invite them to explore exhibition themes via images and sound.
Invite students to develop a play list of songs that might be played at a rally today. What songs would tell the story of current events in our society?
Allow youth to curate an exhibit related to Changing America.
Young people write letters to the editor or to legislators about current social concerns.
Young people make posters for a present-day march to address current inequalities/social issues. Turn the poster designs into bookmarks to distribute at the library.
Include a title for young people in the Changing America “One Book, One Community” series.
