Experience the arts wherever you are

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FirstWorks is creating new ways for the arts to propel learning as Rhode Island schools, teachers and parents work to continue educating students through online, distance learning.

The FirstWorks Education Program specifically links to core curriculum by tethering the arts to traditional academics such as English Language Arts (ELA), Science, Social Studies, and through STEAM and STEM focused learning.

Visit this page every week to download a new digital learning resource which will include unique video content featuring world class artists. Accompanying activities and assignments will be aligned to core curricula standards.

Explore our available lessons below and share your experiences at #firstworksartslearning

Stage with birch trees and two puppeteers acting with a deer puppet and a crane puppet
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Virtual Learning Heather Henson

Virtual Learning Series

PUPPET ARTIST HEATHER HENSON

Science/ELA lesson & activity for grades K-6

Watch excerpts from a puppetry spectacle rooted in indigenous culture, and learn about turtle conservation, bird migration and the interconnectedness between humans and nature with Heather Henson, the founder of IBEX Puppetry and daughter of Muppets Creator Jim Henson.
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Virtual Learning Yang Wei

Virtual Learning Series

PIPA VIRTUOSO YANG WEI

Music/ELA lesson & activity for grades 6-12

Discover the Silk Road in this lesson with accompanying video featuring Yang Wei, a professional musician and a celebrated virtuoso on the pipa, a Chinese string instrument dating back 2,000 years. Yang Wei has performed worldwide as a soloist with various orchestras and ensembles, including the Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma.
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Virtual Learning Machine Dazzle

Virtual Learning Series

CELEBRITY COSTUME DESIGNER MACHINE DAZZLE

Visual art lesson & activity for grades 7-12

“Machine Dazzle” a.k.a., Matthew Flower, is a costume designer and performer based in New York City. His process is interesting in that he gathers different kinds of materials and textures; many that normally would not be part of costume or apparel – the shinier the better, throws them on the floor, and creates!