It's What We Do!
We know that sometimes art, stories, play, literature and music can reach people in ways that teaching lessons cannot, especially when it comes to children. We lead lessons with these tools to help children better understand race and history, as well as their place in the history that's being written today. Through modalities like puppetry, fabric coloring, embroidery, play, music, paper crafts, and reading stories, children are empowered to take a stance on things that are right and wrong and take steps to make a change in their world.
My Night in the Planetarium
Best-selling children's book author Innosanto Nagara's true story of art and social protest comes to life as a dynamic pop-up puppet show. Created and performed by fellow artist/activist Tanya Nixon-Silberg, the show transports audiences to Jakarta in the 1970s, where 7-year-old Inno learns firsthand how a play has the power to spark a resistance movement. Featuring designs by Puppet Showplace Resident Artist Sarah Nolen, the story is brought to life with a rich soundscape, visual transformations, and kid-centered lessons about social justice.​ Recommended for all ages 5 and up. My Night in the Planetarium is a collaboration between Tanya Nixon-Silberg/ Little Uprisings, Innosanto Nagara , Sarah Nolen and Roxanna Myhrum. Learn more about Tanya Nixon-Silberg and her puppetry here.
Among the Stars: Celebrating
Dr. Mae Jemison
Celebrate Black history in this interactive workshop exploring Dr. Jemison’s incredible journey as the first Black woman astronaut to go to space. A person that contained multitudes, Jemison is an inspiration who defied expectations and paved her own path to the stars. Workshop includes storytelling, a teach-in about Black identity and exploration and a craft-making activity to imagine how they can reach for the stars in their own lives. (4+)
Tutus for Batman
As gender identity and LGBTQ rights continue to come under attack, how can we help kids embrace gender diversity, challenge gender stereotypes, and feel affirmed in their own gender expression? How do we honor the fact that Pride started with two Queer, Black and Latinx, TransWomen? Little Uprisings invites kids and their caregiving accomplices for Tutus for Batman! The event features a popping stereotypes activity, a story and can include a Drag Queen Storytime and song performance and of course, a dance party! (4+)
Changing Neighborhoods
Join Little Uprisings for a social justice storytime theme that hits home for thousands of Boston families: gentrification. What happens when neighborhoods change? Who ends up on the winning and losing side of those changes? How can kids understand the changes happening around them, and find their own voice to fight for changes that are fair Come explore the meaning of neighborhood, community, history and equity through stories, activities and games! (5+)
Opal Lee Leaves a Legacy: Celebrating the Grandmother of Juneteenth
Join Little Uprisings to celebrate Juneteenth and identity with Opal Lee Leaves a Legacy! In this interactive workshop, kids will learn about Ms. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. We will walk with her through history, detailing her journey to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday. Families/Students are invited for storytelling, a teach-in about Black History and the fight for freedom and a craft-making activity to imagine how they can
leave a legacy of justice for others.
Best for children ages 5-7.
J is for Juneteenth!
Do you know the ABC’s of Black History? Join Little Uprisings for an interactive musical storytime
celebrating Juneteenth! Participants will learn about Juneteenth and create puppets of themselves and walk through history with Black excellence!
Best for children ages 4-6.
Reread and Reclaim MLK
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed about peace and justice and knew that kids were allies in the fight for justice. Yet, he was jailed 29 times in 10 years, and branded by our government as "the most dangerous Negro in America” in his time. How can these two truths exist at the same time? To help us remember the man who Martin Luther King really was, please join Little Uprisings and a special musical guest for a musical story hour to honor his true legacy.
Who's Trash is This?
When it comes to saving the planet, recycling is just the beginning. Who makes most of the world's trash? Where does it end up, and what can we do about it? Join Little Uprisings for a workshop of kid-powered resistance with "Whose Trash is This?" Kids will explore themes of environmental justice -- the fight for clean water, healthy air, and justice for communities most affected by pollution and lack of access to natural resources. (4+)
Everywhere and Nowhere
Immigrant and indigenous stories of migration, home, displacement and belonging accompanied by live music and an activity.
Stop, Sit, Resist!
Ok everyone, “Stop. Sit. Resist!” Get ready to have fun and move for the movement! Join Tanya and a special dance artist for a workshop for kids exploring storytelling, music and the concepts of how our bodies are the means for protest and healing. (2+)
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Rights, Justice, Action!
Kids notice a LOT -- including skin color. They sense that it matters, and they have questions about how and why it matters so much. Join Little Uprisings for Lights, Justice, Action! A workshop designed for little kids to be able to spot systemic racism and use their knowledge to act!
Best for children ages 5-10.