This virtual field trip far exceeded my expectations! The kids were engaged, learning, and having fun! They couldn’t stop talking about it. This was absolutely a top notch experience!
– Elaine Temel, 5th Grade Teacher, West Vine Street School, CT
Education
The American Writers Museum believes in the power of writing to influence our history, our culture and our daily lives. Our educational programming aims to inspire future generations of American writers. In these materials you will find downloadable curriculum to use at your own pace, guided virtual tours of our online exhibits, video tours and information about virtual field trips including online meet-and-greets with renowned and emerging writers working today.
Get your students excited about discovering new authors, revisiting beloved favorites, and writing their way into America’s ongoing story. For more information enter your email below or contact education@americanwritersmuseum.org.
If your class is interested in an in-person field trip at the American Writers Museum, please visit this page for more information.
2nd Annual OnWord Student Writing Competition!
For this contest we asked students how they would use writing to create change they want to see in the world. Winners were announced publicly at our annual benefit on August 31, 2021.
Learn moreIn-Person Field Trips
The American Writers Museum is excited to offer a wide array of educational opportunities for students in grades 3-12. Young scholars can learn about the cultural and historical significance of writing in America. Students also learn about writing styles, writing habits of authors, and new perspectives on writing—from the practical to the creative. Fill out the form on the request a field trip page to reserve your spot today!
Learn More About In-Person Field TripsVirtual Field Trips
The American Writers Museum offers virtual field trips for students in grades 3-12. Synchronous and asynchronous offerings are available for classrooms of all types, sizes, and in any location! Students will learn about the breadth of writing forms through games, interactive online exhibits, and a growing library of video content. Young people even have the opportunity to work with a writer directly in their classroom via Zoom or Google Meet.
Explore Virtual Field Trip Options
Online Resources
These educational resources will enhance your virtual field trip or classroom experience. Explore online exhibits, watch videos of readings and author talks, and more!
Additional resources such as downloadable materials for each exhibit and guided walkthroughs will be available on this page upon filling out the form below. If you have questions on how to use these resources, please contact the Education team at education@americanwritersmuseum.org.
My America: Immigrant & Refugee Writers Today
The My America: Immigrant and Refugee Writers Today intiative explores the influence of modern immigrant and refugee writing in America on our culture, history, and daily lives.
Frederick Douglass: Agitator
Author and orator Frederick Douglass was a “self-made man” (the title of one of his most popular speeches). His words – passionate, brilliant, and powerful – denounced violent racism in the South while demanding true equality for all Americans.
American Voices
American Voices explores American history through the plethora of writing voices and forms that have shaped the country. Visitors can choose an era spanning from colonial times to the late 20th century and learn more about themes that define the American voice.
Additional My America: Immigrant & Refugee Writers Today Resources
My America Curriculum Outline – Instructions for Educators
Our teacher materials are designed to help educators create a structure that will benefit students who view our newly designed exhibit virtually.
291 Downloads
My America Curriculum – Organizer for Students
Use this graphic organizer to keep your findings in order as you watch the My America videos. Please read the instructions at the top of the first page before beginning.
Size: 382 KB
373 Downloads
Additional Frederick Douglass: Agitator Resources
Frederick Douglass: Agitator Curriculum Instructions
This instruction sheet will help guide educators through the materials below on which standards are met by each activity, and how to support students completing work virtually.
299 Downloads
Frederick Douglass: Agitator Vocabulary Terms (Grades 1-4)
This worksheet explores vocabulary terms that students may find in Frederick Douglass: Agitator. Please note that each page represents a different grade level.
593 Downloads
Frederick Douglass: Agitator Worksheet (Grades 5-12)
This worksheet can be used by grades 5-12, as it can be scaled for the topic you are currently working on.
239 Downloads
Additional American Voices Resources
American Voices Teacher Materials (Grades 5-7)
These instructions will guide educators through the process of completing the student activities and give an overview of the virtual exhibit.
258 Downloads
American Voices Student Materials (Grades 5-7)
Our education materials help students critically think of an author’s purpose of writing on themes of Influence, Persuasion, and Entertainment.
Size: 87.1 KB
232 Downloads
American Identities Teacher Instructions (Grades 8-12)
These instructions will show educators how to best prepare their class to use the student materials and navigate the virtual exhibit.
Size: 56.8 KB
240 Downloads
American Identities Student Materials (Grades 8-12)
Students analyze the theme of Identity by reading authors presented in the American Voices virtual exhibit.
Size: 75.7 KB
235 Downloads
My Personal Bookshelf Activity
Inspire a love of reading by asking learners of all ages to review the virtual exhibits and fill out this fun bookshelf of old favorites and new discoveries. 3rd & 4th grade learning objectives are met through this activity.
Size: 70.9 KB
310 Downloads
Personal Bookshelf Instructions (Grades 3-4)
Our materials show which learning objectives are met, how to use the activity in the classroom, and possible extensions.
Size: 44.8 KB
225 Downloads
Other Activities for Students
Share Your Immigration Story Here!
Participate in a group activity in which students can submit their immigration or migration story and see it alongside other visitor stories.
This asks visitors to download a folder of images (or supplement with their own selfies) and create a mosaic that shows them as an agitator. Feel free to share your students works with us on social media or the on-page uploader!
Further Recommended Readings on Enslaved People
Download this short list of further recommended readings to explore other works on the lives of enslaved people in the United States.
261 Downloads
American Voice Bingo Card
Play as a game or try to fill them all in by exploring the American Voices virtual exhibit!
Size: 33.4 KB
226 Downloads