Ashley Bryan Resources

Grades 4-12

Some of you might remember my blog post last year at this time as a follow up to visiting Ashley Bryan at his home on Little Cranberry Island. Elementary music educator Kate Smith and I traveled by boat to visit Ashley to learn more about his work. It was an amazing opportunity – Kate went back to school excited with ideas on how to incorporate Ashley’s work and attitude about life into her everyday lessons and school community. Ashley, now 96 years old, has written and illustrated many children’s books – Beautiful Blackbird and Freedom Over Me to name two of my favorites. Ashley is truly a treasure who has committed his life to kindness, truth, fairness, art and education. I am grateful for what he has given not only to Maine, but to the world!!

The Ashley Bryan Resource & Activity Guide is now available and is free for educators. Several Maine educators piloted the resources and it was completed in collaboration with the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Three guides

• Grades 4-6 English Language Arts and Visual Art
• Grades 7-12 English Language Arts and Visual Art
• Grades 7-12 Social Studies

The short 15:48 minute version of the film I Know a Man … Ashley Bryan is the companion to each of them and can be accessed at THIS LINK. I’m sure once you view the video it will give you ideas on how to use the resources in your classroom. It is available for a 72-hour period for $1.79.

The Resource & Activity Guide is a collaboration of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Kane-Lewis Productions in Sedgwick, Maine. Any questions please contact: Melody Lewis-Kane at melody.lewiskane@gmail.com