In the winter of 2020-2021 CUP collaborated with eight Teaching Artists to create civically-engaged art activites to do at home! All activities can be done using basic household supplies. Each activity encourages students to think critically about decision-making and power in their communities. All videos are accompanied by a student friendly lesson plan (in both English and Spanish).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CUP had to rethink our normal in-class City Studies projects. Based on feedback from students, educators, and family members supporting young people, we created a video series that allows teachers and students to stay safe and healthy while creatively engaging their communities and collaborating remotely.

CUP debuted these videos with teachers and students at the International Community High School (ICHS) in the Bronx. These free, easy to use lessons can be used by any educator!

“The activity was interesting! It was very fun! I don’t think other classes would have done this.” -Elda, ICHS Student

“Thank you for this wonderful activity.  This is the most fun we’ve had in months!… This is a great SEL lesson and will have us smiling for days!” -Akilah Clarke, ICHS Teacher

Watch the videos below and download the lesson plans by clicking on the PDF icon located below each video.

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Fashioning Stories lesson plan_ENG
Download

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Historias de moda_en español
Download

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Draw Your Corner lesson plan_ENG
Download

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Dibuja tu rincón_en español
Download

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Chain of Care lesson plan_ENG
Download

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Cadena de cuidados_en español
Download

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Neighborhood Typeface lesson plan_ENG
Download

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Tipografia del barrio_en español
Download

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Neighborhood Futurism lesson plan_ENG
Download

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Futurismo en el barrio_en español
Download

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Soundmapping lesson plan_ENG
Download

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Mapa de sonidos_en español
Download

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Mining the Museum at Home lesson plan_ENG
Download

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Crear un museo en casa_en español
Download

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RE: School lesson plan_ENG
Download

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Tema: La escuela_en español
Download

Funding Support

This project was made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and Council Member Diana Ayala.

Special Thanks

Thank you to our partner The International Community High School (ICHS) for their involvement in this project. ICHS is a progressive public school for English Language learners in the South Bronx. To learn more, visit ichs.weebly.com.

Participants

  • CUP
  • Teaching Artists
  • Susana Arellano
  • Stephanie Eche
  • Ro Garrido
    Gabe Gordon
  • Lee Heinemann
  • Caits Meissner
  • Asa Mendelsohn
  • Ilaria Ortensi
  • Project Lead
  • Fielding Hong
  • Project Support
  • June Song
  • Parker Johnson

  • The International Community High School
  • Classroom Teachers
  • Akilah Clarke
  • Nick Deming
  • Principal
  • Berena Cabarcas