Langston

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Kari Stromme

  1. Previous lesson: Students will have read the Langston Hughes biography and his poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" in the previous day's lesson.

  2.  Warm-up: With a partner, students take 5 minutes to analyze "The Negro Speakers of Rivers" based on yesterday's reading and lesson.  Review the terms tone and figurative language.  Identify tone and figurative language in the poem.  After 5 minutes of brainstorming with partners, share with the class in a 5-10 minute discussion.

  3. Tell the class that they will be viewing a Crash Course video by John Green on the Harlem Renaissance and Hughes' poetry.  Ask if anyone knows anything about the Harlem Renaissance -- students have an opportunity to share any of their knowledge.  Instruct students that as they watch the video, they should jot down 3-5 new observations and/or questions about the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes, or "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" that Green presents.  

  4. Show video (11 minutes) while students take notes on what they learned about how African American's are portrayed in poetry and song.

  5. Ask students to share with a partner their questions and reactions to the video (2 mins to share), then choose a few students to share with the whole class.

  6. Give students 5-10 minutes to explore this website on the Harlem Renaissance.  After reading, they should choose 1 of the following: a poem by one of the poets mentioned or a song by one of the musicians mentioned.  They should find a copy of the song or poem online, read/listen to it, and take notes on 3 ways the song portrays the African American voice of the time period.  They should be prepared to share their chosen song/poem and observations with a small group tomorrow.



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