Distance Learning Classes provide students with the opportunity to learn more about the history and contemporary issues of working people, workplaces and the labor movement with special attention to immigrants.  Classes serve as a source of inspiration for students to become active members of their community, country and world.
Lessons (Grades 4 through 12)
American Textile Industry, 1900 - Present.  Through photos and artifacts, the history of textile manufacturing, with special attention to the silk industry of Paterson, NJ is discussed.  Students gain an understanding of the impact of changing technology, immigrant workers and labor unions upon the industry.
(NJ Core Curriculum Standards, 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.5)
Botto House: An Immigrant's Home in 1908.  Using photos, artifacts and audio recordings, the domestic life of an immigrant family of New Jersey silk mill workers is presented.  Students learn about the immigrant experience and the role of immigrants in the labor movement. (NJCCS, 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.6)
Child Labor, 1900 - Present. The history of child labor in the twentieth century through the present is discussed through the photos of Lewis Hine, photos of farmworkers and charts and graphs of the International Labor Organization of the United Nations.  Students gain an understanding of the history of child labor and consider contemporary attitudes toward child labor. (NJCCS 1.2, 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
Women at Work:  Paterson Silk Strike of 1913. Through photos and artifacts, the jobs held by women, treatment of women at work and the dynamic role of women in the strike are examined.  Students learn about the impact of immigrant women in this historic strike. (NJCCS 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
Solidarity Forever:  Organized Workers, 1900 - Present.  A look at the development of the American labor movement is presented through photos, documents and artifacts.  Students gain an appreciation of how the collective actions of working people brought about the 8-hour workday, minimum wage, safety standards and other workplace reforms. (NJCCS 3.4, 6.1, 6.2)
Workers' Struggles Which Led To Strikes, 1900 - Present. The strikes of garment workers, autoworkers, farmworkers and others are discussed through historic photos and documents.  Students learn the difference between a strike and a boycott and, they gain an understanding of organized workers' goals and achievements. (NJCCS 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
Paul Robeson (1898 - 1976):  American Hero.  Through photos and audio recordings, the life and accomplishment of this athlete, actor, singer, lawyer, and civil rights leader are presented.  Students develop an understanding of social activism and an appreciation for an important social activist. (NJCCS 1.3, 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
A. Philip Randolph, the Pullman Porters & the Civil Rights Movement.  The founding of the African-American Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the impact of its dynamic leader on the Civil Rights Movement is examined through photos and audio recordings.  Students learn about the experience of African-American workers and their struggles for a union and civil rights. (NJCCS 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
Sol Stetin:  Immigrant, Labor Leader & Humanitarian. The life and career of this New Jerseyan who served as General President of the Textile Workers Union of America is explored through photos, documents and artifacts.  Students learn about the role of immigrants in the labor movement and the history of organized labor through the life of this labor leader. (1.2, 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
History of the Photoengravers Union Local 1, 1894 1997.  Through photos, charters and artifacts, this branch of the printing industry and the union struggles of its workers are traced.  Students gain an understanding of the impact of changes in technology and the role of unions in the US economy. (NJCCS 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)

Visual and Performing Art Lessons (Grades 3 through 5)
Schools must provide materials to students prior to the lesson(s).
What is a National Landmark? Learn about the Botto House in the strike of 1913.  Create a landmark.
Paterson, NJ, the Silk City. Learn about the silk mills of the early 1900's.  Weave a bookmark. (NJCCS 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
A. Philip Randolph & the Pullman Porters. Explore the experience of African-Americans.  Make a picture. (NJCCS 1.2, 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
Justice, Do It!  Stopping Child Labor. Learn about "Free the Children."  Make a "tineware" picture. (NJCCS 1.2, 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
Immigrants and the American Dream. Learn about immigrants to the US.  Make a scratchboard sketch. (NJCCS 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.5)
Solidarity!  Labor Unions Today. Listen to D. Cronin's Click, Clack, Moo...Cows That Type. Create a logo.
Practicing Tolerance in the Workplace. Learn conflict resolution skills. Role-play. (NJCCS 3.4, 9.1, 9.2)
The School Without Prejudice. Learn about tolerance.  Create costumes and perform an original play.
Virtual Tours of Temporary Exhibits (Grades 4 through 12)
*"What Work Is" by Juan Giraldo, Jan. 13 -  April 17, 2010.  A black-and-white photodocumentary of the Parker Shoe Service, Paterson, NJ.  Explore the world of work and ethnic diversity of Paterson, NJ..
*Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad Print Show:  The Art of Mark Priest, May 1 - Aug. 28, 2010.  Learn about this struggle for freedom and civil rights through art.
*Allied Textile Printers, Paterson, NJ by Michael Anthony, Sept. 5 - Dec. 31, 2010.  Through photographs, explore the textile industry in Paterson and New Jersey. 
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