With the slower rhythm of summer finally here, teachers often find themselves balancing well deserved relaxation with moments of creative planning. This season can be an ideal time to explore new ideas, revisit favorite subjects, and discover fresh materials for the year ahead.
Check out these handy resources in visual art, music, poetry, research, and cultural history to enrich your summer and energize your teaching.
Music & dance
As you ease into summer activities, the season is a great time to check out a concert or find a new playlist.
- The Come Hear NC Music Office offers statewide event information, deep dives into North Carolina musicians, and curated playlists.
- Explore North Carolina legends at the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame—an engaging way to connect your lesson plans to NC culture, especially now that the newest inductees have been announced.
- Throughout the summer, the North Carolina Museum of Art hosts live music and dance performances in the galleries and sculpture park and a film series in downtown Raleigh to keep the inspiration flowing.
- The North Carolina Symphony provides a channel to request a school visit by a musician and an opportunity for educators to attend a workshop in August. The deadline to register is approaching: August 7.
- Check out American Dance Festival’s programs for students through Project Dance.
Poetry
Shifting from music to the written word, poetry offers another avenue for creative engagement. Get ready to encourage your students to enjoy poetry through recitation and writing.
- Learn more about our past and present North Carolina poet laureates and encourage students to create their own poetry.
- Prepare to introduce your students to Poetry Out Loud. Seeing students compete in this annual event is always exciting.
Visual art
For further creative exploration, check out these troves of visual art assets.
- The NC Museum of Art provides full lesson plans and detailed resources about the collection, and you can wander through the People’s Collection using the museum’s comprehensive Art Reference Library.
- The Mint Museum also offers educator resources and detailed information about the collection to support your planning.
- You can find educator resources at the Cameron Art Museum, and the Asheville Art Museum offers free guided tours to teachers.
History & culture
To round out your summer inspiration, consider weaving North Carolina’s history and cultural traditions into your lessons.
- The NC Arts Council’s Heritage Awards showcase the state’s outstanding traditional artists, with videos, podcasts, and blog posts to help bring their work to life.
- The State Library’s NCpedia offers a wealth of information on all things North Carolina.
- The North Carolina African American Heritage Commission and the North Carolina American Indian Heritage Commission provide digital resources, event listings, oral histories, and more.
- And at the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources website, you’ll find educator materials, events, and countless options for field trips—including extensive resources related to the America 250 North Carolina celebration.
Teachers are the most valuable resource our students have. We hope you have a restful and restorative summer.