Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: American Literature: The Harlem Renaissance: Countee Cullen

For Students 9th - 10th
This lesson focuses on Countee Cullen, a Harlem Renaissance poet who based his works on Romantic poets and downplayed racism. It features links to three of his poems: "From the Dark Tower," "The Loss of Love," and "Saturday's Child." It...
Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: American Literature: The Harlem Renaissance: Claude Mc Kay

For Students 9th - 10th
This lesson focuses on the Harlem Renaissance poet Claude McKay and two of his poems: "If We Must Die" and "The Tropics of New York." It offers a short bio and links to the two poems, and then explains the style and meanings of the poems.
Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: American Literature: The Harlem Renaissance: Jean Toomer

For Students 9th - 10th
This lesson focuses on the Harlem Renaissance poet Jean Toomer and his poem "Reapers." It features a short bio, a link to his poem, and lists of leveled questions to help analyze poetry: Surface level, Deeper level, Application level,...
Lesson Plan
ReadWriteThink

Read Write Think: A Harlem Renaissance Retrospective

For Teachers 9th - 10th
For this lesson, students work in collaborative groups to conduct Internet research and create a museum exhibit that highlights the work of selected artists, musicians, and poets of the Harlem Renaissance.
Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: What Was the Harlem Renaissance?

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Activity
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Anne Spencer

For Students 9th - 10th
In-depth site on Anne Spencer including an extensive biography of this famous Harlem Renaissance poet. Detailed information on her works, education, and contemporaries. Numerous photographs. Some of her poems are also included.
Website
New York Times

New York Times: Helene Johnson, Poet of Harlem, 89, Dies

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] An obituary for Helene Johnson, a famous Harlem Renaissance poet. Includes quotations from some of her poems.
Website
Academy of American Poets

Poets.org: Walking Tour: Langston Hughes's Harlem of 1926

For Students 9th - 10th
Walk in the footsteps of the Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes in this online guided tour. Contains specific directions to navigate through Harlem to places he lived and visited regularly. With quotes from various works mentioning...
Activity
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Langston Hughes: Hughes's Life and Career

For Students 9th - 10th
Lengthy, detailed biography of Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes, from the Oxford Companion to African American Literature.
Website
Academy of American Poets

Poets.org: A Brief Guide to the Harlem Renaissance

For Students 9th - 10th
Concise explanation of the term "Harlem Renaissance," largely as it applies to poetry. It discusses the movement's origins and some of its major figures.
Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Claude Mc Kay

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a succinct biography of Claude McKay, infamous Harlem Renaissance poet who expressed the need for the African American community in America to speak out against racism. See "Claude McKay Activities" for related materials.
Website
Academy of American Poets

Poets.org: Gwendolyn Brooks

For Students 9th - 10th
The Academy recognizes this prolific writer and her works as part of the Harlem Renaissance. Content includes the full text of several of her poems, as well as a selected bibliography of her poetry, prose, and letters.
Activity
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Claude Mc Kay's Life

For Students 9th - 10th
A concise and in-depth biography of the American poet known as Claude McKay (1890-1948 CE). McKay was one of the key members of The Harlem Renaissance Movement.
Website
Academy of American Poets

Poets.org: Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a biography of Langston Hughes, followed by several of his poems (some complete with audio clips) and a bibliography of his more influential works.
Activity
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Sterling A. Brown (1901 1989)

For Students 9th - 10th
An extensive look at the life and works of Sterling A. Brown of the Harlem Renaissance. With links to specific poems and analysis, a biography, and related topics.
Handout
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.

New Georgia Encyclopedia: Georgia Douglas Johnson

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about Georgia Douglas Johnson, an important Harlem Renaissance poet and playwright. List of suggested readings included.
Handout
National Women’s History Museum

National Women's History Museum: Anne Spencer

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Activity
University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo: The Jean Toomer Pages

For Students 9th - 10th
The Jean Toomer Pages surveys the life and work of this Harlem Renaissance poet and novelist.
eBook
Other

Blues Online: Langston Hughes' Weary Blues

For Students 9th - 10th
Langston Hughes' collection of "Weary Blues" is posted on this page by Blues Online. With eleven poems and a picture of the Harlem Renaissance poet.
Lesson Plan
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 2: Langston Hughes and the Blues

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Explore relationship between music and poetry in this African-American history lesson on Langston Hughes, the Harlem Renaissance, and other artists such as Bessie Smith, John Hammond, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.
Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Cullen, Countee

For Students 9th - 10th
The brief encyclopedia article tells about Countee Cullen, famous poet of the Harlem Renaissance.
Website
Academy of American Poets

Poets.org: Countee Cullen

For Students 9th - 10th
This site has a biography on the poet Countee Cullen (1903-1946 CE). Includes a photograph and a selected bibliography.
Handout
Academy of American Poets

Poets.org: Reading Guide to Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th
This guide discusses Langston Hughes's body of poetry, as well as briefly analyzing characteristics in several individual poems. The site also offers an interview with writer Afaa Weaver regarding Hughes's works, discussion questions, a...
Website
Academy of American Poets

Poets.org: Sterling A. Brown

For Students 9th - 10th
Excellent biography citing influences on the famous author's work. Links to contemporaries of the era.