Curated OER
Jazz's Beginnings
Learners examine jazz's roots and their hybridization in New Orleans in the early 20th century. They listen to ragtime and jazz recordings, then complete worksheets imbedded in this plan.
Huntington Library
The Poetry and Prose of Langston Hughes
Eleventh graders discover the poetry of Langston Hughes. In this social issues lesson plan, 11th graders experience the views of Langston Hughes. Students read Hughes' poetry and discuss the basic theme. Students evaluate the political,...
Curated OER
What Caused the Great Depression?
Analyze the many causes of major political, economic, and social developments during the 1920s and 1930s, with emphasis on the Great Depression. Read photographs from the 1920's and the 1930's, then write a brief explanation of what you...
Curated OER
Symbolism Lesson Plan
Students define the terms symbolism and mood. In groups, they read a poem by Robert Frost and identify the concepts in the poem. As a class, they discuss how the two elements give a meaning to the writing. They also give their own...
Curated OER
Murals, Memories, and Making Art
Fourth graders examine the life and works of famous artists. Using the internet, they take notes and present their information to the class in an oral presentation. They create their own original artwork in the same style of their...
Curated OER
Murals, Memories, and Making Art
Fourth grade reading students study art works by famous artists. They use various tools for learning about the artist, and they present their information by writing and speaking about the artist. They also create artwork in the style of...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Harlem Renaissance
Extensive information about the Harlem Renaissance, a period of time considered to be the cultural awakening of African Americans. Included are sections on poetry, fiction, and drama, as well as the legacy of this movement.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source Set: Visual Art During the Harlem Renaissance
This collection uses primary sources to explore visual art during the Harlem Renaissance.
University at Buffalo
Circle Association: Harlem Renaissance History and Links
This resource from the Circle Association at the University of Buffalo gives background on the origins of the Harlem Renaissance and highlights its most famous authors.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: What Was the Harlem Renaissance?
Professor Kate Rushin describes the Harlem Renaissance as a large social and cultural movement fueled by many factors in this video from A Walk Through Harlem.
Art Cyclopedia
Artcyclopedia: The Harlem Renaissance
This site has a list of fifteen artists from the movement with links to images in various museums.
Digital History
Digital History:the Great Migration
The Great Migration for African Americans began during World War I as blacks left the segregated south to find jobs in the north. Read about how segregation followed them into their northern neighborhoods. See also how the Harlem...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: A Walk Through Harlem: Finding Their Voice
African Americans in the 1920's had a new attitude. In this video segment from A Walk through Harlem, learn about the Harlem Renaissance. [0:59]
PBS
Pbs: American Novel: Literary Timeline: Literary Movements: Harlem Renaissance
History of the Harlem Renaissance, including information on prominent writers of the time period.
Curated OER
History Matters: The Harlem Renaissance: Zora Neale Hurston's First Story
The text of Zora Neale Hurston's first short story "Spunk" and a short section on the influential Harlem Renaissance writers. With links to other Harlem Renaissance sites.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Harlem Renaissance Unit
This unit on the history and contribution of the Harlem Renaissance combines research and creative presentations in the form of slideshows, a timeline, and desktop publishing.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Themepark: Liberty: African American History
Find a large collection of internet resources organized around African American history. Links to places to go, people to see, things to do, teacher resources, and bibliographies.
Other
Reading Woman: Writers of the Harlem Renaissance
In this collection of book reviews, explore key works by writers from the Harlem Renaissance period. Authors include Dorothy West, Richard Wright, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston and others.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Musical Harlem
The Kennedy Center's ArtsEdge offers a great unit for introducing jazz to students. Its use of Harlem as the "glue" which binds together elements such as jazz history and jazz terminology, makes it particularly effective for the...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The New Negro
Learn about some of the people who contributed to the Harlem Renaissance in this video from A Walk Through Harlem.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance influenced not only African American culture in the Jazz Age, but all of American culture. Read about some of the shining stars of African American literature and music of the age.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Selma Burke
Selma Burke discovered her love for sculpture as a young child and followed her passion to Harlem Renaissance New York, Parisian art studios, and even the White House.
Smithsonian Institution
Anacostia Museum: The Renaissance: Black Art of the Twenties
Provides an informative description of the "Black Arts of the Twenties," which was better known as the Harlem Renaissance. Learn about the culture, art, music, and writings of this period.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Anne Spencer
Learn about the life and works of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer who lived her entire life in Virginia and fought for equal rights for African Americans.