Palestine All-Ages Art-Based Lesson Set
Learn about the culture, the resilience, the resistance, the beauty, and the history of the people of Palestine in this all-ages, art- and critical-thinking based lesson set, as well as the events of the last five months.
This comprehensive 44-page lesson set contains:
Own Voices Literature Recommendations (and Read Aloud links) for Elementary and Secondary Learners
The Olive Tree Lesson Set - Recommended readings and associated videos, a relevant discussion prompt, and two art-based activities with print-and-go activity pages
Sitti’s olive oil is a gift, sent to her by family members in Palestine. Imagine you are going to send a care package to a loved one on the other side of the world—what would you put in it? What foods and other items remind you of home?
Olive trees are the ultimate symbol of sumud, the Palestinian concept of perseverance. Learn more about the oppression of Palestinian olive farmers and then make protest art using the provided handout.
The Key Lesson Set - Recommended readings and associated videos, a relevant discussion prompt, and two art-based activities with print-and-go activity pages
Homeland paints a colorful picture of what life in Palestine was like before the Nakba, with music and dancing, bustling marketplaces, and great food. Study the breakfast scene shown in the book, then use the handout to draw your own dream breakfast.
Imagine a Palestinian refugee is about to unlock the door to their ancestral home for the first time in more than 75 years. What would they hope to see if they peered through the keyhole? Use the attached handout to envision a better world.
The Diaspora Lesson Set - Recommended readings and associated videos, a relevant discussion prompt, and two art-based activities with print-and-go activity pages
In the book Halal Hot Dogs, Musa’s family eats all sorts of things, including traditional dishes like molokhia and riz bi haleeb. On the handout provided, learn about a traditional Palestinian dish that is served upside down, then design your own upside down meal. [Depending on the age/sensitivity of your learner(s), consider adding a discussion about the famine conditions in Gaza right now. More info here.]
Many people in the Palestinian diaspora have worked hard to retain their cultural traditions, and to pass them on to the generations that have never lived in Palestine. What is your cultural background? On the handout provided, illustrate some family items that remind you of your culture or heritage.
The Watermelon Lesson Set - Recommended readings and associated videos, a relevant discussion prompt, and two art-based activities with print-and-go activity pages
In 1967, after the Six-Day War, Israel began its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. At this time, they forbid Palestinians from flying the Palestinian flag, though this restriction has been resisted ever since. Explore one form of this resistance on the handout provided.
The watermelon has become the most popular symbol to show solidarity with Palestinians. Artists paint watermelon paintings, murals, and graffiti. And around the world, people use the watermelon emoji online to show their support of Palestine. On the handout provided, draw a protest poster featuring watermelon. You might add words like “Ceasefire” or “Free Palestine” or a protest message that is meaningful to you.
The Traditions Lesson Set - Recommended readings and associated videos, a relevant discussion prompt, and two art-based activities with print-and-go activity pages
Learn about tatreez, the art of Palestinian embroidery with the handout provided.
In Sitti’s Secrets, Mona writes a letter to President Bill Clinton about her grandmother in Palestine. She writes, “If the people of the United States could meet Sitti, they’d like her for sure. You’d like her too.” Mona wants the president to recognize her grandmother’s humanity, and to help make Palestine a place where she and all the other Palestinians can live in peace. It is more urgent than it has ever been that U.S. politicians recognize the humanity of the people living in Palestine, especially in Gaza, where conditions are incredibly unsafe and where more people are being harmed every minute. What would you say to a politician who represents you?
The Dove Lesson Set - Recommended readings and associated videos, a relevant discussion prompt, and three art-based activities with print-and-go activity pages
In Sitti’s Bird, Malak feels like a bird in a cage. Let’s make art inspired by Malak. Use bright bold colors to paint a bird, flying free. Can you add a message to your art?
The artists of Palestine spread messages of hope and solidarity through street art painted on the crumbled chunks of concrete. Use the handout provided to design your own street art-inspired message of solidarity.
Learn about Handala, a cartoon character who has become a fixture of Palestinian street and resistance art, then make your own Handala-inspired art.
A Timeline of Palestinian History and Accompanying Timeline Worksheet
Palestinian Maps Worksheet - Learners will draw the changes to the Palestinian map since 1947
Overview and Discussion Prompt for the Events of October 2023
Overview and Critical Thinking Questions About Current Negotiations
Overview of Anticipated Events in the Near Future
People to Know - A three page guide with photos and biographies of important figures in the past and present story of Palestine
Glossary - Five-page comprehensive guide to some of the must-know terms in Palestinian history
When we say all ages, we really do mean all ages. If you, an adult, are looking to learn more about the war in Palestine or about Palestinian culture, you will find plenty of age-appropriate resources here. For whatever aged learner(s) you are teaching, we invite you to explore all of the materials included in this free download and pick and choose the events that are right for them at this time and in this stage in their learning journey.
We are so grateful to you for downloading this lesson set and for caring about what is happening in Palestine.