Curated OER
The South, the North and the Great Migration: Blues and Literature
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...
Curated OER
Lesson 4: Author's Purpose
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...
Curated OER
African American Poetry
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...
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: The Rita Dove Home Page
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
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: Resource Guide for Elem School Teachers [Pdf]
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).
Other
Oxford University Press: Harlem Renaissance [Pdf]
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.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Rita Dove
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.
Utah State University
A Mini Unit of Gwendolyn Brooks
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!
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: A Guide for Middle School Teachers [Pdf]
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.
Other
Mississippi Writers Page: Margaret Walker Alexander
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...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Becoming Visible: Gwendolyn Brooks
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.
University of North Carolina
Documenting the American South: Memoir and Poems of Phillis Wheatley
This site from the University of North Carolina provides the full text of Phillis Wheatley's poetry, and her memoirs.
Library of Congress
Loc: Web Guides: A Guide to Harlem Renaissance Materials
Presents the Library's resources as well as links to external web sites on the Harlem Renaissance, and a bibliography.
University at Buffalo
Univ. At Buffalo: Circle Association's Rita Dove Page
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...
Other
Rita Dove and "Straw Hat"
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.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Africa
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.
Other
Poems by Phillis Wheatley
A collection of poems by Phillis Wheatley available as an entire online text. Search by specific poems. With preface and illustration.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes
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...