Teaching Ideas

Explore jumping-off points that deepen discussions, inspire reading interest, and support connections to books and authors. Easily share and include in your instructional plans, newsletters, and social media.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the effective end of slavery in the United States.

  • Find and share titles from this curated list: Freedom Day: Celebrating Juneteenth

  • Ask your students what they know about Juneteenth. Have they heard of it? Do they celebrate it? Then, listen to author Kirsti Jewel talk about Juneteenth in this video book trailer for What is Juneteenth?).

  • Go alongside a young girl’s celebration of liberty and family by watching this complete video reading of Juneteenth for Mazie.

  • Enjoy this musical performance and complete video reading of Build a House, performed by Rhiannon Giddens, Yo-Yo Ma, and Francesco Turrisi. Then, go further and discuss identity, music, and preserving stories using these teaching tips.