The Brooklyn Museum is proud to offer a variety of programs for speakers of languages other than English. The Museum also offers partnerships and class visits for community organizations, libraries, and educators that host adult literacy (including basic education and high school equivalency) and language learning classes.
Language and literacy programs
We Speak Art
Join fellow English-language learners and practice your conversational English skills with a discussion inspired by a work of art. All levels of English proficiency are welcome.
Hablemos de Arte
Únase a nosotros para una conversación informal inspirada en una obra de arte y practique su Español mientras intercambia ideas con otros participantes. Todos los niveles de dominio del español son bienvenidos.
Guided visits and partnerships
We offer both in-person and virtual experiences for your adult literacy students.
Supporting your learners
Our guided visits for adult-literacy providers support your learners, whether in an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), pre-High School Equivalency (pre-HSE), or High School Equivalency (HSE) class. Discover connections across disciplines and deepen student engagement with your curricula through object-based teaching. Close reading and analysis of artworks promote skills that adult literacy students need, including deductive reasoning and proficiency with persuasive, descriptive, and metaphorical language.
Single-class visits
Single-class visits can be tailored to your topics and goals, providing a forum for students to explore a new idea, apply concepts that they have already started to master, or develop skills through facilitated dialogue.
Partnerships
Alternatively, partnerships that incorporate Museum resources throughout the semester allow for in-depth and sustained engagement that can support longer-term goals. Institutions we’ve partnered with include the Brooklyn Public Library, Literacy Assistance Center, CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP), YWCA, and NYU Langone.
Reach out
To arrange a visit with your ABE, pre-HSE, HSE, or ESOL class, or to start planning a partnership program, contact adult.learning@brooklynmuseum.org. Note the type of class you teach, the number of students you hope to bring, and possible dates/times. Visits can be accommodated only during Museum hours.
Lesson plan
María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold
Check out a lesson plan packet for the exhibition María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold. The packet includes general information about the artist, a lesson plan and information about one of the objects on view, and ideas for extending the lesson with writing, research, and art-making.
If you use the packet, we’d love your feedback! Contact adult.learning@brooklynmuseum.org.
