Through these activities, students will use critical thinking skills to closely observe, describe, and respond to works of art. They will strengthen speaking and listening skills by describing what they notice and will utilize evidential reasoning skills to support their conclusions with visual evidence. They will learn about several elements of art including line, shape, and color. They will make connections to math concepts through discussions of shape, pattern, symmetry, and asymmetry.

Grade Level: K–2

Objectives, activities, and extensions for Women Artists: Elements of Art.

Through this slideshow and related classroom activities, students will learn about Renee Gross’s inspiring life story. She and her family immigrated to the United States in 1921, fleeing the violence against Jewish people in Russia (now Lithuania) and settled in New York City. Through photographs and portraits of Renee, students will observe, discuss, and reflect on her life experience. Students will learn about some of the social justice issues that were important to Renee and how she continued to support those in need throughout her life.

Grade Level: 2–5

Objectives, activities, and extensions for Standing Up for What You Believe In: Renee Gross's Story.

Students will learn about immigration to the United States in the early 20th century through the art in the RCGF’s collection and Chaim Gross’s personal story. They will utilize speaking and listening skills to observe and discuss works of art that illustrate the lives of immigrants. Students will examine a primary source document that lists immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island, including Chaim Gross. Students will reflect on the experience of immigrants, the challenges they faced, and the cultural traditions they brought to the United States.

Grade Level: 3–5

Objectives, activities, and extensions for The Lives of Immigrants.

Students will learn about two settlement houses that helped people who recently arrived in New York City during the early 20th century. Students will observe and discuss historical photographs as primary source documents. They will discuss the important role of community organizations that help people with basic needs such as meals, childcare, language, and education.

Grade level: Grades 2-5

Objectives, activities, and extensions for Building Community, Helping Others.

Through these activities, students will identify and discuss elements of a story in works of art such as character, setting, and plot. Students will develop their use of descriptive language and use evidential reasoning skills to interpret stories in art. Students will engage in speaking and listening, and drawing conclusions based on visual evidence.

Grade level: Adaptable for grades K-5 (the first image in the slideshow may be more readable to grades 2-5)

Objectives, activities, and extensions for Women Artists: The Art of Story. 

Students will explore multiple ways of creating sculpture. Students will use critical thinking skills to compare and contrast the materials, methods, and styles of several sculptural works, with a focus on sculptures made by women. By discussing sculpture in different media, including wood, metal, and found objects, students will reflect on the many ways to express an idea and the many ways to be an artist.

Grade Level: Grade 2–5

Objectives, activities, and extensions for Creative Expression in Sculpture.