The Stories and Art of Ezra Jack Keats: Arts Integration Lesson Plan

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Based on The Contemporary Jewish Museum's award-winning tour The Stories and Art of Ezra Jack Keats, this arts integration lesson plan for K–2 teachers introduces students to concepts related to antisemitism, cultural and racial representation, close looking, and narrative art making.

The lesson plan features playful, open-ended art activities that foster personal expression and decision-making, allowing students to connect their learning to Keats’s experiences as a Jewish immigrant in early 20th-century New York.  

The resources include an author study, video biography, read-aloud with close-looking, art projects, and further materials, introducing students to concepts like antisemitism, cultural diversity, and narrative artmaking. 

 

The Contemporary Jewish Museum resources teach students about Jewish life in age-appropriate ways while integrating seamlessly with grade-level curriculum, and supporting teachers in creating culturally welcoming classroom environments for all students. The CJM's resources incorporate Jewish author biographies, community immigration stories, and Jewish culture and celebrations, while including space for conversation and centering intercultural connection. This approach helps dispel assumptions of otherness that can lead to biases and harmful stereotypes. 

Explore all of our teacher and school offerings including free, downloadable teacher resources and curricula; short videos related to our exhibitions; educator professional learning opportunities; and more.

Since its founding in 1984, The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM), located in downtown San Francisco, has distinguished itself as a welcoming place where visitors can connect with one another through shared experiences with the arts. 

The CJM’s mission is to welcome all to explore the evolving, diverse Jewish life of today through innovative exhibitions and programs that educate, challenge, and inspire. In doing so, we aim to foster appreciation of and pride in Jewish culture, enrich the communities we serve, and combat intolerance of all kinds.

 

 

Details

Setting

  • Congregational Learning
  • Day Schools and Yeshivas
  • Early Childhood