1. Patton 1
Jacquelyn Patton
Professor Deborah Sparnon
May 29, 2012
Celebrating Black History Month: The Writers of the Harlem Renaissance
Activity:
This day long library program is meant for high school students and would be scheduled during
Black History Month. It is meant to introduce students to the writers of the Harlem Renaissance
and then engage their interest in the further exploration of these writers. Teachers will be invited
to bring their classes throughout the day. There will be a variety of presentations throughout the
day so that students can come for multiple periods and not see repeat presentations.
Classroom Connection:
This project can also be modified, with the input of teachers, to compliment the study of these
writers and this time period in the regular classroom. Classroom extension activities could
include: a more in depth study of some of these authors and poets; an independent reading
assignment in which students could choose one author to read and then report back to the class in
the form of a book talk or book review; a history project linking events during this time period
to specific themes, people, places or ideas in a poem; or a biography project for any of these
authors that would include discussion of their writing.
Library Arrangement:
The library would be arranged with tables displaying a variety of books: poetry, biography,
history and fiction. These books would be of varying of interests and reading levels. Students
could browse these tables before presentations begin and after they are over. These books would
also be left out and available for display and check-out throughout Black History Month. There
would be music of the Harlem Renaissance playing as the students entered and exited the library
- preferably live, if the school has a jazz band, or recorded if not.
Author Presentations:
For each period of the school day (usually eight) a multi-media presentation will be given
focusing on a specific writer. The writers I would choose to highlight for these presentations
would be: Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston, James Baldwin, W.E.B. DuBois, Nella Larsen,
Jean Toomer, Claude McKay and James Weldon Johnson. Students would listen to readings of
short stories, poems, essays and excerpts from novels for these writers. Presentations would also
include some biographical information as well as the author/poets influence on the Harlem
Renaissance. Author presentations would be about a half-hour in length and presented by
students, teachers, local scholars and/or librarians. Smart-boards could be used to incorporate
pictures of the writers, images of Harlem during this time period, and audio of writers reading
their own text.

2. Patton 2
Standards for the 21st Century Learner:
This activity will provide students an opportunity to see a “window to the world” by broadening
their understanding both of the historical significance of the Harlem Renaissance, but also the
emotional experience of African-Americans during this time period. Because of the wide variety
of literature presented in this activity, I hope to engage all learners and spark their curiosity to
explore some of these writers further. It is also my hope that this activity would be a jumping off
point for teachers to use as an introduction to these writers and that they would then further
explore them in class. This activity also supports the social context of learning by bringing
different classes together for one activity, allowing students in a variety of class levels (basic
skills, honors, AP) and at a variety of age ranges to interact with each other and see different
models of behavior and participation. It also allows students who may not be comfortable in the
school library to have a positive experience and to browse books in a more casual and less
intimidating environment.
Works Consulted:
AASL. (2009). Standards for 21st Century Learners. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/
guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/standards.cfm

3. One Day in Harlem
Celebrating the Writers of The
Harlem Renaissance
An All Day Event
February 2, 2013
Join us in the library
periods one through eight
for a celebration of the music,
culture, writing and poetry of the
Harlem Renaissance