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February Highlights
Printing Press - coming soon!
Let's Celebrate!
From World Read Aloud Day to Lunar New Year to Black History Month, February is a tiny month packed with exciting events! Taking a cue from World Read Aloud Day, this month we’re exploring the importance of print materials in each of these celebrations. Printmaking is a shared New Year’s art project in many Chinese communities, and independent printers have played a significant role in sharing the African American experience. Activities for this month include creating a personal printing press, making your own zine, and discovering different printmaking techniques.
We’re also focusing on the power of representation in African American literature and the written word. Throughout American history, Black authors have been culture keepers and world changers. This month’s read aloud selections celebrate the people and spaces who ensure that everyone, everywhere can learn their own history and read books that reflect their experiences. The highlighted authors help us reflect on the past, start conversations about the present, and create a vision for the future. The authenticity and beauty of their words provide comfort while challenging us to be better and to do better.
Additional February Resources
Additional February Resources
World Read Aloud Day - February 5
Black History Month
Black History Month
February
Carter G. Woodson, an American historian and the second African American to earn a PhD from Harvard, advocated for a national acknowledgement of the history and great achievements of African Americans. In 1926, the second week of February was designated as Black History Week as a way to honor the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Black History Month was first federally recognized in 1976.
The Free Library of Philadelphia is honoring Black History Month this year with the theme, “Cultural Roots: Black Histories to Black Futures.” This month’s thematic programming and read aloud choices showcase Black authors and activists who inspired new genres of writing and nurtured the dreams of generations.
From Zora Neale Hurston, we hear stories filled with life and whimsy, exactly the way people in her community spoke them. Langston Hughes, a poet synonymous with the Harlem Renaissance, wrote poems that gave rhythm and soul to his life as a Black man in America. The lyrical beauty and pride in Gwendolyn Brooks’ words earned her a Pulitzer Prize. Octavia Butler created new worlds with her science fiction series and paved the way for Afro-Futurism. Each of these writers became the inspiration for thousands more!
Black History Month 2025 - Themed LEAP Guides.pdfThere Was a Party for Langston - One Page Read Aloud GuideThere Was a Party for Langston
There Was a Party for Langston
Your Voice Matters!
Your Voice Matters!
Historically, Black media has played a crucial role in providing a contrast to mainstream media, which often negatively portrayed Black Americans. In Philadelphia and across the nation, Black newspapers, Black-owned bookstores, and independent literary magazines shared news important to African Americans, celebrated everyday life, and provided perspectives that reshaped the American experience.
“Little magazines” or zines were very popular in the 1920s during the Harlem Renaissance. Black poets, artists, and writers finally had a chance to have their work read and seen! Small, independent publications sprang up across the nation. In Philly, high school students shared their stories and poetry in Black Opals.
During the Civil Rights Era, artists and activists made zines that featured perspectives not usually included in mainstream publications. Zine culture continued to develop as a way for young artists, writers, and activists to share their writing, art, poetry, and thoughts about the world. Now, zines are a way for you to share your creative voice with your community. What will you say?
Make a Zine!
Make a Zine!
Materials: paper; scissors; markers and other drawing or printing materials of your choice
Fold a piece of paper with the long sides together. Then unfold it and fold it in the opposite direction. Unfold it.
Fold the short sides together. Don’t unfold it! Fold these same sides together again.
Unfold the paper. Do you see 8 rectangles?
Fold the short sides together again.
Cut from the center fold to the edge of that section.
Hold each side of the paper at the outer center crease. Fold these creases downward and outward to make a 2-dimensional diamond.
Press together the end sections. (These sections do not have a cut at the top.)
Fold all of the edges together and press them flat to make an 8-page booklet.
Write in, decorate, and share your zine!
Bonus - Create a zine to celebrate your favorite Black author!
February Book Club
February Book Club
Carter Reads the Newspaper - One Page Read Aloud Guide.pdfCarter Reads the Newspaper
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Sharing knowledge can change the world!
A Library - One Page Read Aloud Guide.pdfA Library
A Library
Imagination can change the world!
The Book Itch - One Page Read Aloud Guide.pdfThe Book Itch
The Book Itch
Creating a space for knowledge can change the world!
My Very Favorite Book - One Page Read Aloud Guide.pdfMy Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World
My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World
Sharing your story can change the world!
Styro-Prints
Styro-Prints
Materials: styrofoam sheet or plate; tempera paint; paper; pencil; plastic knife or fork; newspaper or butcher paper
Set down newspaper.
Draw a design on the styrofoam. Write any words backwards!
Use the plastic fork to carve into the styrofoam.
Squirt paint on the styrofoam.
Using the plastic knife, spread the paint over your drawing. Make sure you can see the lines.
Press a piece of paper on the paint. Gently rub the design.
Slowly remove the paper.
Make more prints. Experiment with layering colors or drawing over your printed design.
Bonus - Learn more about woodblock prints and their importance during Lunar New Year celebrations in China. How could you make your prints a group art project, too?
String Prints
String Prints
Materials: tempera paint; construction paper; pencil; paintbrush; glue; string; scissors; cup with water; newspaper or butcher paper; paper towels
Draw your name in mirror-image on a piece of paper.
Trace over the letters with glue, then place string on them.
Let the glue dry.
Paint over the string.
Press a piece of paper on the string.
Slowly remove the paper.
Bonus - How could you further decorate your designs?
Pipe Cleaner Stamps
Pipe Cleaner Stamps
Materials: tempera paint; construction paper; pipe cleaners; paper bowls; newspaper or butcher paper; paper towels
Bend one end of a pipe cleaner into a shape.
Fold the other end down to make a handle.
Dip the shape into tempura paint and onto your paper.
Create a design using different shapes and colors.
Bonus - Make cards, zines, or use pipe cleaner stamps with your other printmaking projects.
Swirly Prints
Swirly Prints
Materials: wax paper; tape; shaving cream; food coloring; fork or toothpicks; paper; cardboard piece; scissors; newspaper or butcher paper
Tape wax paper to the newspaper.
Spread thick, foamy shaving cream blobs on the wax paper.
Drop food coloring on the shaving cream circles and swirl the dots together with a plastic fork.
Press a piece of paper on top of the shaving cream circles.
Slowly pull the paper away and wipe off any extra shaving cream with cardboard.
Remix the food coloring or create different textures to make new prints.
Bonus - Most food coloring only comes in red, blue, yellow, and green. How can you make orange or purple prints?
Additional LEAP Resources
Additional LEAP Resources
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