📖

The Harlem Renaissance

The Roaring Twenties

Day 88of 180
Week 18of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the cultural significance of the Harlem Renaissance

2

Learn about key African American artists and writers

3

Recognize the importance of creative expression in cultural identity

📖 Scripture Connection

Galatians 3:28

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

— Galatians 3:28 (WEB)

Highlights the equality of all people in God's eyes, reflecting the Harlem Renaissance's celebration of African American culture

📦 Materials Needed

  • Colored paper
  • Markers
  • Music player
  • Jazz music samples
  • Picture books about Langston Hughes
  • Art supplies
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Introduce the Harlem Renaissance as a time of incredible creativity and cultural growth for African Americans in the 1920s

💭 Review Question: What do you know about music and art from the 1920s?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explore the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance, including Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, and Jacob Lawrence

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Harlem was a center of African American culture
  • Artists expressed pride in their heritage through creative works
  • Music, poetry, and art became powerful forms of expression
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How does art help people share their experiences?
  • Why is it important to celebrate different cultures?
  • How can creativity bring people together?
3Activity: Renaissance Art and Poetry Creation (10 min)
hands-on

Students create their own artwork or poem inspired by Harlem Renaissance themes

📝 Instructions:
  1. Listen to jazz music from the era
  2. Choose between creating a poem or artwork
  3. Use vibrant colors and expressive techniques
  4. Share creations with the class
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Create a collage using magazine cutouts

Challenge: Write an original poem in the style of Langston Hughes

4Closing (5 min)

Reflect on the importance of cultural expression and creativity

📝 Review Questions:
  • Who were some important Harlem Renaissance artists?
  • What made this period special?
  • How can we celebrate different cultures today?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for creating us with unique gifts and talents. Help us appreciate the beauty of all your children and the ways they express their creativity.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore the economic changes of the 1920s

💎 Memory Verse

Psalm 150:3

“Praise him with the sound of the trumpet. Praise him with the psaltery and harp!”

— Psalm 150:3 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Create rhythm instruments to accompany verse recitation

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The Harlem Renaissance was a pivotal cultural movement celebrating African American identity and creativity

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Emphasize the dignity and contributions of African American artists
  • Discuss how creativity can be a powerful form of cultural expression
  • Encourage respect for diverse cultural experiences
🤔 Common Struggles:

Students might have difficulty understanding historical context of racial discrimination

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Empathy, curiosity about different cultural experiences

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a Harlem Renaissance music playlist
  • Research additional artists from the period
  • Visit a local art museum or cultural center

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 89 →Back to History & Social Studies