Immerse yourself in the electrifying energy of the Harlem Renaissance! This comprehensive reading comprehension worksheet and activity pack explodes with the vibrant tapestry of this defining era in Black American history. Travel back to the 1920s and 30s, when Harlem, New York, became a dazzling epicenter of artistic expression, social awakening, and cultural pride.
Unleash your inner artist:

• Words on Fire: Dive into the literary revolution with Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and James Weldon Johnson. Analyze their powerful works, explore themes of identity and belonging, and connect their messages to the broader goals of the movement.
• Beyond Words: Discover the vibrant canvases of Aaron Douglas and Jacob Lawrence, who challenged stereotypes and showcased the richness of Black experiences through their art. Analyze their visual narratives and appreciate how they redefined artistic possibilities.
• Musical Echoes: Feel the pulse of jazz, the heartbeat of the Renaissance! Learn about Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, and Louis Armstrong, whose groundbreaking music transcended borders and expressed the joy, resilience, and cultural identity of a generation.
• Primary Source: Analyze Langston Hughes's quote about the purpose of Black literature during the Harlem Renaissance, connecting it to the movement's broader themes and goals.
• Engaging Activities: Put your learning into action with diverse activities. Create your own poem inspired by Harlem Renaissance themes, design a book cover for a fictional Harlem Renaissance novel, or analyze a jazz piece and explain its connection to the era.
• Answer Key: Save valuable time with a clear and concise answer key for easy assessment.

Ideal for:

• Middle and high school students in social studies, English, or art classes.
• Teachers seeking resources for Black History Month, units on American literature and art, or projects on cultural movements.
• Anyone wanting to appreciate the enduring legacy of the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on art, music, and social change.

Empower your students to discover the voices, colors, and rhythms of the Harlem Renaissance! This activity-packed resource will ignite their curiosity, inspire creativity, and leave them yearning to learn more about this extraordinary era.

Review: The content of the product is excellent. It provides a well-balanced and engaging overview of the Harlem Renaissance, highlighting its literary, artistic, and musical facets. The inclusion of a primary source, diverse examples, and creative activities adds depth and interactivity to the learning experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will understand the historical context and key figures of the Harlem Renaissance.
• Students will analyze the themes and messages explored in Harlem Renaissance literature, art, and music.
• Students will develop critical thinking skills through primary source analysis and comprehension questions.
• Students will appreciate the diverse artistic expressions of the Harlem Renaissance and their connections to social movements.
• Students will connect the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance to its enduring impact on contemporary art and culture.

Common Core State Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7: Analyze various accounts of a single historical event or issue, recognizing and clarifying differences in points of view.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.8: Distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and determine the difference between fact and opinion.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.9: Analyze and evaluate the usefulness of different resources for researching a topic.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.10: Integrate information from diverse sources, including primary and secondary sources, print and digital sources, and visual sources, in order to write about a topic.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6-8.4: Present claims and findings clearly and concisely using relevant evidence.