Curricular Resources (original) (raw)

"Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You..."

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address inspired children and adults to see the importance of civic action and public service. The letter included in this activity, written by a third-grade student, is one of thousands housed at the Kennedy Presidential Library.

Lesson Plans & Activities

Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History

Grade: 3, 4, 5, 6

Time: 1-2 hours, 2-3 hours

"The Most Powerful and Precious Right" Voting Rights Photo Book

This twenty page photo book tells the story of voting rights in the United States through primary sources housed in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum archives and in other collections. Includes questions and links to additional resources.

Resource Guides / Packets

Subject: Civics and US Government, US History

Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8

Time: 0-1 hour, 1-2 hours

1963: The Struggle for Civil Rights

Bring the pivotal events of the civil rights movement in 1963 to life for your students through more than 230 primary sources ranging from film footage of the March on Washington and letters from youth advising the president to JFK’s landmark address to the American people and secret recordings of behind-the-scenes negotiations on civil rights legislation. To foster your students' understanding of this era, lesson plans on each of the seven topics are available in the "For Educators" section of…

Online Exhibits and Digital Interactives

Subject: Civics and US Government, US History

Grade: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

A Night to Remember

This interactive picture book about cellist Pablo Casals's historic performance portrays the importance of the arts in the Kennedy White House, and the power of music to strengthen commitments to peace and freedom.

Lesson Plans & Activities

Subject: The Arts, Civics and US Government, US History

Grade: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Time: 0-1 hour

A President’s Day

If you are elected to the nation's highest office, what are you actually expected to do? Spend a day at the White House with John F. Kennedy to learn about some of the president's most important roles and responsibilities.

Lesson Plans & Activities

Subject: Civics and US Government, US History

Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8

Time: 3-4 hours

Addressing Racial Discrimination in Voting

Students examine primary source material to learn how the tools of democracy have been used to challenge racial discrimination in voting. Includes "The Most Powerful and Precious Right": A Voting Rights Photo Book and a research activity on current voting rights.

Lesson Plans & Activities

Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History

Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8

Time: 2-3 hours

Americans in Space

Primary source material and classroom activities reveal why exploring space was a priority for the Kennedy administration.

Resource Guides / Packets

Subject: Civics and US Government, Science, US History, World History

Grade: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Analyzing the Rhetoric of JFK's Inaugural Address

Students consider the rhetorical devices in the inaugural address. They analyze suggestions made by advisors and compare them to the delivered version of the speech.

Lesson Plans & Activities

Subject: English Language Arts, US History

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Time: 1-2 hours

Ask What You Can Do

Kennedy challenged every American to contribute in some way to the public good. After analyzing the "ask what you can do" quote, students draw and write about their own contributions to their families and communities.

Lesson Plans & Activities

Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts

Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Time: 1-2 hours