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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The South, the North and the Great Migration: Blues and Literature

For Teachers 8th - 12th Standards
Here is a complex lesson plan that interweaves the history of the Jim Crow South and the Great Migration with the study of poetry, art, and blues music from the Harlem Renaissance. The plan helps young historians develop a deep...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson 4: Author's Purpose

For Teachers 5th Standards
Learners identify the author's purpose in various poems from the book Words with Wings: A Treasury of African-American Poetry and Art. In order to determine the purpose, pupils first observe as the teacher completes a PIES char...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

African American Poetry

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students write their own dream poems in the style of African American dream poetry.  In this African American poetry lesson, students discuss the dreams of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement  and read...
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Website
University of Virginia

University of Virginia: The Rita Dove Home Page

For Students 9th - 10th
This is the official University of Virginia's Rita Dove Home Page. Read either a brief or a comprehensive biography on Rita poet. This site also offers photographs of Rita Dove and links to other related Rita
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Lesson Plan
Poetry Foundation

Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: Resource Guide for Elem School Teachers [Pdf]

For Teachers 3rd - 5th Standards
Explore a wealth of poems, lesson plans, and classroom activities to help elementary school students discover the diversity in African-American poets and create their own voice in poetry. PDF (requires Adobe Reader).
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Article
Other

Oxford University Press: Harlem Renaissance [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
An essay detailing the artistry of the Harlem Renaissance period as demonstrated in the poetry and writings derived from New York City in the 1920s.
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Unit Plan
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Rita Dove

For Students 9th - 10th
This site focuses on Dove's poem "Parsley". It contains several interviews and articles about Dove and "Parsley". The text of the poem is not, however, available on this page.
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Lesson Plan
Utah State University

A Mini Unit of Gwendolyn Brooks

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Nice lesson plan for grades 5-6 that explores poetry and personal expression through the work of Gwendolyn Brooks. Has lots of activities but could easily be modified for time. Has nearly everything you need to do the lesson!
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Unit Plan
Poetry Foundation

Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: A Guide for Middle School Teachers [Pdf]

For Students 6th - 8th Standards
Visit this resource to find a wealth of poems, lesson plans, and classroom activities to help middle school students discover the diversity in African American poets and create their own voice in poetry. This resource is in PDF form.
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Website
Other

Mississippi Writers Page: Margaret Walker Alexander

For Students 9th - 10th
The University of Mississippi lauds its native Margaret Walker Alexander. Included are biographical information, an extensive bibliography of her works and those written about her, and a link to the Margaret Walker Alexander National...
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Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Becoming Visible: Gwendolyn Brooks

For Students 9th - 10th
Writer Gwendolyn Brooks is presented in this biography for her contributions to African American literature. Click on "Gwendolyn Brooks Activities" for related artifacts and activities.
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eBook
University of North Carolina

Documenting the American South: Memoir and Poems of Phillis Wheatley

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the University of North Carolina provides the full text of Phillis Wheatley's poetry, and her memoirs.
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Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Web Guides: A Guide to Harlem Renaissance Materials

For Students 9th - 10th
Presents the Library's resources as well as links to external web sites on the Harlem Renaissance, and a bibliography.
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Primary
University at Buffalo

Univ. At Buffalo: Circle Association's Rita Dove Page

For Students 9th - 10th
Site from the University at Buffalo is still under construction for a mini biography and bibliography. However, site does have an interview of Rita Dove from 1997 and thirteen writings or poems by Dove. Links to other African American...
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eBook
Other

Rita Dove and "Straw Hat"

For Students 9th - 10th
A short bio is provided along with Rita Dove's poem "Straw Hat". Links provided to other sites with information about, and poetry by Dove.
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Unit Plan
Shmoop University

Shmoop: Africa

For Students 9th - 10th
This poem by Maya Angelou taps into the black pride movement during the twentieth century. This site gives an excellent analysis of the poem and its important themes.
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Primary
Other

Poems by Phillis Wheatley

For Students 9th - 10th
A collection of poems by Phillis Wheatley available as an entire online text. Search by specific poems. With preface and illustration.
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Primary
CommonLit

Common Lit: "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes

For Students 6th - 8th
This is the full text of the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes. It includes a short bio of Langston Hughes and a focuses for the reader: As you read, take notes on the metaphor and larger message presented in the text. [Free...