Program and activity ideas:
Programs for children
Poetry programs
Hold poetry workshops for children in which they learn about the art of writing a poem and the migrant experience, and then create poetry to express their or their family's journey to California.
Art programs
Use the bibliography of children's books on our website to introduce children to some of the themes and ideas in "The Grapes of Wrath." Then get them to create a "Grapes of Wrath" book cover. Display the book covers in the library in October. Organize a program in which children can create a diorama featuring images inspired by the book. Map your journey to California. Photocopy maps of the world and have children trace their family's journey to California.
Volunteerism
Develop a collaboration with family shelters in your community and find out how the children who use your library can help, perhaps by planning a book drive to benefit the shelter.
Family histories and storytelling
Enable children to find out how they, their parents or their grandparents came to California. Encourage them to talk to their relatives, friends and neighbors about how and why they came to California. Get them to bring to the library items that represent where they came from and put them on display in October.
Involve other members of the community by organizing your programs for children in partnership with schools, community centers, boys and girls clubs, after school programs and the girl scouts.